Tag Application Services?

[dgolden]

Question for you guys applying in multiple states… are yall using an application service to assist you? GOHUNT, Huntin Fool etc?
I currently have points for Colorado deer and elk, Kansas deer, and I had points in Montana but believe I lost them.
I'd like to start applying for a few others as well (really want to go after a mule deer). Are these places beneficial since each state handles things differently? Any advice is appreciated!

 

[AT Hiker]

I do applications myself. I have no idea the cost or benefits of an application service.

Are you planning to go guided? If so, research and find some reputable outfitters. Contact them and they can usually guide you through the process. States like NM and MT have outfitter only draws.

 

[dgolden]

I do applications myself. I have no idea the cost or benefits of an application service.

Are you planning to go guided? If so, research and find some reputable outfitters. Contact them and they can usually guide you through the process. States like NM and MT have outfitter only draws.

I would like to do a guided hunt again one day, but we've been cutting our teeth in Colorado the last few years and have learned a lot. I would like to be able to make 2 trips a year out west DIY hunting if possible. That's what has me thinking of applying for multiple states.

 

[AT Hiker]

I would like to do a guided hunt again one day, but we've been cutting our teeth in Colorado the last few years and have learned a lot. I would like to be able to make 2 trips a year out west DIY hunting if possible. That's what has me thinking of applying for multiple states.

I just did a quick look at Huntin Fools cost. $55 per state and $10 per species (plus the cost the state charges).

I'll tell ya this, the info they use on where to decide to apply (except for boots on the ground knowledge) is no secrete. All that info can be found on a states website. Is that worth the extra money? IDK, possibly.
Take AZ for example; if you want a trophy mule deer most people put in for the Kiabab. Odds of drawing are slightly above zero, Huntin Fool is not going to improve your odds for that tag but they might suggest a unit with lower trophy potential and slightly higher odds (maybe 10%). Is that worth it?

I'm speculating on what they do but I'm confident that I'm close in my assumptions.

Also, don't get hung up on "trophy" status of units/areas. Particularly with mule deer, trophies are a thing of the past. Sure, they exist and hard work/luck will get ya there but these places are nothing like they used to be. Me, I have way more fun doing an adventure hunt and setting my expectations of a "trophy" for something realistic. Honest opinion, a 4x4 mule in most any area with OTC or easy to obtain tags is something to be extremely proud of.

One last opinion. As a traveling hunter I think your best bet is to hunt as much as possible in a given area. Learn it and after a few times if it doesn't pan out, move on. Drawing a premo tag does you know good if you're limited on time and know very little about the area or species your hunting. Been there, done that.

 

[dgolden]

Thanks AT! Ive been chasing elk for 5 years in a CO unit known for deer. I've got another 1 or 2 years before I can draw a deer tag there. After years of looking at 100's of deer with no tag, I'm just ready to hunt a mule deer!
That makes sense about the info they are providing. I'll start researching draw odds for a few other states. For some reason NM and Idaho stand out to me. At this point any legal bull or buck out west is a trophy to me!

 

[ThorThor]

I do it all myself. I get Epic Outdoors only to help with easy updates on states without sifting through state websites. They started Huntinfool then Jason Carters dad sold it so Jason started his own business ( epic outdoors ). I do 10 states and have for 16-20 years since I could somewhat afford it. The information is there you have dig it out. I know they have guides they recommend and get a kickback from the guides when they book through them. The couple I am familiar with are solid guides. I have a good working knowledge of most states if you have any questions, PM me. I will tell you where to go as long as it is not where I am going !!
Idaho is due June 5, pure random you're not behind in the point system. Give it a try or sit on the couch and then count squirrels this fall, same thing I tell my friends that wonder how I pull good tags every year

 

[dgolden]

I do it all myself. I get Epic Outdoors only to help with easy updates on states without sifting through state websites. They started Huntinfool then Jason Carters dad sold it so Jason started his own business ( epic outdoors ). I do 10 states and have for 16-20 years since I could somewhat afford it. The information is there you have dig it out. I know they have guides they recommend and get a kickback from the guides when they book through them. The couple I am familiar with are solid guides. I have a good working knowledge of most states if you have any questions, PM me. I will tell you where to go as long as it is not where I am going !!
Idaho is due June 5, pure random you're not behind in the point system. Give it a try or sit on the couch and then count squirrels this fall, same thing I tell my friends that wonder how I pull good tags every year

Thanks Thor! I'm looking into that now. I may send you a PM later today.
I'm sick of watching everybody else do it while I'm on the couch!