Steve from GA
WKR
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2020
- Messages
- 337
I'll try to spare you guys from the long and drawn out version of the story, but I was originally planning on doing my first elk hunt (cow elk) in 2022. The plan was to do a guided cow elk hunt for my first elk hunt to learn the ropes, and then go DIY after that. This is because my hunting experience is very limited and I will be rolling solo.
I was planning on hunting axis deer in Texas this year as a bit of a hunting warm up, but due to the winter weather, enough axis died off and my hunt got cancelled. In a quick pivot, I made contact with a well respected WY outfitter who agreed to submit a 2021 leftover cow tag application on my behalf - only to just find out that he didn't submit it. So now, I'm without a WY cow elk tag.
Having said all of that, I'm looking for tips on how to get a 2021 cow elk hunt booked in WY (my preferred state to start hunting) without currently having a tag in my pocket. A few questions:
1. Should I simply narrow it down to areas that have surplus tags available after the leftover draw (assuming there are any available) and then try to find outfitters in those areas who can accommodate an OTC cow elk tag?
2. Are OTC cow elk tags available for purchase by non-residents?
3. If OTC tags are available for purchase by non-residents, can they be purchased online well in advance of a fall/winter trip?
4. Might I be better suited under the circumstances to find a guided cow elk hunt for this year in another state like NM or CO, where getting a cow elk OTC/guaranteed tag might be easier?
Appreciate the assistance. I have definitely researched this to death, but I also want to make sure that I have a firm understanding of the possibilities before plotting my next move.
I was planning on hunting axis deer in Texas this year as a bit of a hunting warm up, but due to the winter weather, enough axis died off and my hunt got cancelled. In a quick pivot, I made contact with a well respected WY outfitter who agreed to submit a 2021 leftover cow tag application on my behalf - only to just find out that he didn't submit it. So now, I'm without a WY cow elk tag.
Having said all of that, I'm looking for tips on how to get a 2021 cow elk hunt booked in WY (my preferred state to start hunting) without currently having a tag in my pocket. A few questions:
1. Should I simply narrow it down to areas that have surplus tags available after the leftover draw (assuming there are any available) and then try to find outfitters in those areas who can accommodate an OTC cow elk tag?
2. Are OTC cow elk tags available for purchase by non-residents?
3. If OTC tags are available for purchase by non-residents, can they be purchased online well in advance of a fall/winter trip?
4. Might I be better suited under the circumstances to find a guided cow elk hunt for this year in another state like NM or CO, where getting a cow elk OTC/guaranteed tag might be easier?
Appreciate the assistance. I have definitely researched this to death, but I also want to make sure that I have a firm understanding of the possibilities before plotting my next move.