It’s hard to believe it is that application time of year again. Time goes too fast! It’s a sobering thought to realize how few hunting seasons I legitimately have in front of me vs behind me. For western hunters, building a strong hunting application strategy is key to maximizing every season. This really can only mean one thing, try and maximize every season we have left. Whether you’re chasing elk, mule deer, or sheep tags, knowing where to apply can make or break your year. I have a bucket list hunt this fall in Alaska that can’t come soon enough. This will impact some of my own personal application strategies but in this article, I will go through each state I would consider if I were looking to secure opportunities this fall. Keep in mind, in most states, hunts are an investment of not just money but in bonus points. In many instances hunters need to start now if they want to hunt some states and species. Like it or not, you must play the game to broaden your opportunities to hunt now and in the future.
Arizona Hunting Application Strategy
I consider Arizona as a premium state in which to build points. Arizona does require the purchase of a hunting license to apply, roughly $160. Arizona does offer random tags depending on the unit and the year. Arizona’s trophy quality is arguably second to none when it comes to Mule Deer, Elk, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and Coues deer. When moisture is right, exceptionally large deer and elk are harvested. Both preference point and random tags are drawn.
By this the time this article is published, the elk and antelope application period will have passed. For future refence the units that border the south rim of the Grand Canyon along with units that border the Indian reservations are typically the most highly sought after. This includes units: 9,10, 1, and 23. Antelope units in Arizona can be amazing but are honestly the toughest tag in the state to draw. Since I must buy the license, I do apply every year for antelope, but most tags take upwards of 30 years to be in the guaranteed pool. Units 4, 17, 18, and 19 are typically the best units in the state.
The famed Arizona Strip and Kiabab, for me, are considered the holy grail of mule deer hunts. No where in the west are free range bucks consistently killed that rival the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Units 12 and 13 offer several hunt choices with different weapon types and season dates. The later the hunt, the harder it is to draw. With that being said, many giants are taken each year on the archery seasons. With the ban on trail cameras, it is neat to see some of the magical mystery come back to these famed units.
Coues deer are a great option for guys that don’t want to build points for a substantial number of years that it can take to draw a coveted mule deer tag. The little grey ghosts thrive in many units in Arizona. Just like deer and elk, they can be weather dependent to maximize antler growth. Units closer to the Mexican border typically produce the best bucks. Keep in mind, you will likely encounter illegal aliens during these hunts.
Sheep are thriving in most of Arizona! Arizona holds Nelsoni and Mexicali subspecies of desert big horns and Rocky Mountain big horns. Just like any sheep hunt, tag numbers for non-residents are very regulated. However, if you really want a 180” type ram of either species, Arizona is a must apply for sheep hunters. Only Nevada offers more desert sheep tags overall, but quality has not been equal for the last five or so years to that of Arizona. Pay attention to which units offer a random tag and apply.
Colorado Hunting Application Strategy
Colorado is a great state for hunting and has hunts to fit anyone’s goals. It remains one of the best states for elk hunting opportunity in the West. Although overall quality of deer and elk has dropped off rather dramatically, there are still plenty of animals on the landscape. Colorado has great sheep, moose, and mountain goat hunting as well but as expected tag numbers are very few. All hunts are currently run on a preference point system, meaning tags go to the hunters with the most points. This will change in 2028! More to come on those changes but the plan currently is to go to a hybrid system similar to that of Utah. Half of the permits will go to max point holders and half in the random draw. This is great for people without many points. It will hurt people chasing a particular unit that takes 15+ points as the number of tags available in these max pools will be cut in half. Colorado does require a license to apply for hunts. Cost is roughly $105.
Mule deer in Colorado is a must apply for species. There are countless opportunities between weapon types and hunt dates. In most deer units, Colorado offers an archery season, muzzleloader season, and then up to 4 different rifle hunt seasons. Between over harvesting, bad winters, poor management, CWD, and predator issues, a lot of the famed units don’t currently have bucks with much age class living in them. With that being said genetics in many units are phenomenal and it isn’t uncommon to see four-year-old bucks be exceptionally large. Time will tell if management policies will change to allow more bucks to survive. I would highly recommend studying tag numbers and success rates posted from units of interest. Be forewarned that many of the units will have elk hunters in the woods at the exact same time. The eastern plain are generally killing the biggest deer in the state right now but are strictly on private land requiring hefty guide fees.
