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The Draw You Don’t Want To Miss

Erik Schell
|  
  • Erik Schell
Are you an elk or deer hunter? If your answer is yes, then you need to have the March 17th, New Mexico application deadline on your radar – here’s why.

Equal Odds Are Your Best Odds

The New Mexico big-game draw is a 100% lottery-style draw. No point system is in place, which evens the playing field for all applicants. New Mexico does require applicants to submit the entire tag fee at the time of application, which can quickly add-up and deter applicants all together or limit the number of applications you are comfortable submitting. WTA TAGS will submit these fees at the time of application on your behalf.

Non-Resident Quotas

Currently, nonresidents are allotted 16% of the total tags for each species. Of which, 6% go into the “unguided pool” and 10% go into the “guided pool.”  If you enter the “guided pool” you must hire an outfitter once successfully drawn. By applying through WTA TAGS into the “guided pool” your odds of successfully drawing a tag will increase substantially. It is not uncommon to double your odds of winning. Once successfully drawn, WTA TAGS will be able to assist pairing you with the finest outfitter for the tag you have drawn. This is a pivotal component in maximizing any great draw tag. Rates for a fully-guided hunt will vary, but $5,000-$7,000 is to be expected. This is a huge savings when compared to hunts of similar quality with guaranteed tags.

How The Draw Works

You are allotted three choices on your application for elk and deer. When your application is randomly selected, each choice will be looked at in the order they were submitted before moving to the next applicant. This is crucial when it comes to maximizing your odds of drawing a premium tag as you must understand the draw odds, draw trends and the specific attributes of each season in each respective unit. You must also consider the style of hunting you prefer prior to applying. Do you like to hunt on horseback? Do you prefer to stay in a lodge? Are wall-tent camps more appealing? If you apply through WTA TAGS you can be assured all of this information is taken into account prior to your Consultant selecting the hunts you will be applied for.

Weapon Choice

When applying into the New Mexico draw, one might consider applying with a more primitive weapon; archery and muzzleloader tags are typically much easier to draw than rifle tags and often fall over better season dates. Muzzleloaders have very few restrictions in New Mexico. Scopes of all magnifications can be used and the newer “long range” muzzleloaders are similar to most rifles in terms of accuracy. Again, draw odds, when using primitive weapons, will open additional hunt options and units.

Rocky Mountain Elk

New Mexico has long been touted as one of the West’s premier elk destinations and rightfully so. The overall trophy quality in New Mexico’s premier units is phenomenal; taking a bull over 340 is certainly realistic. If you are simply after a great hunting experience that comes with high odds of success on a quality bull, a plethora of options are available. New Mexico offers primitive-weapon elk units that only allow archery or muzzleloader hunting. The latter portion of the rut takes place during select muzzleloader seasons within the primitive-weapons units. If you wish to hunt peak rut, it is imperative to apply for the archery seasons. The elevation, topography, and style of hunt will vary vastly from unit to unit, but it is safe to say there is a trophy-type bull hunt that fits into everyone’s wheelhouse.

Youth: The youth elk hunts offer some of the best opportunities to harvest in the entire state. Rifle and muzzleloader tags are available and, in most circumstances, the youth-only season is the first gun hunt in each respective unit. This equates to a great elk hunting experience with high success on quality bulls.

Mule Deer

If you were to look through the B&C record book, I believe you’d be surprised at what you’d find regarding mule deer. Rio Arriba County, found in north central New Mexico, is one of the strongest producers of typical B&C bucks in the country, sure to impress even the most discerning trophy hunter. Outside of this select area, the remainder of the state can be largely classified as having “trophy opportunity.” This means that great hunts can be had and big deer can be taken, but it should simply be looked at as a great chance to put a tag in your pocket and go have some fun. Many of these “trophy opportunity”-type hunts can be drawn at nearly 100% in the “guided pool”.

Youth: Tags are available in many areas for youth deer hunters, including the previously mentioned Rio Arriba County units. Youth rifle hunts will typically catch the pre-rut or rut, making for great action and plenty of deer being spotted. Youth muzzleloader and archery hunts are also offered in quality units that will afford high success and great experiences for those not in search of the biggest horns.

Coues Deer

Although N.M. is often overshadowed by neighboring Arizona, the Coues hunting in the Land of Enchantment should not be overlooked. The greatest densities are found in the extreme southwestern portion of the state. Trophies will average over 90 inches, with bucks over 110 being taken each season. WTA TAGS clients were 100% successful in 2020 when hunting with our preferred outfitter. Rifle and muzzleloader hunts are conducted from October-December. The mid-December rifle hunt is the most sought-after tag available. Archery hunts are available in September and January. The January hunts often take place when all other fall hunts have concluded, making it the perfect opportunity to extend your season.  This area consists of gorgeous desert mountains with very moderate and enjoyable weather.  

Youth: The youth-only tags offered in the units that hold Coues deer are not species specific. They are deer tags that will allow a child to take one buck, be it a Coues deer or mule deer. The versatility of this tag is appealing and the late-November hunt dates work well to sneak your son or daughter away during their Thanksgiving break.

The New Mexico big-game application deadline is March 17th, 2021. If you would like assistance applying, do not hesitate to reach out to WTA TAGS at 1-800-755-TAGS(8247) and ask to speak with a Consultant. WTA TAGS will ensure you are applied in a manner that maximizes your odds of drawing that dream tag.

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Limited-Entry Alaska Dall Sheep: North America’s Pinnacle Hunt

Limited-Entry Alaska Dall Sheep: North America’s Pinnacle Hunt

As the December 15 deadline to apply for Alaska’s most coveted big-game tags approaches, one opportunity stands above all others: limited-entry Dall sheep. If you’ve ever dreamed of pursuing this iconic high-country species, now is the time to apply.

