Mr. Longbeard

I've never hunted out west and would like to try it. I definetly want to hunt public land. Elk or Mule deer or both. Can anyone point me in the right direction...

charlie brown

First thing I would recommend would be to call a couple of states which you are interested in hunting. Call the state game agencies or go to their websites. Do a search for state-territorial fish and wildlife offices. this is a good site and has all 50 states wildlife offices listed, as well as various territories. Next would be to have each state send you some regs so you can read them in hard copy and understand how each state works, as each is different, and each is complicated to varying degrees. Then I would contact various land agencies and find out how much public land is in the areas which you have pin pointed and order some maps of the area, or get a good map program that you can load on your computer. Then, start applying!! I can tell you that drawing a bull elk tag, or even a mule deer tag for a good area will be very difficult, and the prices are not cheap for any state. However, most states out west now have systems that allow hunters to apply online for all hunts via credit card. Chances are very slim that one would draw on all hunts they applied for, so its a pretty good bet that you will not run over your limit very easily. Most have an application fee, and then draw license fees off the card once drawn. Another thing that might be a little better yet, would be to apply for antlepe in Wyoming especially, as they can be hunted fairly easily and they have a 2 doe limit in a lot of areas of the state. This would get you a chance to make it out west and get a feel for some of the areas before applying for bull elk, etc. Hope this helps.

usa

LONGBEARD, when are you planning to go ? The reason I ask is that it's getting more pricey each year with fewer otc tag's,I can put you into an area in Colorado, all public land and if the migration is on wonderful hunting , if not then fair hunting, but either way an exciting hunt. I hunt alone , but I would be glad to hook up with you and point you in the right direction, [email protected]