Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting KY Elk Draw Blues...

Sat through the full hour and half replay. 20th year for the KY Elk Drawing. 20th year to make a donation and come up empty...

The Commissioner dropped a teaser that they were working on "something" like a point system for folks who apply every year, but are not drawn. However, would not give details. All he would say is something coming in the next few weeks. During last year's drawing, they claimed there were only 6 people who had applied every year and never been drawn. Which was a bald faced lie. I know that many people. This year they admitted that there were approximately 100 people who had applied each year and never been drawn. Headed in the right direction. However, betting still under estimated.

Curious to see what kind of remedy or strategy they come up with... AND, if the remedy will give credit for 20 years of previous donations ???

Doesn’t matter. Governor and Comrade Breshear will have all the Kentucky Elk in full lock-down this Fall.

No luck for me either. Maybe next time. ....

I was super lucky and was drawn for a firearm bull tag for the first week. Anyone have any guide suggestions?

Just say no to a point system! Whether that be preference or bonus. The pure random draw is the fairest, simplest way to administer a draw.

LMO - Lost Mountain Outfitter always got good reviews, and posted up nice "Hero Pictures" when I followed the KY Hunting forum on a regular basis. Not cheap. But seem to have good success rate.



As someone who has contributed to the KY Elk Draw every year for the past 20 years, generally contributing to EVERY OPTION for most of those 20 years, I strongly disagree...

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Me too! Not drawn, but I was drawn in 2010 for a cow firearm tag, so I can’t feel as bad as those who have never been drawn.

LMO - Lost Mountain Outfitter always got good reviews, and posted up nice "Hero Pictures" when I followed the KY Hunting forum on a regular basis. Not cheap. But seem to have good success rate.

I don’t mind paying if they have a good reputation and land access. I know it’s still hunting so nothing is guaranteed but I would like the odd to be as much in my favor as possible. It was like Christmas morning last night guest I saw the results so o stayed up looking at reviews and LMO seemed to be the best option. I am just wondering how expensive it will be.

Thanks,
J

"My understanding" there are private and public lands available in SE KY to hunt elk. However, the strip mine reclaims comprise much of the prime habitat. And the guide services have leased up most of the reclaims with the coal companies. Made up my mind long ago that if I ever got lucky and drew a KY Elk tag, I would spend the extra money on a guide service to ensure I had a reasonable chance at a representative animal.

LMO is not the only option. I am guessing not the low cost option. However they have (had?) a good rep on the KY Hunting forum for good success and easy to work with.

It seems they get the most mentions as well as Beaver Creek. I have seen it pop up multiple times. I plan to use a guide. It just makes the most sense with how hard it is to get a bull tag.

Nothing wrong with that, it'll be a while before you get another chance.

The odds on drawing your elk tags sound about like the odds on our moose out here, Draw one, and thank your lucky stars. So, congratulations and good luck!!

It’s always funny how the celebs get to hunt KY. Meateater, the most popular outdoor show right now, got a tag given to him by RMEF and he shot a nice bull. Stated it on the show....RMEF gave him a bull tag. Ain’t life funny?

Since there wouldn't be elk in KY without RMEF, I'm not sure why you are gassed up about them getting a tag? I'm betting they can get one anytime they want.

Double edged sword, Timber runner.

I only apply for bull firearm. I’d love to get drawn. But I’m not losing sleep over it. I know enough “common people” with zero connections that have been drawn. So the thought that it’s rigged doesn’t really enter my mind. And if it is.....it is.

I am not connected to anyone, and have only applied for two years so I don’t think it’s rigged. But I’ve been wrong once before.

Me too. It was back in '62........

I've read that their were something like 90K applicants for 600 tags. A points system, even a preference points system, would not improve your odds much an in no way would guarantee that you'd draw. But, would likely make sure that those that come after you have even worse odds than you did for the past 20yrs. I play the points game in multiple states as that's the hand I'm dealt, but I am not a fan at all of them.

This. People think they are "guaranteed" a tag with a point system over time. That's a notable fallacy. All a point system does is guarantee you to be lighter in the wallet. Sure, it will improve your odds for those "medium" draw odd tags, but statisiticlly speaking you'd likely draw it over time anyway. Nothing more "fair" than everyone gets their name thrown in the hat, plus it doesn't screw all new hunters (kids) entering the system.

Dave