Ok, guys- some of you may remember my post about my first elk hunt this year, and another post about learning to DIY hunt elk for an Eastern hunter. In the meantime, somehow I am in the planning stages of a moose hunt and have some WY antelope points that I will probably draw next year. Anyway, it unfortunately looks like it may be a few years before I get to go elk hunting again, but, I am not complaining considering the situation. Anyway- if you wanted to start gaining points for an area that reasonably produces big bulls, where would you be spending your money? I know I'm a bit late to get preference points this year (or am I?), but it's something I do want to start doing. I don't know if the hunt I'm grabbing points for will be a DIY hunt or a guided hunt, I'm open to either, but I'm in the very early planning stages of this.

Any help would be appreciated, and I look forward to hearing your expertise!

Only state you can get points for this year is WY. The draws are over in the other states.

You can apply in Idaho next year and have an equal chance with every other applicant. No point system.

Montana. 100% draw for many years on NR Elk combination licenses.

CO you can put in for just the preference point.

idaho and new mexico. no point system. def apply there (next year).

Wyoming you can still buy a point this year. and they only started with points I think 7 years ago? So start building now. And you could always put in for the special draw (more $$$) and also have a better chance at a tag.

nevada point system is good too. points are squared, so more points more chances. But always have at least a small chance of drawing.

might as well start on Arizona too. You'll be way behind on points, but still a slight chance in most units.

hell, just put in for all of the western states. Application season is pretty fun for me. You just never know when you might get lucky.