Non Resident Big Game Tags

[DonBo]

I know this has been discussed here before but I got a new one. We just started applying for a very limited draw elk tag in Arizona. The tag once you draw is $585, somewhat reasonable in todays market. The kicker is you need to purchase a license to get into the draw. The license costs $150. We expect it will take us 5-7 years to draw that tag. Even at the low end, 5 years, that tag is gonna be $1335! That's assuming they won't raise the price of tag before then, what's the chances of that?

Don't get me wrong. I know the hunt will be worth it as it is among the premier elk spots in the world, but man that is a lot of dough. The only way I can justify it is, it will be a once in a lifetime hunt for me.

With all the budget cuts coming in todays economy these NR tags are bound to get worse.

[jlm]

I personally have a real difficult time with the way some states are nailing non-resident hunters. However, that is an entire different thread. Your calculations are correct only if you actually get drawn in 5-7 years. Many are thinking just like you and are now "buying" points as well so it could potentially be longer. If you have the time and money, no big deal. If not, I think there are many other options out there such as going directly through an outfitter. Or, keep applying in MN and hope you get lucky

[Wapiti]

DonBo...feel like I need to comment as I lived in AZ for 5+ years. I bet I could figure out which units you are applying for just by your description. I know what you mean about eating the license cost without getting it back. As far as I'm concerned, best elk state there is! I drew tags in consecutive years while a resident and was fortunate enough to harvest a 6X in 07...let me know if I can be of any help...I do know of a few sleeper units!

[DonBo]

Wapiti, thanks for the response. A couple good friends hunted here last fall so we have some insite. Unit 4A is where we are headed. They had an awesome hunt.

jlm mentioned "buying points" is that an option in AZ??? The application process there is as confusing as I've seen anywhere.

Congrats on your huge bull!

[Cooter]

I spent plenty of time looking at most western states for elk a couple years ago and indeed AZ rocked me with the cost just to get in the game. I believe its lottery(if not then NM is) - so you have just about as good a chance of drawing your first year as someone applying for 30 years. Think you get your name listed in the draw anothe time each unsuccessful year. About 18 years ave was the response I got for some units. Not a possibility with my budget.

I used to do Utah but they bumped pref points $$ and got popular so draw time is long. WY now has pref points at I believe either $50 or 75 a year but the non-res tag is around a grand. Other states without pref points are tough cuz you have to be ready to go if you get drawn. Its frustrating, right now I'm down to CO to build points - you can still hunt OTC units so their system works for me. Tags are still a bargain at around $500.

5-7 years sounds a bit optimistic to me, but its been a while since I did research and do not recall 4A in particular. Fill us in if you research more.

[Cooter]

DonBo - another way to look at things however is even if you spend say $2000 to hunt in a great unit in a state like AZ your chances of a good bull are pretty sweet. You could hunt a general unit in say CO at $500 a year and it might take you 10 years before getting a nice bull. Gotta try to weigh out the pros and cons.

Why not just win the lottery and spend $7500 each year on a ranch and shoot 330"+ bulls each year?

[lcornice]

I spent plenty of time looking at most western states for elk a couple years ago and indeed AZ rocked me with the cost just to get in the game. I believe its lottery(if not then NM is) - so you have just about as good a chance of drawing your first year as someone applying for 30 years. Think you get your name listed in the draw anothe time each unsuccessful year. About 18 years ave was the response I got for some units. Not a possibility with my budget.

I used to do Utah but they bumped pref points $$ and got popular so draw time is long. WY now has pref points at I believe either $50 or 75 a year but the non-res tag is around a grand. Other states without pref points are tough cuz you have to be ready to go if you get drawn. Its frustrating, right now I'm down to CO to build points - you can still hunt OTC units so their system works for me. Tags are still a bargain at around $500.

5-7 years sounds a bit optimistic to me, but its been a while since I did research and do not recall 4A in particular. Fill us in if you research more.

I'm in the same boat. I feel like I'm short-stacked in a poker game and I need to put in all my chips. I have 12 points each (yes, 12) for elk and moose in Utah. They changed the license fee AND requirements a couple of years ago but I'm so far down the road, I'd be stupid not to keep trying. If I had 2-3 points for Utah, I'd quit now and save my money. As it stands, I'm 1-3 years from getting a fantastic permit so I'm stuck playing the game.

[Cooter]

I had 3 points for elk when I quit Utah. Also had 2 for mountain goats. Both were the once-in-a-lifetime variety. Wish I'd been in it earlier like you - good luck and be sure to let us know when you draw and how things go!

[lcornice]

Any hunt in Utah is pretty much once-in-a-lifetime. Given the time it takes the average person to draw (13 - 15 years) and then the 5 year waiting period that's imposed after you draw (for elk and mule deer), you're looking at 1 MAYBE 2 chances in your life. Until this year, you couldn't apply for both at the same time so you'd be lucky to actually get one of each as a non-resident.

[DonBo]

In AZ the tag is guaranteed with enough points, so we know we will get to go eventually. I do understand I could hunt a lifetime in other states without seeing the quality we're expecting here. That is my justification anyway. Like I said, once in a lifetime for me.

[DonBo]

DonBo...feel like I need to comment as I lived in AZ for 5+ years. I bet I could figure out which units you are applying for just by your description. I know what you mean about eating the license cost without getting it back. As far as I'm concerned, best elk state there is! I drew tags in consecutive years while a resident and was fortunate enough to harvest a 6X in 07...let me know if I can be of any help...I do know of a few sleeper units!

Wapiti, email me would ya? I may want to listen to some of your advice.