Tim Seitzinger, co-host of Big Horn Outdoors TV provides this insightful post on non-resident licensing and tag draws. Check out their show on the Pursuit channel or visit their website at http://www.bighornoutdoors.com/.
Want to know the secret on how to afford a world class big game hunt? Wouldn’t it be great to hunt public land out west with little to no pressure? Dreamed of maybe getting a real chance at a true trophy buck or bull? If you answered yes to any of these questions, maybe this is your year to get into the non-resident tag draw game!
Most hunters find the draws complex and intimidating, and many just don’t know where to begin. This can be the case, but with a little research and effort 2010 could be the first step towards hunting opportunities that you’ve always dreamed about.
Most western states allocate big game tags by using two main systems during their draw. The first being a bonus point system. This system works by providing hunters who don’t draw a tag with a point. Each year you properly apply and don’t draw the tag you receive one bonus point. For example, first year of draw 1 point, 2nd year 2 points, 3rd year 3 points, So on the third year of applying you would have three chances at drawing your tag instead of one!
The second system is a preference point system. This works the same as each year you properly apply you gain one Preference point. The main difference is the applicant with the most points gets preference for the tags available. For example two hunters apply, John has 4 point and Mark has 7 points, Mark will draw the tag!
Most western states also put a cap or limit on the number of tags that non-residents can draw. Allocations of these tags runs between 10% to 20% of the total number tags available. This is the state’s way of making sure most of the hunting is done by residents.
In addition, some states require non-residents to purchase a non-refundable hunting license to apply for the limited entry big game unit tags and build points. In some cases this can get a little expensive so if you are on a budget be selective with your states. Focus all your efforts on a couple until you draw. Examples of states that require you to buy a hunting license to accrue points are Arizonia at $151.25 and Nevada at $142.00.
Most, but not all, states require you to pay for the cost of the tag at the time of your application. They then hold your funds anywhere from one to four months. After the drawing if you are unsuccessful they refund the tag cost minus nominal applicaton fees.
Some states offer such as Wyoming a bonus point only drawing where you can purchase one point a year that can be used in draws in future years. Lastly, be sure to review any state’s game and fish site and rules and regs before applying for tags.
The following Big Game draw deadlines are fast approaching, don’t miss them!
Arizona: Elk and Antelope
Wyoming: Elk
Utah: all Big Game Species
Now is the time to start planning for that hunt of a lifetime. Here is a picture of a bull I Harvested in Maine back in 2005 on a tag I drew. The cost to get in the draw was $10.00 The non-res tag was $450.00. Successful hunt of a lifetime for a big bull Moose, priceless! YOU COULD BE NEXT!
At NextHunt.com our mission is to help hunters plan and take the perfect hunting trip.