Why So Many Hunters Fail to Draw a Tag (and How to Avoid It)

If you've ever stared at your email in frustration after another "Unsuccessful" notice from a state wildlife agency, you're not alone. Every year, thousands of hunters across the West ask the same question: "Why can’t I draw a hunting tag?" 

But here's the truth: most hunters fail to draw a tag not just because of bad luck, but because they don't fully understand how the hunting tag application system works. In this blog, we'll break it down in simple terms, covering the lottery process, preference points, and strategies to improve your chances. By the end, you'll know exactly how to draw hunting tags more consistently and avoid the most common mistakes.

What Does It Mean to "Draw a Hunting Tag"?

Drawing a hunting tag means winning the right to hunt a specific animal (like elk, deer, or sheep) in a certain area during a given season. Most Western states don't sell big game licenses over the counter for every species. Instead, they use a lottery or draw system to manage wildlife populations and hunting pressure.

When you apply, your name goes into a pool along with thousands of others. If you're lucky, or if you've built up preference points, you may get selected and receive your hunting license (the "tag"). If not, you'll have to wait until next year.

Why So Many Hunters Fail to Draw a Tag

Let’s take a look at why so many hunters fail to draw a tag: 

1. High Demand, Low Supply

   Western big game hunting is more popular than ever. For example, Colorado may have 200,000 applicants for a limited number of elk tags. With that many names in the hat, odds are slim for many units.

2. Complicated Point Systems

   Many states use preference points or bonus points. Hunters who apply year after year build up points, which improve their odds. New hunters often get discouraged because they're competing against people with decades of points.

3. Applying Incorrectly

   Mistakes like choosing the wrong hunt code, missing deadlines, or forgetting to buy a qualifying license can disqualify your application instantly.

4. Chasing “Dream Hunts” Only

   Everyone wants to hunt trophy elk in Arizona or desert sheep in Nevada. But if you only apply for the most sought-after units, your odds will always be near zero.

5. Not Understanding the Rules by State

   Each state runs its own system. What works in Wyoming might not apply in Utah. Many hunters fail because they don't do enough research.

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About the Hunting License Application Process

How to Improve Your Odds of Drawing a Tag

Here are some ways in which you can improve your odds of drawing a tag: 

1. Build Points Early

   Start applying in states with preference point systems as soon as possible. Even if you can't hunt this year, buying points now helps you later.

2. Apply Smart, Not Just Hard

   Mix your applications. Sure, apply for that dream bull elk unit, but also include realistic second and third choices.

3. Research Hunt Units

   Look at harvest reports, draw odds, and population surveys. States often publish this data, and it gives you a clear picture of your chances.

4. Consider Over-the-Counter (OTC) Tags

   Some states (like Colorado for elk and Idaho for certain deer hunts) still offer OTC tags. These aren't guaranteed for every species, but they can keep you hunting while you build points elsewhere.

5. Don't Miss Deadlines

   Tag applications usually open in the spring, but each state has different cutoffs. Mark your calendar so you never miss an opportunity.

How Different States Handle Hunting Tag Applications

Each state has its own way of handling the hunting tag applications, and here are some to help you understand how the system works: 

• Colorado: Preference point system for elk, deer, and antelope. OTC tags are available for some elk hunts.
• Arizona: Bonus points system, with some tags set aside for the highest-point holders.
• Wyoming: Mix of preference points and random draws, making it fairer for new hunters.
• Nevada: Strict bonus points system. Sheep and trophy hunts are some of the hardest in the country to draw.
• Utah: Limited-entry hunts require years of point-building, but general season hunts are more accessible.

Understanding these systems is critical to mastering the Western big game hunting application process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The common mistakes that you need to avoid are: 

1. Not buying a Qualifying License (required in many states before applying).
2. Ignoring the Fine Print (like weapon restrictions or unit boundaries).
3. Putting All Applications in “Trophy Units.”
4. Forgetting to apply for Youth or Group Hunts (better odds in some cases).
5. Not having a Backup Plan if you don’t draw.

Tips for New Hunters

Here are some tips that new hunters should follow for a remarkable and unforgettable adventure: 

• Start with states that still offer OTC opportunities.
• Building points in multiple states is an investment in your hunting future.
• Learn the rules for each species. Elk, mule deer, and pronghorn have different draw odds.
• Stay consistent. Most hunters who eventually draw premium tags applied for 10+ years before success.

Why Persistence Pays Off

Yes, the draw system can feel frustrating, but it’s also what keeps Western big game hunting sustainable. By spreading out opportunity, wildlife agencies make sure herds stay healthy and future generations can enjoy the hunt.

If you stay patient, apply smart, and keep hunting with OTC or easier-to-draw tags while you build points, your time will come. When that long-awaited “Successful” email finally lands in your inbox, you’ll know every year of applying was worth it.

Final Thoughts

Drawing a hunting tag is not just about luck; it is about strategy, persistence, and smart applications. By understanding the rules, applying them in multiple states, and balancing dream hunts with realistic options, you will increase your odds and stay in the field year after year. This approach keeps you hunting consistently, gaining more experience, and enjoying the outdoors year after year.