Hey Folks,
Everyone dreams of drawing a tag for a unit with a high density of elk, deer, pronghorn, or whatever game you’re after. But those coveted tags are incredibly hard to come by. You might only draw one every 20 or 25 years, and if you’re like me, you want to hunt more often than that. So, what’s the solution? Consider applying for tags in lower-density areas. These tags are easier to draw, and with the right tactics, you can still find success in areas where game isn’t as abundant. It all comes down to three key factors: water, food, and security.
Let’s break these down one by one.
1. Water: The Obvious Scarcity in Arid Regions
When hunting in dry areas like Arizona, Nevada, or Utah, water is the most critical resource for wildlife. It’s scarce, and animals will naturally congregate around the limited sources available. The less water there is on the landscape, the higher the density of wildlife near those water sources. This makes water an obvious focal point for hunters in arid regions. If you’re hunting in the desert or other dry environments, identifying and setting up near water sources is a tried-and-true strategy.
2. Food: The Key to Finding Game in Low Density Units
In regions like the northern Rockies of Montana, western Wyoming, Colorado, or parts of Idaho, water is abundant. Every drainage has it, so focusing solely on water won’t necessarily lead you to game. Instead, you need to shift your focus to food and forage. At first glance, it might seem like food is everywhere, but animals like elk are selective. They’re constantly searching for the best food available on any given day. This could mean targeting specific elevation bands, slopes with certain sun exposures, or areas with the most nutritious forage. Just as water concentrates wildlife in dry regions, food can be the key factor in more lush landscapes. By understanding the forage patterns in your hunting area, you can pinpoint where animals are likely to gather.
3. Security: Using Hunting Pressure in Low Density Units
The third and often underestimated factor is security. Every animal has a basic need for safety, and this is directly tied to hunting pressure. Areas with high hunting pressure push animals into sanctuaries—places where they feel secure. These sanctuaries might be hard to reach, like steep canyons, dense brush, or areas with heavy deadfall. They could also be located far from roads or access points. Essentially, these are the spots where hunters think, “I don’t know if I want to go through all that effort.” As a result, these lower-pressure areas often hold higher densities of game. If you’re willing to put in the work to reach these sanctuaries, you’ll likely find more animals. Security is a critical factor to consider, especially in heavily hunted units.
Putting It All Together: Focus on Scarce Resources
If you’re applying for tags in lower-density units, your goal should be to focus on the scarce resources in that area. By identifying and targeting these resources, you can position yourself in the areas with the highest density of animals within that unit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like me and you’re applying for lower-density hunts, don’t get discouraged. Instead, think strategically about what’s scarce in that area. Is it water, food, or security? By focusing on these factors, you’ll increase your chances of finding game and filling your tag. Whether you’re hunting in the desert, the mountains, or somewhere in between, understanding and targeting scarce resources is the key to success. I hope this helps you refine your approach and makes your next hunt more rewarding.
Good luck out there!
