The best budget-friendly do-it-yourself hunting states, where you can apply for affordable nonresident hunting tags and find great public land opportunities
Want to hunt elk, mule deer, or antelope in the Western U.S. without spending a fortune? This video above covers the best budget-friendly do-it-yourself hunting states, where you can apply for affordable nonresident hunting tags and find great public land opportunities.
If you're looking for cost-effective public land hunting with great tag availability, this guide is for you.
Don't forget that we have all the hunting research tools you need in our Insider membership. From our Filtering tool to narrow down hunting opportunities, to Draw Odds that will show you what your chances of pulling a draw tag are, to Point Tracker which keeps track of all of your bonus points and preference points, Hunt Planner, GOHUNT Maps and much more. Plus... don't forget that our hunting research tools are also available on the GOHUNT mobile app under the Research tab.
Check out our Colorado State Profile to learn even more:
Check out our Montana State Profile to learn even more:
Prices listed include a $15 app fee for nonresidents.
Check out our Wyoming State Profile to learn even more:
Check out our New Mexico State Profile to learn even more:
These states either have poor draw odds, expensive applications, or limited nonresident hunting opportunities:
If you’re looking to hunt elk, deer, or antelope on a budget, here are the top two options:
Both provide the best odds of actually going on a hunt this year, instead of just building points for the future.
Best Western States for do-it-yourself (DIY) Hunting
How to Hunt Elk, Deer & Antelope for Under $1,000
Cheapest Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hunting Tags for Nonresidents
Where to Build Preference Points for Future Hunts
Big Game Combo (deer + elk) is one of the best budget hunts (~$1,300).
You can hunt archery AND rifle seasons if needed under general season tags.
High elk and deer populations make this a great choice for a nonresident hunting trip.
Special Draw option (higher cost, better odds) available. Learn more about the differences between the Regular Draw and the Special Draw below.
Nevada – High application fees, terrible draw odds for nonresidents.
Utah – Long wait times for limited entry elk and deer tags.
Idaho – OTC tag sales for elk and deer happen early (December timeframe)—if you missed the deadline, you're out of luck and will need to focus on leftover permits.
Oregon / Washington / California – Too expensive for nonresidents with low success rates.
Montana Big Game Combo (deer + elk) – $1,300, but includes two species and multiple seasons.
Colorado OTC Elk Hunt – ~$800 for an elk tag with no preference points required for the OTC rifle hunts.
Want to hunt ASAP? Apply in Colorado & Montana.
Planning for future hunts? Build points in Wyoming & Arizona.
Want a fair shot every year? Apply in New Mexico, where there’s no preference point system.
One of the best Western states for DIY elk hunting.
Over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags are available for 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons.
Good mule deer and antelope opportunities with preference points.
Tag Costs:
Elk: ~$800
Mule deer: ~$480
Antelope: ~$455
A $160 nonresident license is required, but the state offers great public land hunting.
Coues deer hunts can be drawn with little to no points.
OTC archery options for Coues deer and mule deer.
Tag Costs:
Mule deer / Coues deer: $315
Elk: $665
Preference point system, but some tags can be drawn with zero points.
Great for nonresident hunters looking for consistent hunting opportunities.
Tag Costs:
Antelope:
Regular Draw: $341
Special Draw: $1,215
Mule deer:
Regular Draw: $389
Special Draw: $1,215
Elk:
Regular Draw: $707
Special Draw: $1,965
No preference points – everyone has the same chance every year.
Low application fees ($65 hunting license plus $13 per species), but you must pay for tags upfront.
Tag Costs:
Elk:
Standard: $548
Quality and High Demand: $773
Mule deer:
Standard: $283
Quality and High Demand: $368
Antelope: $283