Why this Hunt Matters More than Ever

In the not-too-distant past, Alaska suffered back-to-back-to-back severe weather events that dramatically impacted Dall sheep populations across much of the state, resulting in fewer over-the-counter opportunities and even closures. Hunters have been forced to look to Canada, where hunts are now largely sold out through 2027 and prices have surged beyond $60,000. Even at such outrageous prices, availability is scarce.

This shift has made Alaska’s limited-entry draw areas for Dall sheep one of the most valuable options left for serious hunters. With hunts priced between $28,000 and $35,000, applicants can still access very high-quality white sheep at nearly half the cost of Canadian alternatives.

Exceptional Success Rates

Despite the challenges statewide, the limited-entry regions—managed by very conservative tag allocations—continue to produce outstanding results for the lucky applicants of WTA TAGS:

  • 100% shot opportunity during the past three seasons,
  • 90%+ harvest rates on mature rams,
  • Some of the largest Dall rams in North America.

For those willing to embrace the physical challenge, this hunt represents the ultimate North American mountain adventure.

Why…
My Alaska Range Grizzly Adventure

My Alaska Range Grizzly Adventure

I’ve been a bear hunter my whole life, but grizzly was always the dream. When the time finally came, I reached out to WTA to book a hunt. My someday hunt was finally becoming a reality. I thought I knew what I was hoping for: one good opportunity at a mature grizzly. What actually happened over those 10 days was beyond anything I could have imagined.

My journey began in Anchorage, where I stayed the night before flying into the bush. The outfitter has a liaison in town to help with any last-minute needs, so no rental car was needed. The next morning at Merrill Field, I boarded a turboprop (they use caravans, not tiny Super Cubs) for the 1½-hour flight into hunting country.

At the airstrip, the crew waited with Kong—a massive military deuce-and-a-half that can ford rivers, plus Polaris six-wheelers. After a stop at the roadhouse to organize, we headed to moose camp, about four miles upriver.

The camp itself told stories of 50 years of hunting. Cabin walls covered with dozens of hunters’ stories, as far back as the ’70s. Old regulation books showing $50 polar bear licenses. Boxes of ammo, left behind over decades for anyone who might need them. Four cabins with wood stoves surrounded the main lodge, and there was a creek-fed shower with endless hot water. A crate of beer stays ice-cold in the stream. It’s glorious. Remote Alaska with just enough comfort to keep you hunting hard every day.

From the roadhouse, we spotted two black bears on the mountainside. That evening, the cameraman Jordan and I glassed near camp, getting oriented for what was supposed to be a grizzly-focused hunt.

The next morning, those black bears were still there. We moved in. At 390 yards, with shifting thermals threatening to blow our approach, I took my shot. Low but lethal. Two more shots finished it. While butchering, we discovered this old boar was peppered with birdshot—dozens of pellets in each leg and shoulder. Somewhere, sometime, he’d been a problem bear. He could take a bullet. By 3 p.m., we had meat in the freezer and the hide salted. We were back to looking for grizzly.

Day two took us seven miles up the creek on six-wheelers, somewhat technical riding through river crossings and over rough terrain. Near the old sheep camp, we spotted a sow with three cubs and various black bears, but no boars.

Then everything changed. Rounding an alder-lined corner, our guide hit the brakes. A black bear ahead was acting strangely. It was actually approaching us. Behind him, a grizzly was hunting him, panting from the chase. The black bear, caught between predators, escaped up the cliffs.

The grizzly sat on its haunches, exhausted, looking between us and the black bear as it escaped. This bear was in full predator mode, seemingly calculating whether we might be easier prey. Then he simply lay down for a nap, 400 yards away, completely unconcerned by our presence.

For 34 minutes, I stayed behind the gun. Time passed slowly as we talked through every scenario: “If he does this, we’ll do that.” Finally, he stood and turned broadside at 415 yards. One squeeze, perfect shot placement. He barrel-rolled down the slope.

This was it—the animal I’d wanted forever, taken in a sequence I couldn’t have scripted better. Pure euphoria.

We had two bears down and over a week left of hunting. Day three was Jordan’s birthday, and we decided to get him a bear tag from camp. This would be his first hunt behind a rifle. We picked up a great black bear in no time. Jordan’s demeanor totally changed as he went into hunt mode and put a perfect 350-yard shot right into the bear’s heart. Top-tier birthday!

Three bears in three days with a week remaining. I bought a second tag and grabbed my bow. We spent four days searching for another bear, exploring drainages, following wolf tracks, catching Dolly Varden, and collecting shed antlers. Living the full Alaska experience while always hunting.

On the second-to-last day, I spotted a huge black bear doing loops through berry patches on a steep face. After multiple failed positioning attempts, I opted to go solo while Jordan and our guide filmed from a distance. The bear, hearing me crash through the alders below him, thought I was another bear invading his berries. At nine yards, with his hackles up and ears flat, I put an arrow through his front shoulder. Our group’s fourth bear.

Four bears in four days. An incredible adventure. This was the outfitter’s first year focusing on Fall bear hunting. The populations are thriving (evident from the moose without calves), and they’ve wisely increased tag allocations.

I came to Alaska with a lifelong dream of taking a grizzly. What I got was something I couldn’t have imagined: multiple species, incredible encounters, and memories that transformed a dream hunt into something beyond dreams. The grizzly lying down in front of us, completely unafraid. Jordan’s pure joy at his first bear. Stalking with my bow, close enough to hear the bear growling and clacking its jaws.

Some hunts meet your expectations. This one created new ones. When you book with WTA, you’re not just booking a hunt, you’re setting yourself up for adventures you can’t even imagine.

Learn about this Hunt

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.

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