Best states for OTC tags

[WapitiTalk1]

Not necessarily talking total elk herd count (we know who leads that category), or, even the cost, but which state(s) gives a cat the best opportunity to connect based on other variables (generous season dates, historical success rate, etc.)?

[Trophyhill]

I'd have to say probably WA and OR

[Swamp Buck]

Let's start with all the states that even have OTC tags? If you can tell me that would be great as I am not sure which states all offer this option.

With that info we can dissect each of the states and what the pros and cons are for each.

[Indian Summer]

I'm going to have to say the one where you know the area like the back of your hand. Or at least have a good inside tip so you know you will have good hunting and minimal pressure.

The other thing is can we use the term "OTC" loosely? Maybe say a guaranteed tag. The odds of drawing a Montana license are 100%. You can pay more and guarantee a Wyoming elk tag.

So I'd say those two states followed by Idaho but I guess that's because I know places there. If I had a good spot in Colorado I'd probably be saying there. But if I didn't know anything I'd still pick WY/MT because I knew there was less of chance of pressure and big bulls.

[WapitiTalk1]

I'm going to have to say the one where you know the area like the back of your hand. Or at least have a good inside tip so you know you will have good hunting and minimal pressure.

The other thing is can we use the term "OTC" loosely? Maybe say a guaranteed tag. The odds of drawing a Montana license are 100%. You can pay more and guarantee a Wyoming elk tag.

So I'd say those two states followed by Idaho but I guess that's because I know places there. If I had a good spot in Colorado I'd probably be saying there. But if I didn't know anything I'd still pick WY/MT because I knew there was less of chance of pressure and big bulls.

Good points Indian Summer! Here's a table I found from an article on the internet. It appears pretty accurate and a good little snapshot tool. Like IS mentioned, the following language refers to the MT tags and is from the same internet article I found the table on: "Montana Combination Big Game or Elk Tags Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MTFWP) says no OTC tags are available for non-residents, but do offer what they call Combination Elk, Big game Combos (Deer and Elk) and Combination Deer licenses. In past years, there were more people applying for these tags than the 17,000 quota, so they had a drawing to decide who got tags. The sale of these tags have been down for several years, partially because of rumors that the Montana elk populations have been decimated by wolves. Not true according to Montana biologists, who say many units in Montana have elk populations above the population objectives. Anyway, the MTFWP now says “Montana has nonresident deer and elk combination licenses available now. No drawings.” So the MT combination tags are offered as first come first serve and for the past several years, have not sold out. There are a total of 8 states with OTC opportunities for elk if you consider MT one of them

[razorback]

Is there a lot of public land to hunt in Montana? I have been looking at Colorado and Idaho, I didn't know you could get an OTC for Montana.

[timberland]

Lots of public land in MT. You can have a physically "easy" hunt in the Missouri Breaks with lots of other guys or get by yourself in wilderness areas in the mountains. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Indian Summer's business. I'm sure he could hook you up!

[WapitiTalk1]

Is there a lot of public land to hunt in Montana? I have been looking at Colorado and Idaho, I didn't know you could get an OTC for Montana.

It's not really an OTC tag but the draw rate has been 100% for a handfull of years so you might as well consider it OTC.

[Sneaky]

I didn't realize there were so many OTC/Guaranteed options out there.

What options are available for states like Arizona and Utah? I assume they aren't the greatest hunts for one reason or another, but if a guy had the time....

And what is Indian Summer's business?

[WapitiTalk1]

I didn't realize there were so many OTC/Guaranteed options out there.

What options are available for states like Arizona and Utah? I assume they aren't the greatest hunts for one reason or another, but if a guy had the time....

And what is Indian Summer's business?

Not sure what all the variables/benefits for each state are. That's why I started the thread to get everybody else to do my work Just kidding, I've settled on hunting my current home state and ID or MT for my top two out of state choices as they're pretty close. Was just trying to spark some chatter on the befefits of various OTC states. Indian Summer's business is located at the top of the page here... Headin' West Hunting Consulting.

