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Hunt Elk, Moose, and Bighorn Sheep in this Fine Western State

Erik Schell
|  
  • Erik Schell
Species: Mountain Goat, Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Elk, Antelope, Shiras Moose, Bison, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Location: Utah

Big-game hunting opportunities in Utah garner a lot of attention, for good reason. With 8 big-game species to apply for and two separate mule deer tags, the state offers a variety of tags likely to align with every hunter’s wishlist.

But the time to act is now. The 2022 draw deadline is March 3.

How the Draw Works

Utah is a first-choice state, meaning they examine every applicant’s first choice before looking at the second choice. So your first choice is the only one that counts on each application. Tags are split evenly with half of the tags awarded to those with the most points and the remaining 50% awarded to all other applicants on what can be termed the “random” element of the draw. If you apply for a hunt with five points and you are not awarded a tag, your name will be entered into the random draw five times. Obviously, these extra names in the hat offer immensely improved draw odds.

The Big 5:

Rocky Mountain Bighorn, Desert Bighorn, Shiras Moose, Rocky Mountain Goat, Bison

Utah’s topography, elevations, and climates are so vast and varied it allows Rocky Mountain bighorn, desert bighorn, Shiras moose, Rocky Mountain goat, and bison to thrive in different portions of the state. Hunters can apply for all five species. These hunts are managed for 100% success on mature animals. Utah is one of only five states that offers true free-range Boone & Crockett-eligible bison tags. If drawn for any of these five species, you can expect a memorable experience. 

Mule Deer

Over the last decade Utah has experienced a regression in average trophy size coming off the premier hunting units and a decline in terms of total herd numbers. In response, Utah has formulated a plan to revitalize the herd in conjunction with an aggressive predator management program. These programs, coupled with the current moisture outlook, should encourage mule deer enthusiasts for the near future in Utah.

Limited Entry versus General Season

Utah offers two deer applications: limited entry and general season. Both allow applicants to select from archery, muzzleloader, and rifle hunt options. Utah’s top limited-entry units rival the finest units across the West in terms of trophy production and historically high hunter-satisfaction ratings. Tag numbers are extremely limited in these areas, so we highly suggest applying with the most primitive weapon you feel comfortable hunting with to increase your draw odds.

But the general deer hunting opportunities should not be overlooked. These tags are ideal for enjoying time in Utah’s grand outdoors and can provide a great opportunity at representative bucks, specifically when hunting with an outfitter very familiar with the area. True trophy-minded hunts do exist within the general season offerings but are few and far between.

Rocky Mountain Elk

The quality of elk hunting in Utah rivals any state in the West. Just take a look at a B&C record book and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Although certain units offer higher odds of taking a 380+ bull, nearly every limited-entry unit produces 360+ bulls each year. If you are set on drawing one of the premier units, strap in, you will typically be in for a long wait. I encourage you to look at applying for the muzzleloader, archery, and late rifle hunts instead of the September rifle hunt during the heart of the bugle (which everyone else wants ) to improve overall odds. These hunts are still phenomenal opportunities, and your draw odds will monumentally increase.

Antelope

Antelope thrive across the state, but tags are extremely limited. If you are currently applying, and have points, stay the course and continue to apply yearly. If you have not started, I would encourage you to speak with one of the WTA TAGS consultants regarding opportunities outside of Utah that may offer better hunting quality without the wait that has become the norm for an antelope tag in Utah.

If you are currently applying in Utah and question your current application strategy or are simply considering applying for your first tag in the West, do not hesitate to contact WTA TAGS. The expert consulting team will give you sound advice gathered through first-hand experiences and relationships built over the last 20 years with the finest outfitters in the state.

Dial 1-800-755-8247 to speak with a consultant or click here to email.

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Chasing Waterfowl from North to South

Chasing Waterfowl from North to South

The Central Flyway is a waterfowl superhighway—a vital corridor for migrating ducks and geese—and for those of us lucky enough to be waterfowlers, it offers unmatched opportunities to hunt and experience the migration from September through January.

Over the past 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of chasing ducks around the world, but many of my favorite memories come from following this flyway, especially during those early years when my duck-obsessed father would pull my brother and me out of school every Fall to chase birds.

That’s right! We missed school every year for dedicated waterfowl trips. No regrets.

