Draws in states

[pottymouth]

Just wondering how many of you guys apply for draws down in the states. If anyone does could they offer some advice on it, or any great web sites to read up on it. I know it's a huge long shot, but the one I'm intrested in is Desert Ram, so hopefully one day I will have a chance to complete a slam. But any expierence with draw applications would help.

thx Pottymouth

[sheephunter]

Just wondering how many of you guys apply for draws down in the states. If anyone does could they offer some advice on it, or any great web sites to read up on it. I know it's a huge long shot, but the one I'm intrested in is Desert Ram, so hopefully one day I will have a chance to complete a slam. But any expierence with draw applications would help.

thx Pottymouth

No time like the present to start. Odds on drawing a desert tag are long but if you put your time in and buy your bonus points, your odds definitely increase. I apply in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. You can do it on your own or use the services of a professional licencing service. In the past dozen years I've drawn two elk tags and two mule deer tags. I use a service primarily because they know the zones and the odds better than I ever could.

[Rackmastr]

I really should start applying or some trophy mule deer, elk, and desert ram spots too.....maybe I'll kick my azz in gear and get to it this year!

[sheephunter]

I really should start applying or some trophy mule deer, elk, and desert ram spots too.....maybe I'll kick my azz in gear and get to it this year!

You better hurry, Arizona draws are due in January.

[pottymouth]

No time like the present to start. Odds on drawing a desert tag are long but if you put your time in and buy your bonus points, your odds definitely increase. I apply in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. You can do it on your own or use the services of a professional licencing service. In the past dozen years I've drawn two elk tags and two mule deer tags. I use a service primarily because they know the zones and the odds better than I ever could.

Thx sheephunter, who do you use? What do they cost to use? What do the draws cost per state? and How much are the bonus points? Do you apply in those states just for Desert Ram, and are those the best states for size,numbers or percentage????

[sheephunter]

Thx sheephunter, who do you use? What do they cost to use? What do the draws cost per state? and How much are the bonus points? Do you apply in those states just for Desert Ram, and are those the best states for size,numbers or percentage????

I use United States Outfitters and Professional Licensing Service. All the costs are on their website. www.huntuso.com

I apply for elk, mule deer and desert bighorn. Some of the elk and mule deer zones are super long odds but if you draw, the chance for a monster bull is really good. This bull was killed out of the camp I was in, in Arizona last year. It grossed 440 typical!

http://www.huntuso.com/images/photo_gallery/thumbs/2008_Dandy_William_Elk_tn.jpg

[Rackmastr]

YIKES!!! Thats a huge bull!!!!

[sheephunter]

There are loads of raffles for desert sheep and other species as well that are worth picking up a few tickets on. The Arizona Super Raffle is the dream raffle for sure! 365 days to hunt a desert sheep...anywhere in the state.

[pottymouth]

That's alot of personal informatioon they ask on that application!Those prices are the price tag of a successful draw application? I can't seem to locate the draw applications and bonus point fee's? How long have you used them? Perhaps if you don't mind Sheephunter you could give me quick run down on the whole process, Pm with it...thx again.

[sheephunter]

That's alot of personal informatioon they ask on that application!Those prices are the price tag of a successful draw application? I can't seem to locate the draw applications and bonus point fee's? How long have you used them? Perhaps if you don't mind Sheephunter you could give me quick run down on the whole process, Pm with it...thx again.

LOL...They need all that info to apply for your tags. They become your legal agent. Best to give them a call rather than have me explain it all but I've used them for 13-14 years now. They could explain it far better than I could. Arizona is a complicated system that allows you to just buy bonus points or actually apply for the draw. If you do actually apply, you need to include the $1,400 licence fee with your application. It is refunded but you are out the cash for several months. With other tags you pay for the tag only if successful. Each state is unique. Utah for example used to only charge $5 but now you are required to buy a licence. It seems the system is constantly changing in each state. If you have the time, go to the website for each G&F department and the draw process for that state is pretty well explained. Lots of guys do it on their own and publications like Huntin' Fool are dedicated to the Do-it-yourselfer but for me, it's simpler to just write one cheque a year and let someone else do it.

[Rockymtnx]

The Arizona Super Raffle is the dream raffle for sure! 365 days to hunt a desert sheep...anywhere in the state.
So true. I know that Antelope tag is calling my name one year.



