One advantage to booking a fully guided hunt is that it often assures you guaranteed tags in hard-to-draw units! This is because outfitters typically have a certain number of tags allocated to them.
Let’s first clarify one important point in this article. I’m speaking to hunters looking to go on an outfitted hunt, not DIY. If this included the option of DIY hunts, my opinion would change. Also, my suggestions are the most cost effective. I will not discuss Landowner tags, Vouchers, auction tags, Conservation Permits, or Governors tags as often they can go for 10’s and even 100’s of thousands of dollars. *For the hunters who can afford this strategy we can be helpful.
Planning in advance is essential!
Hoping to draw isn’t a good strategy.
It’s much easier, and not that much more expensive to work with an outfitter who offers guaranteed tags (usually about $100-$2,500 more because of the tag cost). Now we can help you plan in advance and get’r done!
States that Offer Guaranteed Tags
A few of the states that offer guaranteed tags, plus hunting on killer ground are New Mexico, Idaho, Colorado and Utah.
- You can purchase tags directly from landowners in Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.
- Idaho the outfitters receive “outfitter allocated tags” and to get one you have to book a guided hunt. Tags in Idaho are ILLEGAL (as of now) to sell or buy.
- Utah recently implemented their tax deductible Conservation Tag Program.
Building Points
The points needed to draw are often creeping by a point every year.
It’s a running horse that many will not catch. I think, long term, your better off applying in state that isn’t doing the points system. Your chance to draw sooner is more likely because of lack of participation. The only time we recommend clients to participate in the points system is when a unit only takes a few points to draw (this is common in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico).
Well, there you have it. Let us know if we can be helpful in your quest to hunt “exclusive” ground for elk and deer. With enough advanced notice (often 1-2 years) you can have a guaranteed hunt for a reasonable price in the top end areas of the west.
Outdoors International can help you skip the draws and book the hunt of a lifetime.
As consultants for Outdoors International, we help hunters plan their hunts on a daily basis. This is what we do 24 and 7. In helping clients hunt in exclusive areas, with top end trophy quality, I’m talking 185-200+ muleys and 330-350+ elk.
THE OI DRAW
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Step 1
Browse the active draws below and apply for any trip(s) that interest you, and purchase as many chances as you want to increase your odds.
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Step 3
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You should also follow our Instagram page @theoidraw so you can stay in the loop.
OI DRAW WINNERS
I am so grateful for the opportunity
"Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PHs and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa to see them again 100%."
-Brye Mangum | 2023 Winner
Thank you Outdoors International
"Very excited for the trip! I’ll be bringing my dad along with me. If you haven’t put in for the OI draws you should these guys are legit!"
-Tyler Kirk | 2018 Winner
It was the trip of a lifetime!
"I won an OI Draw and it turned out to be one of my most memorable and rewarding hunts. I always dreamed about Africa, but never thought it'd be a reality for me."
-Dason Lasater | 2018 Winner
Thousands of people have trusted Outdoors International to help plan their hunt.
We have a team of hand-selected hunting experts to help you book your next trip. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great adventure with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.
My hunt was absolutely top notch.
The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.
Wade Zuver
Our hunt was excellent.
We saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was amazing. Outdoors International did a great job of finding exactly what we were looking for.
Jesse Neveau
What an amazing experience!
The hunting lodge was out of this world!, Rooms, food and the scenery were all A+. Our guide was exceptional and had us on Shiras moose all five days. We saw over 30 total with at least 10 bulls. They had a plan for everything including taxidermy and game processing.
Kayla Redmon