[razorback]

So if you draw an archery tag for Montana, is it unit specific or statewide. Any recommendations for less pressuressed areas?

[Sneaky]

I didn't realize there were so many OTC/Guaranteed options out there.

What options are available for states like Arizona and Utah? I assume they aren't the greatest hunts for one reason or another, but if a guy had the time....

And what is Indian Summer's business?

Not sure what all the variables/benefits for each state are. That's why I started the thread to get everybody else to do my work Just kidding, I've settled on hunting my current home state and ID or MT for my top two out of state choices as they're pretty close. Was just trying to spark some chatter on the befefits of various OTC states. Indian Summer's business is located at the top of the page here... Headin' West Hunting Consulting.

Thanks. I'll check that out.

[zpd307]

for all I knew, Colorado and Idaho were the only otc archery states. I drew 1st choice for a Colorado muzzleloader tag last year with no points in unit 44. but a friend of a friend who put in for the same unit didn't get his 1st choice bull and had to get a cow tag. I just wish Montana wouldn't make you buy a package deal nonresident tag. it drives up the cost so much....

[Indian Summer]

So if you draw an archery tag for Montana, is it unit specific or statewide. Any recommendations for less pressured areas?

A Montana license is good state wide in any unit that doesn't require a draw permit as well. If you draw a permit you can still hunt the non-permit units with your general license.

The permits in the Breaks are by draw but if you draw them you will have company. Possibly alot. They come by land and by water and lots of hunters bring boats and hunt the draws from the bottom up. One issue to be very aware of is water level. Many a hunter has taken the boat as far as possible only to find 200 feet of mud between there and dry land. No doubt there are big bulls over there but many of them seek refuge on private land and in recent years big numbers of cow tags have dropped the numbers somewhat. Like anywhere residents have their spots and they are about guaranteed a Breaks permit but if you don't know the area your number one obstacle will be to get away from people. That and possibly finding that the elk are holed up on nearby ranches.

Pretty much the entire west side is public. Over there you can find a place with little to no pressure in archery very easily and even while camped at the truck. In gun season you may find a vehicle parked here or there but with a little effort you can easily find a place to call your own that holds elk. If you were to pack in 2-5 miles or so where I hunt you'd have it to yourself.

There is a drawing and the application deadline is March 15th so coming up this Saturday. Odds of drawing as mentioned are 100%. They sell leftovers after the draw results are out. BUT... keep in mind that if you want to hunt in a permit area you'll need to get the app in by the regular deadline to be in the permit drawing.

[Sneaky]

I sure do learn a lot here. All the research I've done on elk tags, and I had no idea about this.

One of these days I'll have the time and put this knowledge to use.

[cohunter14]

I am from Colorado and have only hunted here, but I have to say that the OTC possibilities are endless. There are very few units that require you to actually draw a tag, and those that do typically require multiple preference points. However, those that are OTC have so many opportunities it is crazy. Colorado gets a bad wrap, but as long as you do some research, it isn't difficult to find elk in a given area. There are so many good tools out there, including the Hunting Atlas on the Colorado DOW website. Combine that with some map scouting and google earth work and you should be able to locate the decent areas within a unit. All units are not necessarily 'trophy' quality areas where 300+ B&C bulls are the norm, but there are plenty of those where it is possible.

[Trophyhill]

I sure do learn a lot here. All the research I've done on elk tags, and I had no idea about this.

One of these days I'll have the time and put this knowledge to use.

You gonna put in for a NM mule deer hunt for the units we talked about a couple years ago?

[Sneaky]

Not this year. I don't get much time off these days because of work, and elk come first. I am building points for CO and Utah deer, though, to use on a combo hunt or when I have more vacation time. Next year I'll put in for NM elk, and maybe deer.

This year I got roped into organizing an OTC rifle hunt in CO. It's already proving to be quite an adventure. Something akin to herding cats.

Have you been putting in for NM deer?