Preference Points

[Ponyboy_jonas]

I am looking to start putting in for preference points in a different state besides Colorado. I was thinking of Wyoming, Montana, or Utah. I am willing to build these points up enough to get a tag in a pretty good unit. Any Ideas?

[Rangerz]

You can just buy points in Wyoming. $50 if I remember right.

Utah you can buy points but you have to have a license as well but it is not to expensive. If you buy your license and your first point at the end of the application period you can buy a point the next year on the same license at the beginning of the application period.

Don't know anything about MT.

Might think about NV. It is a lottery system. I know of out of staters drawing with one or two points but you have to but a license each year.

Good luck!

[BrentLaBere]

Playing the point game can certainly take a long time (point creep).
Like rangerz said, you can buy points for Wyoming for $50 and I believe they extended the time on it. You can still get one this year. 1 point per year. Wyoming may be a difficult one to build points for, but that depends on what type of hunt you want. Most of the general areas have really good elk hunting and can be purchased with 1 point or the special. That may be getting more difficult to get by the sounds of it?

Montana, isn't necessary to buy any preference points. The preference points are used in the general combination drawings, and as of the last few years they have had surplus. Bonus points can be purchased when and only you apply for a LE area, which is 20$. Its a separate drawing after you receive your general tag.

I am building points in Wyoming and Montana. In both of those states, there are plenty of good areas to go without receiving a "high end" tag. Having a tag in your pocket every year and learning the area is key. Are you familiar with the tag systems in each state? Do you know about Wyoming wilderness boundary laws for non residents? I would recommend doing some research before you go ahead and start buying points every year.

I am not familiar with the other states.

[BRazz]

Do you know about Wyoming wilderness boundary laws for non residents? I would recommend doing some research before you go ahead and start buying points every year.

Please share - I've not heard of this before...

[CurlyTail]

Non-residents cannot elk hunt Wyoming wilderness areas without an outfitter or wyoming resident who has applied for a free permit and accompanies the non--resident elk hunter. Makes Wyoming much less appealing to the DIY non-resident elk hunter which I am sure is the intention of the regulation.

[Indian Summer]

There is soooo much non-wilderness land in Wyoming to hunt that the wilderness laws don't make it any less appealing to non-res hunters. There are tons of successful non-res diy hunters there every year.

Montana system SUCKS.

You'll be a senior citizen before you draw in Utah or Nevada.

Idaho has some nice units worth looking into. So does Colorado.

[ElkNut1]

Joe, interesting point about WY, thanks for sharing that!

ElkNut1

[Ponyboy_jonas]

Hey I wanna thank everyone for the replies so far!

[Indian Summer]

Put it this way Paul... I have a friend living in Jackson and guiding in Wyoming. I could hunt wilderness if I wanted to and I don't. I have no reason to. Plus... there are big scary bears in the wilderness areas. They don't really bother me but it is more work to maintain a camp in griz country. Some day I'd like to hunt the Gros Ventre wilderness but mainly just to see it.

[otcWill]

The points game ain't cheap. That said, I'd recommend you apply for CO, WY, AZ, and NM. AZ is pricey but at your age you'll have a real shot at some of the best elk hunts available. I'd second what Joe said about WY. Of the states I've hunted, it has been the best. Few people, tons of elk, and good trophy quality on non-wilderness public land in Gen units. NM is a must for any serious elk hunter hoping for a BIG bull. Its a pure lottery. No points and you have legit odds at some really awesome units. You put like $850 down and get it all back minus like $14. Its a no-brainer! Good luck!