Colorado is an elk factory. If you are building a western hunting strategy, Colorado should almost always be included. Nowhere in the west are more elk licenses sold (130k tags) and filled (23k bulls/13k cows) than in Colorado. Obviously, this typically means not many bulls get to old age. There are several units that are managed for trophy quality but hunters in the current system need to plan upwards of thirty points to draw a tag. Again, the 2028 changes will impact this dramatically. Tags will be available in the random drawing to everyone, but max point pools will be cut in half. Look at units 2, 10, 40, 61, and 76 for the highest quality. For youth hunters that want to hunt elk, Colorado is a great option. Tags are easy to get and relatively inexpensive for hunters under the age of 18.
There are antelope hunts to be had in Colorado, but they aren’t abundant and don’t boost a high level of quality. Many units’ where antelope live are primarily made up of private land complicating hunts. I would look elsewhere to hunt antelope in the west.
Moose, sheep, and mountain goats are doing well in Colorado. The current drawing format is a little wonky as applicants must apply for three years to then gain eligibility for the actual drawing. This can be expensive as points are over $100 each. This too is changing in 2028.
Idaho Hunting Application Strategy
Idaho is a great opportunity option. With no point system, Idaho is a strong choice for hunters looking to draw tags faster. The majority of units in Idaho are managed to maximize participation which in turn keeps trophy potential limited. Idaho is a great state to take young hunters. Look at the Passport Program that allows first time hunters the opportunity to hunt for under $10. Idaho requires a hunting license be purchased prior to applying for any hunts. Cost is roughly $195 but no point systems exist. Idaho splits its draw into two segments, once-in-a-lifetime species (Sheep/Moose/Mountain Goats) in the first application period and deer, elk and antelope in the second application period. If a once in a lifetime application is submitted, applicants can no longer apply for deer, elk, and antelope. This helps drawing odds substantially, especially for the sheep, moose, and goat hunts.
Deer numbers in Idaho are on the rebound from several years of drought and the terrible winter of 22’/23’. Idaho deer have genetics that are amazing! Especially when it comes to non-typical bucks. The key is finding units that allow deer to get the necessary age needed to reap these genetic rewards. The famed units 44 and 45 have been a bit down of late but always offer a chance at something special. Idaho just changed the method to acquire “general” season deer permits. After years of selling licenses on a first come first serve basis, a drawing was held for this year’s hunts in December. Why applications for the coming year for a general deer hunt are done in December is beyond my compression but it does provide another opportunity for hunters to get in the field.
Elk are thriving in most of Idaho. Only a few units have trophy genetics, but most units offer opportunity at bulls up to 320”. Unit 54 is by far the best elk unit in the state. Tag numbers are very low. Unit 40 also does well but is a little bit sporadic on top end bulls. There are a lot of other units that provide more great archery opportunities during the rut for 300” type bulls such as the Diamond Creek units and areas around Island Park. Be bear aware while in these units!
Idaho has the best odds in the country for sheep, moose, and goats. The steep upfront tag fees and the process of having to choose one of these animals or deer and elk really help improve odds. Unit 54 is one of the best Shiras moose hunts there is anywhere. There are numerous very good options for big horn sheep. The Hells Canyon units produce giant rams year in year out. There are other great options to cater to the style of hunting you like. From a fly in drop camp to hunting sheep on their winter grounds, there is an option to match any physical ability. Idaho doesn’t grow large horned mountain goats but does have a good number of units with decent drawing odds if a billy is on your list.
Nevada Hunting Application Strategy
I really like hunting Nevada. Odds aren’t great for drawing a tag, but their unique system does allow everyone a chance at a tag. Your bonus points are squared, and then random numbers are assigned for every number created. The lowest number drawn is then applied to your five hunt choices. If this number is low enough – you win. The drought has been tough on animals in Nevada for the last decade, but it is starting to show signs of recovery. A license is required to apply in Nevada. Cost is roughly $145. Again, I suggest if you are going to apply in Nevada, apply for everything! Maximize that $145!
