Non Resident Elk
- Thread starter txhtr333
- Start date
B&C Blacktails
Active Member
- Mar 1, 2015
- 237
- 0
California... is there a chance yea. I've been putting in since I was 12 I'm now in my thirties and still haven't drawn. I have an older buddy who has put in since the seventies and still no luck. Max point holders have a very slim chance of drawing.
If you are not a resident I would not apply for elk. If money isn't an issue then apply.
There are guaranteed private land hunts but cost thousands and you pay by the inch.
If you are not a resident I would not apply for elk. If money isn't an issue then apply.
There are guaranteed private land hunts but cost thousands and you pay by the inch.
easymoney
New Member
What B&C says...
I have put in for over thirty years(I am twice B&C age) and never have I been drawn. I live in the lap of the La Panza herd area and see great bulls all the time, all it takes is one of those 6 tags...
I have basically given up here in CA and focus mainly out of state,especially in states that still have OTC tags. They are easier to draw and since I am hunting mainly for the meat with a bow, I get either sex or any sex tags. Oregon has been good for this over the years...
I have put in for over thirty years(I am twice B&C age) and never have I been drawn. I live in the lap of the La Panza herd area and see great bulls all the time, all it takes is one of those 6 tags...
I have basically given up here in CA and focus mainly out of state,especially in states that still have OTC tags. They are easier to draw and since I am hunting mainly for the meat with a bow, I get either sex or any sex tags. Oregon has been good for this over the years...
Ca has a preference point system that max points go in onedrawing and all others go into another. They have had the system I believe 14 years. Before that it was just one big drawing. If you want , go ahead and apply but it's too late for this year. You only have to pay like $7 or $8 bucks to apply and if you get drawn, then you have to pony up for the tag. The odds are big but the success rate isn't bad if you get drawn. I say if you want to why not try?
Alabama
Veteran member
The problem with Cali is they only give out 1 tag for non-residents. Yes you read that right; 1 elk tag is available for NR in the draw each year. The same is true for pronghorn and sheep, only 1 tag available per species per year. They are very generous to NR when it comes to deer but not anything else. If you really want to kill a bull in Cali as a NR; save up your pennies and buy a landowner tag. They are Very expensive though.
I don't know why this isn't mentioned in the magazines more often.
I don't know why this isn't mentioned in the magazines more often.
Alabama
Veteran member
If you are already applying for deer, it might make sense. Otherwise you have to purchase a $163.65 non-refundable hunting license before you can buy your elk lotto chance for $8. Definitely not worth it.
goindeep
Member
- May 9, 2011
- 108
- 0
That is correct, one tag, and it's not set aside for non residents. So most likely a non resident doesn't draw every year.
1 tag... I really value DIY public land hunting but it doesn't sound like that is a realistic option. I am 23 and have set a goal for myself that I want to take a bull in every state that has a season, so I am starting the process now of building up the necessary points to make that happen. It's crazy that I have a better chance of drawing a tag in OKLAHOMA than in a state with a healthy elk herd
Bowhunter_60
New Member
Believe me, we all feel ya! I've been a resident of California most of my life, and have yet to draw a tag in nearly 20 years. So, I take advantage of the OTC tags in Idaho, Montana, Colorado, etc to keep the skills up.
chiefgobbler
Active Member
If you are after a Tule Elk and/or willing to buy a land owner tag I would not waste my money. There are some auction tags (there is a list of wildlife groups that have been awarded tags to auction) each year and the state now has raffle tickets you can buy. Not sure of the odds.
Sawfish
Very Active Member
I drew a CA elk tag as a NR this year out of the random pool (had one less than max points), so while it's possible it's not very probable to draw as a NR. If you are applying for deer already then the value can be seen in applying for other species such as elk or sheep. It wouldn't be recommended to buy a NR license every year to just apply for elk. CA has been good to me as a former resident. I drew the NR sheep tag with max points a few years ago, so I try to stay away from areas prone to lightning strikes! After this year I'll be done hunting in CA but will continue to support the wildlife conservation organizations doing the good work there in CA.
Sawfish
Very Active Member
I applaud your success, and will remain a safe distance away during a lightning storm!
frankly, if you are not a resident of california ,I can see zero logical reasons for any self respecting hunter to apply for that state.they do not want you. they oppose your very existance . why on earth would you support them?