Top secondary hunt areas in the US

[Buck-eye]

Since I left California, I stopped buying my AZ license. Even though I know about the coveted Kaibab mulies and Unit 1 elk, I refused to buy a license just in order to be able to put in for a hunt that will take years to draw. So, I started with the easier point states such as: Utah and New Mexico, and the I would plan a hunt each year with my huntin buddies. Well, seems as if this year, we are all kinda going in different directions. Even though One Track and I are putting in for New Mexico together, the draw chances of course are minimal. So, now I have to look to coordinate a hunt for myself. What I am looking to do is to research the top OTC elk, or easier drawn elk tags in the country. I do not know how hard it is to draw Kentucky, or Pennsylvania, and I am not knowledgable on the size of the herds in midwestern states like Nebraska, Dakotas, etc. If any of you live in the lesser elk areas and have info, that would be great. Idaho seems to be an option, but taht is a buy a license first state. Colorado is a definite possibility. Basically I am startin from scratch. My first choice would be an archery hunt, but I would do any weapon in order to increase odds. I am up for all info and opinions on any third or fourth selected elk areas.

Joe

 

[jlostrander]

buck-eye-

Many hunters are in your same shoes. I am myself.

I think you should look at all western states and budget accordingly.

I have looked at many options. Mostly, if you can easily get a tag, your success outlook is not good at all. Even Colorado will make you buy a license eventually if you are just accumulating points.

You my after looking at all the states, come to realize that AZ. is not all that bad. It is close enough that you could go and hunt other game on the license.

So, I think you need to find a balance, like most of us. I think NM is a state that doesn't have points, so it is alwasy possible for you to draw. You can get an archery tag for elk in CO. and I think UT., if you aren't choosie about the zone.

Archery is certainly a good option in the long-run for elk. The problem as I see it, is the better zones/areas, will take years before you are back in that area again and that means you may not have a ton of knowledge about the area.

Logan

 

[DEERSLAM]

CO. has the most elk and opportunity as long as you ain't trophy huntin.

 

[jlostrander]

Buck-eye, if you are in Florida now, sorry for saying AZ. was close.

Close to CA. not FLA.

Logan

 

[Buck-eye]

No worries, I knew where you were comin from. We used to go to AZ for javy and coues bucks, so it made since then. I just really want to plan a quality 07 hunt be it muley or elk. I already have the speed goat crossed off, and will be hunting big whitetails a couple times this coming fall.

 

[DanD]

For OTC elk, options are pretty limited, I would look at Colorado & Idaho.

Good luck,

 

[wmidbrook]

What do you mean by a top secondary area?

I've heard of people putting in for OTC or fairly easy to draw LE areawhere:
*guaranteed tags, high success...lots of cows & bulls but but mostly raghorns and lots of hunters
*guaranteed tags, very low success, thin elk populations and thin hunter densities but some big bulls
*not guaranteed tags, high success...lots of cows & bulls but but mostly raghorns and not overrun with hunters
*not guaranteed tags, decent success, decent elk numbers with some good bulls up to lower 300 class, not overrun with hunters
*tags every 3-5 years, moderate success, some bigger bulls (350 possible), moderate hunter densities