Deer hunting in Nevada has been greatly impacted due to drought over the last ten or so years. Fawn recruitment has been very poor, greatly affecting overall deer numbers. Things have been better in recent years and herds are finally starting to recover. The units in the northern part of the state seemed to fair a little bit better. Although, I feel like the best animals are still coming from the units in southeastern part of the state along the Utah border. Nevada offers many choices from which to hunt deer. Most units have archery, muzzleloader, early rifle, late rifle and even some with a late archery season. With five hunt choices, I typically swing for the fences the first one or two picks and then look at units I’d like to hunt again with my remaining choices.
Elk hunting in Nevada is phenomenal! The issue is the very limited number of non-resident tags. The early archery seasons can be incredible with many giant bulls being taken. Nevada doesn’t rifle hunt its bulls during the rut. The rifle hunts are split into two seasons in November, early and late. These hunts still provide a great chance at a trophy bull but require a lot of glassing and typically a lot of leg work. Units 111-115 still probably leads the state but look at units 221-223, 231, 131 for premier options. If your time is limited, I would highly suggest hiring a guide when a tag is acquired for these units.
Nevada has really come on strong in recent years for antelope. Many units are doing very well with good numbers of trophy caliber animals being taken. I suggest looking at tag numbers and success rates to find a hunt that fits your schedule and expectations.
No state gives more non-resident desert sheep tags than Nevada. For this reason alone, it is worth the price of the license to apply. The best units are largely around Las Vegas, but many options exist to match physical ability. Look at the sheep checkout data on their website for listings of success, size, days hunted, and even locations to find units that fit your desires. The Nevada desert holds a special beauty that everyone should try and experience.
New Mexico Hunting Application Strategy
New Mexico is another state with no point system. It offers decent odds at mule deer, elk, Coues deer, antelope, Aoudad, even ibex and oryx. The drought has really been rough on New Mexico as well. Especially on the deer. Elk numbers are doing fine but antler growth has been off for several consecutive years now. If you don’t have points for other states, I would suggest taking a hard look at New Mexico. If you are willing to go guided, they offer a “guided” draw that can greatly increase your odds. A license is required to apply and costs roughly $95.
The best mule deer units border Colorado and the Jicarilla reservation. These are typically migration style hunts that need weather to really do well. There are great youth hunt options here that are in the peak of the rut in unit 2B.
There are a wide variety of elk hunt options in New Mexico. From flat, thick country, to high alpine hunts and everything in between. Some of the better units include 6, 13, 15, 16, and 34. Each unit typically has archery, muzzleloader and multiple date ranges for each weapon.
Antelope ironically seems to be one of the hardest to draw. Many of the prime antelope units are primarily private ranches that require steep trespass fees or hiring an outfitter. They do harvest some of the biggest antelope in the west every year.
New Mexico is a great option to hunt Coues deer. The drought has been tough but there is a long list of unit options and hunt dates. The units in the most southern part of the state seem to be producing the best currently.
There are hunt options for desert and bighorn sheep, the odds are terrible. They are killing some world class rams the last few years. There are a fair number of hunt options for oryx. Many of which are on the missile ranges and require specific hunt dates and special instructions. If Aoudad and ibex are on your list, look at the units offered and see what best fits your schedule and abilities.
Utah Hunting Application Strategy
Utah, being my home state, treats its resident hunters fairly well. It really doesn’t cater to non-residents. Steep prices and very limited tag numbers make Utah hard to justify in a lot cases if you are an out of state hunter. We do have excellent hunts for every species with many season offerings and a wide range of opportunity vs trophy options. A license is required to apply. Cost is approximately $150 for non-residents.
For mule deer, the Oak Creek, Paunsaugunt, and Henry Mountains still are at the top of the list. Many of the best bucks on these units are killed during the archery season which is something worth considering if you are an archer. Units such as Vernon, Book Cliffs, and Diamond Mountain would be considered as good hunts with high success percentages on primarily 160-170” type bucks. Utah has a good amount of general season hunting for deer. Every year a few great bucks are killed in these units but overall, they are managed for opportunity with high tag numbers and low buck to doe ratios.
