I am looking to enlist one of the commercially available tag applications services to help me apply for tags in desirable hunting areas. Does anyone have any experience with either the U.S. Outfitters or Cabela's TAGS services? Pros and/or cons of either? Obviously the U.S. Outfitters’ service is more restrictive since one has to use one of their guides if successfully drawn- anything else that I need to know about?


Thanks,

KW

If you are planning on applying for anything in AZ. Call Duwane Adams! Can't help you in any of the other states, but here in AZ, call Duwane. He'll take good care of you and steer you the right way.

I heard Cabelas TAG service screwed a bunch of hunters or potential hunters out of the AZ draw, then tryied to get AZGFD to allow them into the draw after the deadline had expired and screw the people who got theirs in on time. I don't know the whole story, but thats what I heard. Besides that, they are a decent system as far I know.

USO had that big law suit against western states, and I am sure that cost a pretty sum to the states. No use for them, but thats me. I met the owner of USO in the border town of Naco one year. Seemed like a nice man. We just have differences in state rights and business decisions. Can't fault the man. I have heard good things about their service too.

In any event, I am sure they are great for other states, but if I was looking in AZ i'd call Duwane.

Kique

There are a few application services. Some specialize in certain species and states. Garth Carter- Huntin Fool is another you might look into. If I was interested in a service I might want to go with a smaller service that was more personal like Larry Altimus' Hunter Application Service(H.A.S.) Sorry for clouding the situation more! I would stay away from U.S.O. just for the fact that you have to use them. Which might not always be the best choice.

I would second garth carter of the HUNTINFOOL, small enuff operation that they will always answer your calls. i do all my app's myself, but if i didnt, i'd use carters over cabela's (missed the arizona deadline last year)or uso, (which arent really popular folks out west anymore).

That is too important of a process in my life to entrust to another individual.

Thanks for the info guys.

1Minute, I appreciate your position but even an unreliable service would have a better record of getting the applications in than I do. My work/travel schedule is at its heaviest at the time of year when applications are due- keeping up with them is pretty tough on the road.

+1 on what Enrique said. I wouldn't touch Cabelas TAGS or USO with a ten foot pole.

I'll do it for you for $1000! Seriously...

Once one gets the hang of it, it's really not that hard. I have a spreadsheet of when, what's due, where. Plus, if you it online they save your information, so it all reality once you get set up it takes about 3 hours a month!

pointer:

How do you know what units to put in for? I have thought about using a service also because I don't have a good idea what is the best state or unit.

Scott

subscribe to Huntin' Fool (Gart Carter), mentioned above.

they've gotten much bigger over the years but still have very good info by state. well worth the $100/year