Nine Preference Points

[Swede]

I have nine preference points. That is far too many to use on any mediocre hunt, but far short of a great one. I just got to looking, and if I hold out to get 15-18 points, I can get a top quality unit. That will make me over 76 years old when I get that sweet kiss from the State, and an crisp new tag. That would put me into a unit with a 55% - 58% success rate. Usually the people that draw a tag hold out for a large bull. With one to five points I can go on a draw hunt that has 30% - 32% success.
Conclusion: 30% every other year or 58% every 17 or 18 years. I must be nuts. I have already applied for this year, but next year with ten points, I think I will use my points on a hunt that needs only 11 points rate and head out.
With point creep I may be over 100 years old before I get the best of the best units, and that 58% success. I guess I could get a handicapped permit and let someone else shoot for me.
You jerks don't all need to pile on. I am already feeling very poorly.

[Indian Summer]

In Ohio?

[Elkhntr08]

Assume your talking Colorado. With the new app system, no pay, I’m afraid the creep is going to be unreal. Everyone with a computer will be applying. Used to grumble about coughing up 600+ to apply, but it did cut down on the number of applications. I know a lot of guys feeling your pain. Heck I’m dropping out of the Wyoming moose rat race. I’d be pushing 70 and have $800 wrapped up in points by the time that I might draw the tap.

[otcWill]

The good news, 30% is great! That'd be about the highest success rate unit I've ever hunted and I think for a seasoned elk hunter like yourself, those units are an absolute treat. Draw and enjoy. Then draw again in a few years. Good luck!

[saddlesore]

I don't build points anymore, but I did draw a unit with 21 points back in 2009. However, I never missed an elk season while doing so and was usually very successful in those years.
I think in a few years we will see CO and other states revise their points system

[ElkNut1]

You're not getting any younger, use them up!

ElkNut/Paul

[WapitiTalk1]

Pretty sure Swede's talking Oregon. Apply for the 30% success rate hunt with your current points John! Go get em

[Swede]

RJ is right. I am talking Oregon. I wish there was a way to use just two or three points, but it is all or none. Still I am going to plan on a 10 or 11 point unit next year, the Lord willing. I may try another State again for bow hunting and get a rifle tag for Oregon. There are a bunch of good rifle tags available for a person with 10 points.

[stringunner]

I want to hear your thoughts on units. I too am sitting at 9-10 points and the likely hood ever drawing one of the big 3 units is far off. I could hunt really really close to home in the ochoco unit every 2-3 years if I dump these points. I was thinking a muzzle loader tag maybe with the points. Hmm something to ponder.

[ishy]

I have been having this debate for 16 years with myself. I have spent way too much time trying to figure out Utah's top end units and what would give this meat hunter a shot at a once in a lifetime set of antlers. I stepped back and saw that a couple friends have hunted a "lesser quality unit" with great success, and I started hunting in this Unit 25 years ago. I also have enough points that I can share points with a great mentor that has always been there for my family, and always has always put others in the shooting position. If numbers stay the same we have 100% odds. I might be off, but I think if you have knowledge of an area and it is close enough to spend more time scouting those factors can weigh more than trophy "potential" in some areas.