Newbie Question about the deer tag draw

[Airbusdriver]

I am one of the dreaded "newbie" hunters. I have a nice Matthews bow setup that I bought used from a friend, backpack & fanny pack, boots, etc...most of the trappings to get started.

 

My confusion lies in whether or not to draw for a specific hunt number or try the non permit tag option.

 

Given that I don't have a partner or mentor, I am wondering which route to take: spend the money nn a deer tag application for specific hunts in the fall, or try the non-permit tag route. I was told that my chances of seeing deer might be increased in the late summer hunts, as they are less skiddish, and more apt to approach water tanks.

 

I have done a lot of research and scouted a couple of locations up on the rim, which is where I plan to start. I've also learned a lot from this forum, but am wondering what the next step should be for a new bow hunter who plans to hunt from a blind. I'm not looking for that "quick kill", but I want to make wise choices and enjoy the journey on my way to becoming a more seasoned hunter.

 

Any input would be appreciated.

[DesertBull]

You can do both. You don't have to choose one or the other.

[oz31p]

due to the timing i do both.

 

i still have an otc tag from jan2011 i also already put in for a few rifle hunts. the rifle results will come out close to when the aug season starts. ill be sitting a water source this aug perhaps with a oct tag in my front pocket and a rifle tag in my back pocket.

 

 

in that case if i harvest a deer with my bow its win win. i get a deer with a bow and i get to donate my tag.

[bmf1321]

You've bought some gear and done some research. Start shooting the bow. Make shooting the bow natural so when your get your chance at your buck you don't have to think so much about what to do.

[gotcoues]

Personally, I purchase the archery tag and also apply for the rifle hunt. At the very least you should purchase a bonus point for the draw every year.

[maximus]

put in for the october hunt, buy the otc tag and if you get drawn, hunt the unit you got drawn in august and if not succesful you do some good scouting for the fall, the deer you'll see in august they will be there in october.

[Airbusdriver]

One more question on this topic:

 

Let's say I draw for and am awarded a hunt number. If I am unable to fill my tag during that hunt period, am I eligible to purchase a non-permit tag and try it again? I assume that if I were to fill my drawn tag, that I would be ineligible for a non-permit tag, i.e, it's an "either-or" proposition.

 

Thanks again for the info

[bustedknuckleinc]

You are allowed one deer per calendar year. You can get a archery or rifle tag in the draw and as long as you don't fill it you can hunt all the non-permit hunts you want. You can shoot a deer on December 31st then shoot another one January 1st. Good luck.