2022 app season strategy

[Zim]

The first factor I always look for in what to apply for is potential for state point cheapening. Based on the survey I got from CODOW and NR quotas, I am electing to dump my 26 elk points this year. Second factor is I am primarily an archer and the elk bow season is four weeks long. Add two weeks scouting to that and I can’t really afford time wise to draw even two hunts. If I’m gonna wait that long for a tag, I want to devote adequate time to it. I’ll put in for the usual long shot sheep tags. Can’t afford to take a year off and expect to ever draw. But the rest of my apps will be points only.

 

[CowboyLeroy]

I've got a new strategy too. New baby and a new business mean not many excuses to go west this year. That's why I'm swinging for the fences, if I draw it better be a good one.

And boys, daddy's feeling lucky this year!

 

[CowboyLeroy]

If you really want to guarantee that you draw, make sure every tag you apply for is overlapping. The tag gods love those fools.

I'm only applying around my anniversary, and my wife's birthday

 

[glass eye]

That has been my strategy for decades.
I apply for the best tags that also have the worst odds. I don't want to close shop for a mediocre tag, it's gotta be a good one.
My backup plan is Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand where I don't need to draw a tag.

 

[wyoelkfan15]

Well I missed my first app of the season on a turkey tag, so to answer your question @seeth07 not great

Should pull my MT antelope, then all the tags I can grab as a WYO resident.

 

[hogcarpy]

I moved to CO from Nebraska last fall. I still can’t apply as a resident yet so I’ll apply for points here and try to luck out on a turn back tag. I have a Pugh points for a good tag as a NR but a great tag as a resident so I’ll wait another year. Applying for mid-tier units about every other state for elk, deer, antelope and crossing my fingers.

 

[huntwild26]

Plan on it. That's how it works. It happened to me here in Nevada in 2020. I put in the 5 hardest to draw units for archery bull. I drew my 3rd choice. Get your go bag ready.

Nice

 

[EastCoast94]

Jumping into CO for the first year this year, applying in New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming (deer and antelope), and Oregon (all species). Should draw Oregon deer this year

 

[RobertD]

I dig the strategy, congratulations in advance on your sheep/moose/Gila elk/Red desert pronghorn tag(s)

 

[Redwolf224]

@seeth07 just can’t catch a break! Haha. Good luck with your apps

 

[Zim]

Jumping into CO for the first year this year, applying in New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming (deer and antelope), and Oregon (all species). Should draw Oregon deer this year

Are you aware how bad the hunting is in Oregon, especially for deer? In 2020 I burned 22 NR points and didn’t lay eyes on a single buck. But glad to leave OR in my rear view mirror.

 

[MuleyMB]

Pretty simple for me, put in for all I can here in Wyoming, Arizona elk Point. !!

 

[EastCoast94]

Are you aware how bad the hunting is in Oregon, especially for deer? In 2020 I burned 22 NR points and didn’t lay eyes on a single buck. But glad to leave OR in my rear view mirror.

I have heard a lot of negative reports of the deer hunting but figured I would pair the hunt with a bear and cougar tag. And possibly hunt the same unit for elk the following year. I have 3 Pt’s and want to burn them before I stop applying.

 

[wtrfwlhunter]

Are you aware how bad the hunting is in Oregon, especially for deer? In 2020 I burned 22 NR points and didn’t lay eyes on a single buck. But glad to leave OR in my rear view mirror.

Just curious what unit was that?

I hunted an Oregon one pt a few years ago and it was tough, but better than that.

 

[Zim]

Just curious what unit was that?

I hunted an Oregon one pt a few years ago and it was tough, but better than that.

North Warner, and I even had help from my resident buddy. Had a speed goat tag too. That hunt wasn't so bad. You do know the NR quota is a generous 2.5% right? Even my Mt. Emily elk hunt was horribly managed with spike hunters and wolves everywhere. Shot a 330" bull late only due to my stalking experience. Had only a handful of stalks in 4 weeks! But deer were a no show even in the wilderness area. Just relieved to finally dump those deflated points, exit the OR game permanently, and put an end to my annual donations towards bad game management.

Honestly, the only thing that salvaged my Oregon hunt was my wife went with me on super cheap airfares, and we had a great visit afterwards to Crater Lake NP, an empty Yosemite NP (West entry blocked by wildfires LOL), and a posh but dirt cheap Reno casino hotel. These softened the hit of wasting 23 years of applications. So many better states to hunt!