I haven't personally haven't used these agents but always seem them advertising.
Cabelas T.A.G.S
www.cabelas.com/community-inthefield-fieldguides-Fieldguides-home-tag-hints.shtml
The Huntin Fool - Carter’s Hunter Services
www.huntinfool.com/licenseapp

Last year I did all the research and applications by myself. This year as I expand into more states with more draws I will be looking into using someone. Considering Sheephunters good experince with United States Outfitters and Professional Licensing Service I may give them a try.

[pottymouth]

Thanx alot Sheephunter, i'll give them a call in the new year , hopefully that's not to late for anything. Is there a ball park figure for your draws that could give a good idea what it might cost me per year?

[sheephunter]

Thanx alot Sheephunter, i'll give them a call in the new year , hopefully that's not to late for anything. Is there a ball park figure for your draws that could give a good idea what it might cost me per year?

I apply for more than a dozen draws in the U.S. Suffice it to say that it was several thousand dollars.....much of which I'll get back if I don't draw. Think of it like buying very expensive raffle tickets....lol But, just to apply for desert sheep in Arizona will set you back about $1,650.

[pottymouth]

Thx for the great help Sheephunter, you definatly got me pointed in the right direction.

[sheephunter]

Thx for the great help Sheephunter, you definatly got me pointed in the right direction.

If you want to do it yourself, spend the $100 and join Huntin' Fool. At least you'll have an understanding of the zones and process. There's a lot to learn and it's a great resource.

[gunslinger]

you bet sheep has it right, i have been applying for 7 years already.

I won the huntin fool colorado mule deer hunt in the member drawing a couple years ago, thats who i use.

U really have to be ready to lose at least a 1000$ a year due to exchange rates ,liceneses, all other costs. i have drawn two elk tags and a antelope tag.

If your going after the desert ram just be ready to have around 7-8000$ come off your mastercard and of course its in us dollars,
I apply in new mexico along with all the states sheep applies in except the new mexico desert sheep tag draw is i think 4250$ this year, and of course if you dont draw you get it back but not for a few months. and the elk draw i drew costed me 1150$ up front then i drew it so i had to hire a outfitter.

To put it in perspective the desert sheep tag would be a blessing if you drew it, would deffinitly be saving alot of money but to tell you the truth after applying for a few years ,hiring a outfitter and all the other costs you can deffintly just go on a outfitted hunt for the same price.

I love the place in wyoming that im hunting elk thats why i apply there instead of goign to new mexico or arizona on a guided hunt. my tag costs me 1150$ outfitter is 3500$ so right there i got 5000$ invested in teh elk hunt, could go on a nice elk hunt for that anywhere...just gotta do the math and know exactly what you want to do.

[Duk Dog]

I have applied/hunted in Wyoming over the years, which is a pretty straight forward process. Check out their web link - http://gf.state.wy.us/ As others mentioned there are services that can take care of things for you, or by reading up on the various state G&F websites applying on your own is another option.

[rhuntley12]

I've got a couple priority points for antelope and mule deer in Wyoming. There are really so many out there hard to keep track.

New Mexico has a Oryx and Ibex hunt I've applied for the draw. Just have to be ready to drop full price for the tags and get refunded if you don't get drawn.(Can end up in the thousands)

[elkhunter1234]

Most states have great web sites that will help you.... i get the Hunting Fool Mag. and use their services for draws... It has lots of info on all the best areas to apply and great storys too .... like TJ said, some states are drawn in Jan. and some not til June.. and like pat said, have a creit card with lots of room on it and don't tell your wife what it's going to cost ya if you apply or get drawn:lol:... some states you pay for the tag upfront and get all but a applacation fee back if you are not drawn, others you just pay for the app fee and if drawn then you pay for the tag.....good luck

