im thinking rifle for my first time. someone told me tho that During rifle season its overrun with local hunters,etc. that know the land better or what not. that id have better luck just applying for a tag and hoping to get in a good unit. is that likely or is it still worth going for it buying an otc tag and going whatever way i plan.
The way I look at it, any season hunting elk is better than one sitting at home.
Do the locals and hunters experienced in an area know the land better than someone who has probably never seen it before? Yes, but that�s no reason to stay home.
Are some areas overrun with hunters? Yes again, but you can bet the elk will soon be somewhere else. Getting away from the crowds has never been hard for us, even on public land. Moreover, you can often use the actions and movements of other hunters to your advantage.
It is too late this year but next year you can start collecting Preference Points and save them up for a choice area if that is what you want. Then get a leftover cow tag and and/or an over-the-counter bull tag and go hunting, something you can still do this year as well.
Hunting cows is a great way to get to know an area and ups your chances of success significantly due to bull/cow ratios. Once you know an area you can put that knowledge to good use and increase your chances of getting a bull.
If only antlers will do for your first hunt, be prepared to join the ranks of the 75% of all hunters who go home empty-handed.