Gatorgrizz27
WKR
I’d like to hunt bighorns at some point in my life, I don’t care if they are deserts or rockies. I realize this is likely to be a 20 year plus process, so I need to get started now. With the draw odds and being a non-resident, I’m looking at a budget of $200-$300 each year applying, and starting to research particular states and areas. I’m not counting the $ in states that require you to purchase the tag at the draw, as it is refunded. Here’s what I’ve found so far:
Colorado is the cheapest at $3 each, it’s worth doing that and building preference points. I have an elk tag there this year so points are free, otherwise it’s $40 each.
Nevada would appear to be next if my research is right, at a $10 application fee and $3.50 non-resident fee. I didn’t see anything about needing to buy a hunting license to apply there.
Montana (with an extra preference point) and Utah each come in at $95, plus an extra $10 for Utah for the second species.
New Mexico appears to charge $65 for the hunting license, plus $3,173 tag fee when you apply. $3,160 is refunded if you’re not successful.
Arizona requires a $160 non-resident license, plus a $15 application fee. This takes things out of my annual application budget if the above are all correct, I need to research the odds and areas on AZ to see if it’s worth it. I will apply for any years that I buy a hunting license for another species there regardless.
Wyoming is out as they require an outfitter for non-residents.
Idaho is also likely out as I plan to start applying for mountain goat tags there, and they only allow one sheep/goat/moose application per year. The exception would be if goats are easy to draw and I start applying for sheep afterwards.
Is there anything I’m missing right off the bat that I should apply for instead or any of these that aren’t worth it? The idea is to identify the states that I’ll spend time researching hunt areas for and start applying when things open up in the spring.
I appreciate any advice from those who have experience with this.
Colorado is the cheapest at $3 each, it’s worth doing that and building preference points. I have an elk tag there this year so points are free, otherwise it’s $40 each.
Nevada would appear to be next if my research is right, at a $10 application fee and $3.50 non-resident fee. I didn’t see anything about needing to buy a hunting license to apply there.
Montana (with an extra preference point) and Utah each come in at $95, plus an extra $10 for Utah for the second species.
New Mexico appears to charge $65 for the hunting license, plus $3,173 tag fee when you apply. $3,160 is refunded if you’re not successful.
Arizona requires a $160 non-resident license, plus a $15 application fee. This takes things out of my annual application budget if the above are all correct, I need to research the odds and areas on AZ to see if it’s worth it. I will apply for any years that I buy a hunting license for another species there regardless.
Wyoming is out as they require an outfitter for non-residents.
Idaho is also likely out as I plan to start applying for mountain goat tags there, and they only allow one sheep/goat/moose application per year. The exception would be if goats are easy to draw and I start applying for sheep afterwards.
Is there anything I’m missing right off the bat that I should apply for instead or any of these that aren’t worth it? The idea is to identify the states that I’ll spend time researching hunt areas for and start applying when things open up in the spring.
I appreciate any advice from those who have experience with this.
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