[Live2HuntSheep]

pottymouth, One thing is for sure if you don’t start trying you will never draw! Even if you have to start slow with a couple states the first year and build from that, at least you will be heading in the right direction. This is what I had to do until I worked my way into applying for the states and tags I want to draw some day.
Sheep has defiantly pointed you in the right direction. Another resource out there is HAS (Hunter Application Service). They are pretty similar to USO. I am not positive of the differences between the two for their services. You would have to talk to both of them.
Larry and Stephanie Altimus owners and operators of HAS, are defiantly big sheep hunters. Larry has guiding rights in a few states and has helped his clients who draws harvest some nice rams. I believe they do it with all other species as well I have personally only talked to the about sheep and they know what they are doing.
I use the Huntin’Fool. It is a great resource for getting you up to speed on how to apply and were to apply for. It would take days to come up with the information they provide in each months magazine that takes a couple hours to read and study to make your decisions. I had to develop a plan and once I did the follow years after have became allot easier. The Huntin’ Fool website has a new tool just like I developed to make a plan and keep track of were you’re at in each state. But sheep is right sometimes it is nice and simple to pay someone and know they will get you in for a tag area that you will likely stand a pretty good chance of being successful to your needs and desires.
Also like sheep said don’t count out any raffles. It maybe the fastest route for you to get a desert sheep tag and there is some real good raffles out there. I know a fare share who have won raffles with buying one ticket.
Gunslinger is right on with the dollar figures you need to be looking at and ready to play with when you get real serious in the game. Man is it worth it when you have the tag in your hand!

Good luck pottymouth! I hope you get started applying and end up with a great tag in the future!



I won the huntin fool colorado mule deer hunt in the member drawing a couple years ago, thats who i use.

Gunslinger how was your Colorado hunt? I hunted 3rd hunt unit 44 a couple years ago!

[BrownBear416]

Hey Potty,

As stated above get a huntin fool subscription and you will be good to go.Its like hiring a whole team of researchers for a 100$ a year lol.It will have all the info you need to get started.

I dont do any sheep but apply for whitetail,Elk,Mule deer and Antelope.Most states we do are on a P point system so it only costs us a small fee to apply and build Priority.

We do

Colorado
Wyoming
Montana
Kansas
Utah

Pm me if you need a hand or have any questions...

[gunslinger]

pottymouth, One thing is for sure if you don’t start trying you will never draw! Even if you have to start slow with a couple states the first year and build from that, at least you will be heading in the right direction. This is what I had to do until I worked my way into applying for the states and tags I want to draw some day.
Sheep has defiantly pointed you in the right direction. Another resource out there is HAS (Hunter Application Service). They are pretty similar to USO. I am not positive of the differences between the two for their services. You would have to talk to both of them.
Larry and Stephanie Altimus owners and operators of HAS, are defiantly big sheep hunters. Larry has guiding rights in a few states and has helped his clients who draws harvest some nice rams. I believe they do it with all other species as well I have personally only talked to the about sheep and they know what they are doing.
I use the Huntin’Fool. It is a great resource for getting you up to speed on how to apply and were to apply for. It would take days to come up with the information they provide in each months magazine that takes a couple hours to read and study to make your decisions. I had to develop a plan and once I did the follow years after have became allot easier. The Huntin’ Fool website has a new tool just like I developed to make a plan and keep track of were you’re at in each state. But sheep is right sometimes it is nice and simple to pay someone and know they will get you in for a tag area that you will likely stand a pretty good chance of being successful to your needs and desires.
Also like sheep said don’t count out any raffles. It maybe the fastest route for you to get a desert sheep tag and there is some real good raffles out there. I know a fare share who have won raffles with buying one ticket.
Gunslinger is right on with the dollar figures you need to be looking at and ready to play with when you get real serious in the game. Man is it worth it when you have the tag in your hand!

Good luck pottymouth! I hope you get started applying and end up with a great tag in the future!



Gunslinger how was your Colorado hunt? I hunted 3rd hunt unit 44 a couple years ago!

i already had three hunts booked so Garth decided that he would just gimme 3500$ and i could just call him and he would set me up on a mule deer hunt for the future.

