2023 draw

[kidoggy]

have grown weary of chasing the impossible to draw bull or buck tags.
I simply put in for high odds doe /cow tags this year (not even real hunting IMHO) and if I don't draw, I will not even bother donating to the F&G, but instead save my money and simply buy a beef.
sick of the bullshit!

 

[Ikeepitcold]

It’s getting tough out there no doubt. Years ago we would buy OTC bull tags and have weeks to decide if we wanted them or not but these days you better be ready as soon as it opens or they are all gone!
Idaho has changed a lot in the last few years.

 

[JimP]

Funny how things change as you age.

I've got a few tags that I'll chase until they throw dirt in my face but most of them I just put in for the ones that I know that I'll draw, but even those are getting harder to draw. That's the big problem when you have the number of hunters who want to hunt a animal and fewer animals to hunt.

On the beef, have you priced out a half a beef lately, and I'm not talking about having a friend sell you one on the cheap.

 

[kidoggy]

yeah, around $1,000 probly a bit more now.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

yeah, around $1,000 probly a bit more now.

That’s a great cost. I’ve paid $600 for half before but that was wrapped.
I get it on the super cheap now that my kid raises steers to butcher.

 

[JimP]

yeah, around $1,000 probly a bit more now.

The last one that I got a number of years ago was around $1600 cut and wrapped. Now I believe that it is on the other side of $2000

 

[kidoggy]

The last one that I got a number of years ago was around $1600 cut and wrapped. Now I believe that it is on the other side of $2000

last one I did, in 2021 was 2 grand for the whole beef. so, I would expect it might be a few hundred more, now.

getting pretty spendy, but what isn't?

"LET'S GO BRANDON!"

 

[tdub24]

Place that advertises on FB here in NV is currently charging $2550 whole, $1750 half, $637.50 quarter for beef.

 

[Muley bound]

This is the first year in a while that I’m not even putting in for a controlled hunt in Idaho. I drew my general Montana deer tag, finally. So, even though I could pay the fees to try and draw a tag, I’m not going to. Next year, I’ll TRY and get in line on the internet and buy my general tag, which I’ll prolly get a “server is backed up” reply and then I’ll apply for a controlled hunt. That’s next years problem

 

[RICMIC]

OTC as a resident doesn't hurt too bad, but even a general draw tag as a NR will usually end up costing more than buying beef. My recent tags in WY came to $727 for GEN elk, plus $208 for the points; $303 for the cow tag; $21.50 Conservation license; $75 archery lic. Total - $1334
Add 6,000 miles of driving and other expenses. I did fill both tags, but have been on a number of other hunts where I did not, so most of us clearly do not hunt just to feed ourselves.

 

[JimP]

I realized many years ago that hunting in other states is not for those who want to save money over just buying beef or pork.

One friend questioned me about the amount of meat that I get off of a javelina vs what it cost for the tag and to travel the 2000 miles round trip. I just told him that if you need to justify the cost then perhaps you shouldn't be hunting, even locally. I do it for the enjoyment and the fun of hunting a animal that we don't have locally. Even for my elk and deer hunts out of state it is mostly for the enjoyment of getting out with friends and meeting others.

Now if you want to really compare cost vs return you need to book a hunt over in Africa. Then all the numbers can be thrown out of the window at 30,000 feet as you fly across the Atlantic Ocean.

 

[RICMIC]

A grand slam of sheep will likely cost you a good $500 a pound. Excellent dining.

 

[kidoggy]

that's more than I charge as a gigalo!

 

[kidoggy]

welp, drew nothing once again. thank GOD I have mastered a delicious tag soup!
just kidding. seeing if anyone is paying attention.

I actually put in for an elk hunt I don't even want to go on, trying to up my chances of drawing anything. doubt it will work either.

 

[kidoggy]

Place that advertises on FB here in NV is currently charging $2550 whole, $1750 half, $637.50 quarter for beef.

one outfit here is charging $5.00 a pound cut and wrapped. average of $3200 for a whole.

 

[tdub24]

one outfit here is charging $5.00 a pound cut and wrapped. average of $3200 for a whole.

That makes these guys reasonable.....if I didn't have multiple elk in the freezer I would be tempted. May get a pig one of these days though.

 

[kidoggy]

That makes these guys reasonable.....if I didn't have multiple elk in the freezer I would be tempted. May get a pig one of these days though.

yeah. this is the first year in many my freezer has been empty. I seldom draw a hunt, but I have been pretty successful in the general hunts most years. I am just getting tired of the shitshows of the general hunts. I simply don't look forward to it as I did in my youth. I have gotten to the point if I can't get a draw hunt, I don't even bother to go anymore. or if I do it is only for a day trip.
most of my "trophies " collect dust or have been given away. so really, the meat is the only reason I even bother anymore.
for the past 20 years or so, I have enjoyed bringing the youngsters and guiding them. I would rather see them fill their tags than kill one myself. I believe I have gotten to the point that buying beef or pork just makes more sense. unless I can draw one of the great hunts. think I am going to split a beef with my brother this year and probably get a pig next.
he has been trying to get me to go to Alaska with him for years for a fishing trip, but I really have no desire for that either. I would rather just take my fly rod and travel 15 minutes and catch 14 - 20-inch trout all day long. trolling on the ocean just doesn't really sound like much fun to me.

 

[kidoggy]

drew an either sex deer tag so I guess I will hunt at least one day.