It seems like the chances of drawing elk tags keep dwindling every year. Have tag numbers decreased and caused the issue, or is it just more applicants? Is it a non-resident problem, a resident problem, or both? onX Hunt wanted the answers to these questions as well. They studied data from eight western states using Toprut, now part of onX Hunt.

Elk Draw Trends

What I read in the onX report wasn’t surprising at all. Applications are up and tags are down. That pushes hunters into OTC states and can cause crowding in those areas. We already saw Idaho change its system due to this. It’s hard to say what the future holds when it comes to elk hunting opportunities but I expect it will continue to get more difficult to get tags. Read the full onX report by Paul Ronto here.

Head over to the forums to discuss this topic here.

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Justin Crossley
Justin Crossley is married to wife Breana and they have two kids; Alissa and Dylan. Born and raised in Western Washington he grew up fishing anything that would bite, and hunting black tail deer using rifle and muzzle loader with his dad and brother. Some of his fondest memories are those where he explored the wilderness and learned about hunting and fishing. As he got older his passion for the outdoors grew and he started hunting everything from upland birds, to predators, to any big game animal he could get a tag for. He has had the privilege to have friends and family who enjoyed the outdoors like he does and has made priceless memories with them on many trips. Justin’s kids have both been raised around hunting and fishing, and son Dylan recently killed his first deer at age ten. Justin enjoys every type of hunting and will hunt archery, rifle, or muzzleloader to extend his hunting season as much as possible. His favorite hunts take place in the backcountry with camp on his back. He has learned to hone his craft in long range shooting, archery, and reloading. He always strives to learn more and improve himself as a hunter. Justin has always had a passion for helping others expand their knowledge and love of the outdoors.