Elk hunting in Utah continues to be very good. However, the recently added, mid-rifle season hunts are beginning to have an impact on overall quality. The best seasons are still archery, early rifle, and muzzleloader which encompass all or part of the rut. Many units can produce top shelf 360+ type bulls. The best still being San Juan, Boulder, Pahvant, Beaver, and Monroe. The mid-season hunts are a bit of a circus. They overlap the general spike hunt in all units, and this means units are crawling with hunters. This isn’t something I’m super fond of but does provide opportunities for those with fewer points. The late rifle hunts in November can be decent with weather. Plan on looking at a lot of broken bulls depending on the year.
Utah has solid hunt options for antelope, moose, mountain goats, and rocky/desert big horn sheep. Currently none of these hunts are what I would call supreme opportunities for trophy class animals. However, each species has a good number of choices to match physical abilities and expectations. Look at harvest data and find something that fits. If you are applying as a non-resident, I would strongly suggest at least getting points for every species available since you already paid the cost of the needed application license.
Wyoming Hunting Application Strategy
Wyoming is one of my favorite states to hunt. I feel like it is managed very well and provides ample opportunity for non-resident hunters for nearly every species. Especially deer, elk, and antelope should be among people’s draw strategies. They do not require a separate license to apply.
Mule Deer are hunted on either limited quota units or general season areas. The winter of 22/23 really had a dramatic impact on some of the best units. Deer numbers are still very low compared to historical averages, but recruitment has been very high since. Units 128 and 130 would probably be atop my list for limited quota options. Both are migration type hunts that require weather to be excellent. The high county of areas G and H were hit particularly hard during the bad winter. Acknowledging the low numbers, the deer that carried over are world class. With very little competition for the best food and amazing genetics, these carryover bucks are excelling. There are not many of these animals left within the current herd dynamics and we are still a few years away before the post winter crops reach the age needed. This is a prime example of when trying to time the right year comes into play.
Elk hunting in Wyoming is phenomenal and has something for everyone. From the high desert to horseback wilderness-style hunts and everything in between, the elk are flourishing in Wyoming. Keep in mind, non-resident hunters still need a guide to hunt wilderness areas but for those wanting to experience this type of hunt, the units around Yellowstone are doing exceptionally well. These units are full of grizzly bears! For those that don’t want to deal with bears, look at the Big Horn Mountains or the Red Desert. There are also a lot of ranches in Wyoming that offer exceptional elk hunts.
Antelope and Wyoming go hand and hand. If you are at all interested in antelope or have kids that need experience, Wyoming is a must apply state. Antelope rebound much quicker from bad winters and many good bucks and solid numbers are being reported again in the Red Desert and I-80 corridor. Find a unit that matches your point level and go hunt. More importantly, get your kids involved! They don’t care how big the buck is, and nothing beats driving around snacking and looking at antelope.
Moose, sheep, mountain goats, and bison are a bit of a tough sell currently in Wyoming. The way the point system is structured for sheep and moose makes it difficult to validate the cost of points vs the chance of drawing. Only one sheep unit has offered a random tag the last several years so unless you have 20+ points, I would suggest skipping Wyoming for sheep. Moose hunting is a little bit better with a lot of units having random tags. However, the cost of points keeps climbing and the best units don’t offer random tags. Mountain goats and bison are completely random in drawing but most likely will require a guide to be successful.
Conclusion
The bottom line to this article is that there are countless opportunities that exist for those that are willing to play the game in each state. Unfortunately, the price to play this game keeps rising. I plan to start living more vicariously through my kids to get them excited and ease the overall pain on my bank account since nearly all youth opportunities are very reasonably priced.
As we have discussed in previous articles and podcasts, the key to maximizing each fall is to have a plan. Hopefully, by listing some options in the states I actively apply for, has given you some ideas for future hunts and pushes you to create a hunt plan. Remember, we only get so many falls. I am all about cramming more than one opening day into each year!
