Understanding preference points and limited draw elk hunts

[Pack mule]

I had a very lucky elk season using over-the-counter archery tags in Colorado and Idaho last year. I'm interested in changing things up and diving into Limited draw hunts and starting to apply for preference points in coveted units. I'm interested in finding units that have big wilderness areas, thick timber and terrain that not many are interested in climbing and I have the possibility of drawing a tag there within 1 to 2 years. Recently became a member of the HuntinFool magazine and I am interested in peoples experience with their tag services as well as Cabelas. After harvesting my first two elk this season I am eager to find units across the country that give me plenty of elbow room for DIY archery hunts. Thanks for suggestions!

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[NDHunter]

You could go to Montana. They've got some huge wilderness areas but are mostly in grizz country. There are other areas as well that aren't wilderness but are still very remote. The other place would be Colorado. Some huge wilderness areas as well and big, big country. I'd say at the very least, buy a point in CO this year.

One other option would be the WY general tag. Can't go into the wilderness but there are some remote areas there as well and some really good bulls come from those general areas. Deadline to apply for that is only 8 or 9 days away.

 

[sodaksooner]

We hunt one of those in CO, and you used to be able to draw with 0 pts. It now takes 2, so looks like more people are after what you are....lol. That said, when we hunted it last didn't see anyone but mountain goat and above timberline early Mulie hunters, and they were all on the roads scouting.

 

[FitToHunt]

I was in your same boat last year. I paid the extra $$ which gave me about a 98% chance of drawing a wyoming general area via the "special drawing". I was able to pack in pretty deep, have a great hunt, and kill a nice 5x5. Not a bad option for 0 points! FYI the wyoming deadline is at the end of this month.

 

[Greys0n]

You could go to Montana. They have huge wilderness areas

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I wouldn't use a tag service. Remember they deal with thousands of people, and to draw tags more frequently you want to look for niches people aren't flocking to.

 

[Maxhunter]

Do the research and do it yourself. Bottom line is if you have time to play on the internet or watch TV, you have plenty of time to research and apply for tags in any state, it just requires some reading.

I would never use a tag application service.

Good luck!