In the true north country, along the edges of Canada’s boreal forest, early-season hunts are nothing short of magical. The birds are just beginning their journey south—hungry, unpressured, and eager to settle into newly harvested grain fields. It’s a waterfowler’s paradise. The decoy spreads in these northern zones are often among the first the birds see, and their eager, uneducated responses can be absolutely breathtaking.

One of the most unforgettable sights is the famed swirling cyclone of Canada geese funneling down into a field. I can still hear my dad yelling over the deafening honks, his voice barely audible, “They can’t hear us!” The birds were so loud that those at the top of the funnel couldn’t even hear the gunfire below. If you’ve ever experienced it, you know exactly the kind of spine-tingling moment I’m talking about.

When the birds pushed south, so did we.

The prairie pothole regions of North Dakota are pure waterfowl gold. The right pothole on a cold morning—especially if you can find open water—can be magic. And if the water’s frozen? My dad had a fix: get there early, break trail through the skim ice, and push it under itself to create an opening. Voilà…open water.

I’ll never forget one frigid morning. After breaking ice, my hands were bright red and on the edge of frostbite. I looked at my dad for sympathy, but he just grinned as the puddle ducks cupped up and said, “Do you want warm hands, or do you want to shoot ducks?” Like I said, he was a fanatic. I grabbed the old Winchester pump and did my best. That day, I also learned the value of hand warmers and Gore-Tex gloves.

There are so many unforgettable moments:

  • Slipping and sliding at a Nebraska reservoir, laughing hysterically as we wondered if we’d ever get the old Suburban and trailer back up the icy boat ramp. After limiting out on greenheads.
  • Rowing across the Delta Marsh in the dark to find the perfect crescent-shaped bulrush island to set the decoys that the canvasbacks couldn’t resist.
  • Chasing snow geese in South Dakota and realizing we’d finally picked the perfect field, the one that made it worth all those hours spent spray-painting sheet-metal shell decoys in the garage.

These weren’t just hunting trips. They were memories shared with family, with friends, and with the great outdoors itself.

In the end, missing a week of school every year was worth every single minute.

The last duck hunt I shared with my admittedly duck-crazy father was a world away and half a lifetime ago. The hunt may be long over, but the memory will always stay with me.

At WTA, we’re proud to connect our clients with trusted partners so they can experience these same one-of-a-kind adventures.

We offer incredible destinations and outstanding outfitters all along the Central Flyway—from Alberta and Saskatchewan to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma—so you can create your own lasting memories.

Call Worldwide Trophy Adventures at 1-800-346-8747 today to book your trip of a lifetime.

See Central Flyway Hunts
The Return of the Golden Age of Dove Hunting in Argentina

The Return of the Golden Age of Dove Hunting in Argentina

Argentina has long been celebrated as a premier destination for wingshooting, particularly dove hunting. The sheer volume of doves that flock to the skies year-round has drawn hunters from around the globe who are eager for a top-tier hunt. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand why many consider Argentina to be home to the best shotgunning experiences on the planet.

A New Dawn in Entre Rios

WTA has collaborated with one of the pioneers of dove hunting in Cordoba who has recently expanded operations to the stunning province of Entre Rios. This new location has quickly become the gold standard for high-volume dove shooting. With decades of experience, this outfitter and their dedicated team have built an extraordinary destination, boasting some of the most impressive dove flights seen in years.

Entre Rios is home to multiple roosts, each housing millions of birds. The proximity of these roosts to the lodge means minimal travel time to the hunting fields, allowing clients to maximize their shooting opportunities. You can expect to shoot as much as you desire, making this a truly unparalleled experience.

 

Convenient Access

Getting to Entre Rios is a breeze. Located just a 2 ½-hour drive from Buenos Aires International Airport, clients can take direct overnight flights from several major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Miami. By midday, you could be savoring authentic Argentine BBQ, complete with sausages and a variety of fresh cuts of beef, before heading out for your first afternoon of hunting.

Unmatched Service and Cuisine 

From the moment you arrive, expect nothing less than white-glove service. Argentina is renowned for its exceptional cuisine and hospitality, and this outfitter excels in providing multi-course meals and comfortable accommodations. With years of expertise, they elevate customer service to the highest standards, ensuring a memorable experience.

