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Worldwide Trophy Adventures aids hunters in the intricacies of applications, points, etc. through their TAGS services.
MUSKEGON, Mich. (August 5, 2025) – American outdoorsmen have a wealth of options when it comes to which game species to pursue. This diversity of species can be a blessing, and curse, depending on how you view things, because there are only a few prime months each fall to target game – and in the case of elk, significant travel is often required.
The truth is that many hunters dream of elk hunting but are restricted by geographic distance and logistical challenges. In fact, even hunters who live in states where elk thrive may have to drive several hours to take advantage of prime time.
Traveling only scratches the surface when it comes to elk hunting. Suffice it to say the necessary gear and even physical ability can be an obstacle and require lots of planning as well as expenses and commitment to making time for preparation well in advance. Then there is this little matter of obtaining an elk tag, too, which in of itself can be the biggest challenge of all. As any veteran elk hunter will tell you, this is rarely a matter of stopping at a Ma and Pop gas station once you get “there” and grabbing a tag. Maybe it used to be that way in some states, but with few exceptions, those days are long gone.
In fact, elk licenses and tags are almost always shrouded in a morass of lotteries, points, and zones that for some hunters, is just too much to bear. This is especially the case for hunters who live in an elk-free region. While many hunters are well-versed in the unique aspects of the elk hunting world, the entire process borders on mysterious and even intimidating for those who have not.
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It doesn’t have to be that way, however. There are ways to expedite the process and quickly learn what it takes to end up on a mountain out West (or even east of the Mississippi) and set your sights on a trophy bull. While this service comes at a cost, it’s well worth the investment and is most certainly one of those “you get what you pay for” deals. Worldwide Trophy Adventures aids hunters in the intricacies of applications, points, etc. through their TAGS services. TAGS is a full-service licensing program to assist hunters in drawing the very best, limited-entry, big-game tags in the country – the WTA website TAGS page even has a ticker on the masthead that scrolls through the various application deadlines. Nick Filler of WTA recently broke down some of the vital aspects of planning an elk hunt, including a basic orientation on the points system that confounds so many new elk hunters. “Preference points are a way that many states manage demand for big game hunting tags when there are more hunters than available licenses,” explained Filler. “When you apply for a hunt and don’t draw a tag, you often earn a preference point. The next year, your point total goes up, giving you better odds of drawing. The idea is to reward persistence—the more years you apply without drawing, the more preference points you get, and the closer you are to drawing that tag you are applying for.” Filler continued, “Point creep is a slow, gradual increase in the number of preference points it takes to draw a limited hunting tag. So, let’s say a certain hunt took 4 points to draw for a few years. As more hunters apply and build up points, that same hunt might start taking 5 points to draw. That small increase over time is what hunters call point creep.” |
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States with the Best Success Rate:
Expert Insight: Success rates vary heavily by unit and whether a hunter is guided. WTA clients hunting with vetted outfitters often see far better results than DIY hunters. |
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Easiest (OTC or low barrier):
Hardest:
Expert Tip: Point creep is worsening in many states. Building a smart application strategy across several states is key and that's where WTA TAGS can help you to build a strategy that fits your budget. |
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Best to Least Chance for a Trophy Bull Top Trophy States:
Less Likely Trophy Opportunities:
Expert Insight: Use draw odds + trophy potential + success rate + access to determine best fit. WTA’s role is to find that “sweet spot” for each hunter’s goals. |
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Average Number of Points Required for a Draw:
Expert Tip: Point-only applications are a way to stay in the game long-term—combine with states like NM or ID for short-term opportunity. WTA TAGS can help with a point only strategy and can acquire them for you, so you never forget. |
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Average Cost Per State: State App Fee Tag Cost (Non-Res) Misc Wyoming $15 ~$707 (bull) Pref point $52 Colorado $10 ~$700 (bull) Qualifying license $93.78 Arizona $15 ~$650–$750 Hunting license $160+ Utah $10 ~$1,000+ License $72 New Mexico $13 ~$548 (bull) No points system Montana $9 ~$900+ (combo tag) Preference point $100 Expert Insight: Don’t just chase the cheapest tags—consider total ROI (draw odds + hunt quality + logistics). WTA TAGS helps hunters balance all of this. Perhaps this entire process seems trivial to some, but if you’re like most hunters new to drawings tags, lotteries, points, zones etc. there is a lot to digest. Hiring a professional consultant to handle the process of tailoring your dream hunt makes a lot of sense. Filler couldn’t agree more, "Don't wait! This is a great time to start your plan and with WTA TAGS, one conversation with a consultant sets everything in motion. We’ll build your strategy, apply on your behalf, and when you draw, we’ll recommend a trusted outfitter to give you the best shot at a great hunt." |