[Frans]

I use HAS (Hunter Application Service), but only for the Nevada desert sheep draw. Put all my money on one horse and will ride it till it wins. If 20 years of priority gets you in serious contention for a tag, I still have about 14 years to go. Could be a nice retirement present! :-)

Frans

[sheephunter]

I use HAS (Hunter Application Service), but only for the Nevada desert sheep draw. Put all my money on one horse and will ride it till it wins. If 20 years of priority gets you in serious contention for a tag, I still have about 14 years to go. Could be a nice retirement present! :-)

Frans

You need to have a job before you can retire:evilgrin:

[kmic]

I have what may be a dumb question, my apologies ahead of time if it is. I completely understand the reasons for applying in all the sheep draws/raffles that are out there south of the border but what is the attraction for the other game I've been seeing mentioned in this thread ie. elk, mule deer, antelope. Are the hunting opportunities that much better down there? More record book animals maybe? Quality of hunt? This idea of applying for draws in the states is new to me and has caught my attention. I'm just curious as to why guys would spend the money when they can hunt elk/deer in there "backyard" so to speak. (maybe I'm looking for how to justify to the wife?):D

[sheephunter]

I have what may be a dumb question, my apologies ahead of time if it is. I completely understand the reasons for applying in all the sheep draws/raffles that are out there south of the border but what is the attraction for the other game I've been seeing mentioned in this thread ie. elk, mule deer, antelope. Are the hunting opportunities that much better down there? More record book animals maybe? Quality of hunt? This idea of applying for draws in the states is new to me and has caught my attention. I'm just curious as to why guys would spend the money when they can hunt elk/deer in there "backyard" so to speak. (maybe I'm looking for how to justify to the wife?):D

For me the answer is twofold. In the areas I apply, the chance of a very large trophy animal are what attract me but I also enjoy hunting in other regions and this can be an inexpensive way of doing it. It always cool to go hunt an area where the landscape is totally different from here.

[big-river]

Good to see guys looking to hunt outside our boundarys and pursuing game elsewhere as Non-Residents.
I have seen way too many people on here complaining about Non-Residents coming here and about Outfitters taking these Non-Residents. It is good to see some people on here like to hunt elsewhere and I'm sure they welcome outside people who come here to enjoy our hunting opportunities.

Good Luck on all your Draws fellas.

[Rockymtnx]

I have what may be a dumb question, my apologies ahead of time if it is. I completely understand the reasons for applying in all the sheep draws/raffles that are out there south of the border but what is the attraction for the other game I've been seeing mentioned in this thread ie. elk, mule deer, antelope. Are the hunting opportunities that much better down there? More record book animals maybe? Quality of hunt? This idea of applying for draws in the states is new to me and has caught my attention. I'm just curious as to why guys would spend the money when they can hunt elk/deer in there "backyard" so to speak. (maybe I'm looking for how to justify to the wife?):D

One of the reasons I started applying outside Alberta was for the chance to hunt new areas and have the experience to hunt there. I have never hunted Arizona for elk but from what Sheephunter has described to me and others it isn't like hunting elk here in Alberta. So just that experience means a lot to me.

Another reason is just the amount of opportunities. Here in Alberta you are looking at 6-8 years to hunt trophy antelope. In some states you are able to hunt them every other year. In my case I just don't want to wait 7 years to hunt them.

The last reason is as Sheephunter mention. There is excellent opportunity to harvest some exceptional trophies if you hunt outside the boundaries of Alberta.

[gunslinger]

I have what may be a dumb question, my apologies ahead of time if it is. I completely understand the reasons for applying in all the sheep draws/raffles that are out there south of the border but what is the attraction for the other game I've been seeing mentioned in this thread ie. elk, mule deer, antelope. Are the hunting opportunities that much better down there? More record book animals maybe? Quality of hunt? This idea of applying for draws in the states is new to me and has caught my attention. I'm just curious as to why guys would spend the money when they can hunt elk/deer in there "backyard" so to speak. (maybe I'm looking for how to justify to the wife?):D


U bet i love to go south for my elk hunts because the terrain is totally different than ours here in the area i hunt the elk, we see 350 bulls everyday and i just catn get enough of that.
Not only do you get to go hunt with friends a guy has met over the years. Also you can pull a antelope tag almost every year if you want. The shiras moose is a longshot but montana or wyoming have some great shiras which is part of the north american 29.
The gemsbuck is a neat draw in new mexico. And like any other outfitted hunt the anticipation and excitement is extremely high when you draw one of these tags, hire the outfitter and know your going on another adventure. the more draws you put in for the more time you can take off work and go travel and hunt.
For me the cowboy state has a piece of me that i just cant let go, man the elk are huge there.strctly a bow and arrow unit so that adds to the excitement also.