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Out of State HunterAuthor: Chad Ryker
A Western Hunting Podcast dedicated to Preparing, Inspiring and Educating Hunters for Big Game Hunting! Language: en-us Genres: Education, How To, Sports, Wilderness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Arizona Elk and Pronghorn Draw Breakdown for Non Residents – Erin Butler, AZGFD
Episode 202
Monday, 19 January, 2026
Chad Ryker talks with Erin Butler (AZ Game & Fish Big Game Program Supervisor) about Arizona’s elk and pronghorn draw, how non-residents fit into tag allocation, and how to build a smart application strategy. They cover the 20% max-point pass / 80% random draw structure (meaning low-point hunters still have a real shot), highlight over-the-counter/non-permit elk options, and call out common application mistakes. They finish with deadlines, costs, bonus-point “boosters,” and Point Guard options.Key takeawaysAZ draw structure: 20% of tags go to max bonus point holders; 80% are in a random draw, so “everyone has a chance.”Non-resident cap: Typically 10% of tags per hunt can go to non-residents (with rules that keep some NR tags in the random portion).Low-point reality: Many non-residents who draw have low points; random pass can produce surprise “first-year” winners.OTC elk exists: Arizona has non-permit/over-the-counter elk opportunities (including HAM: handgun/archery/muzzleloader), but they’re often tough/low success and require research.Big mistakes to avoid: Applying for hunts you’re ineligible for (like single-tag hunts as a NR), picking the wrong weapon/season, and assuming longer seasons = better (sometimes longer = harder).Bonus point boosters: Hunter Ed point (permanent) + Loyalty point (apply 5 years straight; miss a year and it resets).Point Guard: Lets you turn back a tag and keep your points (not your money); Point Guard Plus can also put you on a list for turned-back tags.Costs & timing: Need the non-refundable license, then apply per species; elk/pronghorn apps run mid-January to early February (deadline around Feb 3, 11:59 PM). ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENTWebsite - https://www.azgfd.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/azgfd/Resources Draw Videohttps://www.azgfd.com/hunting/hunt-draw-and-licenses/big-game-draw/bonus-point-process/Elk Handout (and we do javelina too)https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/hunt-draw-and-licenses/tags/non-permit-tags/ OUT OF STATE HUNTER@outofstatehunter GOHUNTUse the code OUTOFSTATE when you become an Insider and get $50 in GOHUNT Gear Shop Credithttps://www.gohunt.com ARGALIWebsite -https://argalioutdoors.comInstagram - @argali_official - https://www.instagram.com/argali_official/ KAPTURE GEARWebsite –https://kapturegear.comInstagram - @kapturegear - https://www.instagram.com/kapturegear/ #outofstatehunter #westernhunting #huntplanning #biggamehunting #publiclandhunter #diyhunter #nonresidenthunting #huntstrategy #applicationseason #drawodds #elkseason #deerhunting #couesdeer #backcountryhunting #huntprep #huntersofinstagram #huntingpodcast #huntwest #findopportunity #huntarizona #huntaz
