I live and hunt in Oregon, but really want to start planing an out of state hunt. I would like to start gaining preference points this year if possible. Which western state offers the best opportunity to take a bull?
No bonus point system in Idaho. If you are an archery hunter, a lot of the premium draw only rifle hunts in Idaho have OTC archery hunts in them and can be quite good
In Wyoming a NR has to draw even the general tag so unless you want to pay for the special tag which is about $1000 you'll need 1 point or more to draw the general tag. If you fork out for the special draw you have a chance at drawing with 0 points.
I am originally from Oregon and moved to Idaho three years ago. I bow hunted elk in Oregon and loved it. Now bow hunting in Idaho and its even better. Lots of great units with OTC tags and no point system. If you want a good opportunity to hunt elk then Idaho is a great place.
As everyone has mentioned, Idaho is hard to beat with the over the counter tags. I have had several great trips to Idaho.
If you want to spend some cash and have a great chance at a 350 class bull or bigger then Utah is where you want to go. Some of the best elk hunting anywhere but it takes too long to draw so you would have to purchase a conservation tag and that can get expensive.
Stay away from the Selway it used to be an amazing place to hunt but it has slowly fallen off hunting quality although it is very beautiful the wolves have really beaten up the herd.
