Don’t Sit on the Sidelines

Don’t Sit on the Sidelines

Tags are getting harder to draw. More hunters are entering the game, fewer tags are available, and the rules seem to shift every season. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting into western big game, one thing is clear: you need more than luck—you need a plan.

At HuntQuarters, we help hunters get serious about that plan. Because sitting out another fall doesn't just mean missing a hunt. It means missing opportunities, missing progress, and losing ground.

It’s Only Getting Tougher to Draw Tags

Every year, demand seems goes up and tag numbers seem to go down. Western States are typically managing wildlife more conservatively, point creep is getting worse, and the draw system isn’t getting easier to navigate.

Too many hunters are putting in for the same handful of “good units,” hoping for lightning to strike, or just building points endlessly without knowing where they’re going.

Here’s the truth: a long-term strategy beats short-term luck every time.

Play the Odds—Don’t Just Build Points

You don't have to wait 8+ years for a tag. The goal isn’t just to build points—it's to hunt more often.

Yes, you should still chase that once-in-a-lifetime elk tag or trophy mule deer unit. But in the years you're unlikely to draw, you can still be in the field:

  • Apply for tags with realistic draw odds
  • Hunt general units that offer solid experiences
  • Build a strategy around rotation

Bucket List Hunts Belong on the Calendar, Not Just in Your Head

Dream hunts don’t happen by accident. And waiting until "someday" often means never.

If you're not going to draw this year, make that your year to plan and prep:

  • Do the research
  • Build points strategically
  • Scout areas
  • Train physically and sharpen your skills
  • Book guided or out-of-state trips for species with better availability

Fill the Gaps 

When you start to get your plan in place and understand draw odds, you can anticipate when you'll draw in preference point states, and on the flip side, know which years you probably won't draw anything. But there are plenty of other options to fill your fall with exceptional hunts. It may mean some planning, extra travel, or chasing a different species, but options are available every year.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hunts

  • No draw required—buy a tag and go.
  • Look at resident opportunities in your state, and NR opportunities in many states. Western states OTC opportunities are dwindling, but midwest, eastern states, Alaska, Hawaii and others have OTC tags for a variety of species.
  • Look at trophy game species like Black Bear, Mtn Lion, Wolf, Javelina, Feral Hogs, and other species that are typically available over-the-counter in multiple states.

Private Land / Landowner Tags / Trespass Fees

  • Access private land through landowner voucher programs or trespass fee arrangements.
  • Often overlooked—can lead to quality hunts without playing the draw game.
  • States like New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah are popular for landowner tag options.
  • Build relationships with landowners for repeat access.

Unlimited or Guaranteed Draw Hunts

  • Some units have tags that almost always go undersubscribed. Idaho has some controlled hunts that are guaranteed if you put in for them.
  • Explore antlerless options.

Bucket List Hunts (with Real Odds)

  • Stop saying “someday.” Start planning now.
  • There are more affordable or options than you think, and many can be purchased OTC or from the landowner:
    • Alaska DIY - Moose, Caribou, Sitka Blacktail, Elk, Black Bear, and more...
    • Axis deer in Hawaii or Texas
    • New Zealand Adventure

Predator Hunts

  • Coyotes, bobcats, and foxes are open in many places year-round.
  • Great way to hone calling, fieldcraft, and shooting skills.
  • Minimal cost and gear—great “off-season” filler.
  • Often overlaps with scouting for future big game areas and can typically be done close to home

Birds, Iguanas, and Other Offbeat Opportunities

  • Turkeys in the spring and fall—draw or OTC in most states.
  • Upland game birds like grouse, chukar, and pheasant offer fast-paced action.
  • For the wild at heart: Iguana hunting in Florida, feral goats in Hawaii, or other options
  • All of these build confidence, woodsmanship, and field experience.
Hunter with Black Bear

Hunt Local. Resident Opportunities are Typically the Most Available

If you live in a western state, you’ve got an edge—and it’s probably closer than you think.

Resident tags are often more affordable, easier to draw, and available for a wider range of species. You don’t always need a premium tag or an out-of-state trip to sharpen your skills or punch a tag. In fact, local hunts are one of the most overlooked tools in your hunting toolbox.

Every year, look for:

  • General season hunts for elk, deer, or antelope
  • Leftover or undersubscribed tags
  • Cow, doe, or late-season opportunities (Some are Additional)

Second Chances: 2nd Draws, Leftover Tags & Turn-Back Opportunities

Even if you didn’t draw in the main application period, it’s not over.

Most western states offer additional chances to pick up a tag after the main draw through things like second draws, leftover tag sales, and reissued (or turn-back) tags. These options are often overlooked—but can be a goldmine for flexible and informed hunters.

Plan Smarter. Hunt More. Sit Out Less.

If you’re tired of being on the sidelines, a HuntQuarters membership can help.

We build custom application strategies based on your points, goals, and time. We take the guesswork out of state systems. And we help you prioritize both big dreams and realistic hunts—because both matter.

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