Beyond Dove Hunting

In addition to dove hunting, Argentina offers fantastic opportunities for duck hunting. The prairie pothole region of the Pampas is teeming with diverse species, and local hunting pressure is minimal. Guided by experienced professionals, these American-style decoy hunts are truly unforgettable. Combine this with exciting partridge hunting behind well-trained pointing dogs, and you have a perfect opportunity for a mixed hunt during the winter months of May through August.

Experience the Golden Age

Don’t miss your chance to experience the resurgence of high-volume wingshooting in Argentina. With convenient travel options and unparalleled service, this is an adventure every wing shooter should have on their bucket list. Come and enjoy some of the finest hunting the world has to offer!

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Mexico’s World-Class Wingshooting

Mexico’s World-Class Wingshooting

For over three decades, Muy Grande Outfitters has been the premier spot for wingshooters from all over the world. Tucked away in Hermosillo, Sonora just south of Arizona, this outfit’s deep local roots and deep commitment to quality and safety make it the ideal choice for hunters looking for action-packed bird hunting in Mexico’s beautiful and rugged terrain.

While Muy Grande is known for trophy mule deer hunts, their wingshooting is truly world-class. Specializing in dove hunting, they offer three and four-night packages hunting mourning, white-winged, and Eurasian doves. Muy Grande has access to Sonora’s best hunting ground and an amazing team of professionals, so it’s no surprise that their wingshooting has been so popular.

Upon your arrival, your team meets you at the airport and takes you directly to the lodge where a traditional Mexican lunch will be waiting for you. After you get settled in, you’ll head out for the afternoon hunt. In the field, you’re paired with a “bird boy” who keeps you stocked with ammo and retrieves your birds. The day caps off with another fantastic meal.

The upcoming days follow a similar rhythm. You’ll eat a hearty breakfast and then head out on the morning hunt. After a few hours in the field, you’ll head back to the lodge to rest up during lunch, before heading back out on the afternoon hunt. Muy Grande’s pros handle all of the logistics so you can focus solely on the hunt.

Mexico offers some unique advantages compared to other wingshooting destinations. For one, it’s incredibly accessible. If you’re flying from California, for example, you could leave in the morning and arrive in Mexico and be ready to hunt by noon. It’s a quick flight and easy entry compared to places like Argentina.

Mexico offers an exceptional hunting experience that stands up to those of Argentina. Hunters enjoy a fast-paced and exhilarating adventure. Muy Grande’s meticulously managed properties ensure abundant opportunities to bag your fill of birds, delivering a top-tier, dynamic hunt that meets the highest expectations.

If you want to mix it up, Muy Grande offers the option to add waterfowl hunts to your trip. Depending on rainfall and water levels, you might encounter teal, pintails, mallards, and even the elusive Mexican black duck. It’s a mixed bag of fun, with the exact species varying by season and conditions.

If you’re after something truly special, ask about adding quail or Pacific black brant hunts to your trip. Quail hunting is done on foot, tracking and flushing birds, while brant hunting takes place on the water. Both hunts depend on the season and weather, so it’s worth checking ahead to see what’s available during your stay.

Your home base is Muy Grande’s dedicated 12-room lodge. It’s a sweet setup with showers, a private chef, and an open bar. It’s the same spot used for big game hunts but primarily reserved for bird hunters. Comfortable and well-equipped, it’s just a 15-minute drive from the airport. It’s the perfect place for unwinding after a long day of hunting.

Muy Grande takes safety very seriously. Despite what you might hear in the news about Mexico, hunting with Muy Grande is as safe as hunting anywhere else. Their intimate knowledge of the region ensures all hunts take place in secure areas, and they handle everything from airport pickup to hunting licenses and shotgun permits. You should bring your own shotgun, but if you can’t, they have loaners on hand.

Muy Grande Outfitters has mastered the art of delivering top-notch, exciting hunts in Mexico, and their wingshooting packages are no exception. Whether you’re chasing doves, adding a waterfowl hunt, or pursuing the elusive Pacific brant, Muy Grande serves up an unforgettable experience with all the trimmings.

For hunters seeking a quick getaway with great wingshooting and first-rate lodging, Muy Grande Outfitters fits the bill perfectly. Reach out to WTA today to book your next wingshooting adventure in Mexico!

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