Understanding OTC Hunt Opportunities For First Time Western Hunters

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I've been hunting big game for over 25 years and haven't had a season where my wallet didn't harbor an elk, deer, or pronghorn tag. Much of this is due to being a student of the tag/license game.

Each year, I do my diligence, researching state game and fish websites, utilizing my GOHUNT Insider subscription, and staying ahead of any license changes, regardless of whether those changes affect tag allocations in positive or negative ways. Knowledge is power regarding tags, licenses, permits, or whatever you call them in your hunting circle.

The bad news is that OTC hunting becomes more challenging each year, not so much from a crowding standpoint but because states are changing how they offer OTC tags. For example, Colorado is an elk gem. The state has 44 huntable wilderness areas, and unlike Wyoming, non-residents don't need a guide to tromp in these locales. The state has more than 22 million acres of public dirt, and as of October 2024, the elk herd is estimated to be 303,390 strong.

For years, residents and non-residents alike could purchase bull elk tags over the counter for archery and second and third-rifle seasons. The bad news for non-residents is that 2024 legislation made all non-resident elk tags available through the drawing process after the conclusion of the 2025 seasons. If you’re a non-resident, this year is your last opportunity to hunt OTC elk in Colorado. These OTC tags will remain available to residents, but Colorado goes to a complete draw system in 2026 for elk.

Why The Over-The-Counter Decline?

More and more states are working to protect animals and resident hunters from overcrowding, which is the reason for the severe decline in OTC tags.

I'm not going negative with this article. I want you to know what you're up against and how important it is to learn about tag allocation in each state. In the past 10 years, I watched South Dakota change OTC deer laws, Idaho go to a cap system for non-resident elk, and most recently, Arizona to a cap system for couse and mule deer permits that were once available to all in unlimited number during specific seasons for hunters using archery tackle. I could list more examples, but this article is about helping you put Western tags in your pocket.

What Is "OTC With Caps"?

You'll see a lot of OTC with caps when researching big-game permits that you can obtain each year in various states. OTC with caps means that licenses are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and once the allotted number of tags for a given unit/area is sold, the licenses are gone. That's the capped portion.

For example, on December 10, 2024, I logged into my Idaho account and entered an online line for OTC deer and elk tags to go on sale. When my place in line arrived, my top three elk hunts and two deer units were capped. Still, I was able to purchase an elk and a deer tag. I will have to learn two new units and work my butt off, but I will be hunting.

I didn't hunt Arizona for coues or late-season mule deer with archery tackle this year. I missed the November 4, 2024, 8 a.m. online sale date because I was sitting in a treestand. However, my buddy who hunts Arizona each year, logged on and had no trouble securing his permit. Chances are good, though, that these permits will get harder to come by each year.

These are three examples (Colorado, Arizona, and Idaho) of why staying on top of state license changes is so important. It is so easy to miss an OTC w/Caps online sale date and time, and with the number of people pining for Western tags, you can't afford to miss a step.

The Easy Draw Process

Will non-resident hunters still get to hunt elk in Colorado each year? I can't answer that. I will note that the 113 archery, 78 second rifle, and 77 third rifle units that were once OTC units will be available in Colorado's annual big-game drawing. Chances are good that many OTC hunters have preference points and will cash those in.

Also, hunters will look to chase game in other units too, which means you may draw your unit/area of choice every fall. Plus, being that you can put in for four area/unit choices, chances are good you'll continue to pull an elk permit. Also, don't think for a second that Colorado is the only state that has easy-to-draw units.

Do your homework, friends.

Is Real OTC Still A Thing?

There are still states that offer OTC tags without caps. Idaho is a shining example. I haven't let many springs slide by without having an Idaho bear tag in my pocket.

Idaho has a booming bear population (between 20 and 30K), and OTC tags are available. The state also offers reduced-rate tags for specific units, which means you can purchase an OTC bear tag for $231.75 and a reduced-rate bear tag for $41.75. There isn't another Western state where you can put a non-resident big-game permit—let alone two permits—in your pocket for less than $300. Idaho is a bear gem; you can set up three bait sites for each tag.

Though many Western states require you to obtain white-tailed deer tags through a drawing, the draw odds in most units for most weapons are incredibly high. Why?

Mule deer is king in the West. Fewer hunters apply for whitetail tags than mule deer tags. Also, because whitetails are so incredibly adaptable, they are popping up in areas once reserved for mule deer, which means more and more tags are being allocated.

Other Ways To Obtain Tags

I know I read like a broken record. That's fine. I want you to finish this article and have the words—I must stay on top of state tag allocations at the forefront of your mind. If you do, you'll hunt the West yearly for multiple species while you continue to bank preference points for coveted tags.

Many states have leftover hunting license lists. Hunters turn tags back in; unit quotes aren't met, etc. Stay informed and stay diligent, and you may pick up a banger of a leftover tag. Some states have a second big-game draw. Do you know when those draw dates are and what the parameters are?

Do Turkeys Count?

In some hunting circles, turkeys are considered big game, in others, small game. I don't care what circle you belong to. I want you to know that turkeys are feathered elk, and you can hunt them OTC in many western states (Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado, etc.) each spring.

Final Thoughts

Staying ahead of the tag learning curve takes time. Be sure to check the YES box when asked if you want to subscribe to state game and fish department email lists. Then, when you get an email, read it. Having applied and hunted in almost every Western state, I'm on a slew of email lists, and those emails keep me in the know about tags, the drawing process, herd counts, etc.

Between OTC and draw tags, you should be able to hunt the West for multiple species yearly. Just know that some hunts will likely be more productive than others, but every hunt is an opportunity to succeed and improve as a hunter. Oh, and don’t forget about cow and doe tags. If you want meat, these tags are easy-peasy. Not hunting sucks!

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