Public Land Application Strategies

By: Chase Galley


Application season is in full swing for western states, some are closed, but for those states that aren’t here are a few tips to help you find that tag this season. There are a few things to look at that can get a tag in your pocket this fall. Obviously looking at the percentage of public land, the size demographic of the species you want to chase and lastly season dates.

When looking for a unit, no matter the species, look for something that suits your style of hunting. If you are a person who likes to cover a lot of ground, a unit with a substantial amount of public land. Side note if you like to glass look for more open units that aid that advantage, and vise versa for if you like to hike and still hunt. For most hunts, look for units with 50%+ public land and make sure to look at access for those units that fit that criteria. Having spaces to roam and being able to look at a lot of different ground can really be beneficial to a hunt. Those units with a lot of public land will allow a hunter more options to find their target animal. However, don’t be fooled by the units with less than that 50% public land. Those units can be very good and have a lot of opportunity and may be a better suited hunt for an individual. A majority of the time as well, the units with harder access to public land typically have a higher chance of getting a tag. Make sure the unit you pick gives you multiple places to hunt and fits your style of hunting.

General size of the species is a contributing factor for just about any western hunt. This could be a make or break for a particular unit. There are many great resources out there to help acquire that information about the average antler or horn size in a unit. Look at previous years to see if there are any changes to the habitat like drought, and other severe weather This will all contribute to the age class of animals and their overall antler or horn growth. If you are looking for a fun hunt to fill the freezer and aren’t after a trophy. Look for units that have a good population size and good male to female ratios. Now if you're looking for animals that are going to score better on the books, this is where that information about habitat and average size come into play. Find the criteria you are looking for, the unit might not necessarily hold a healthy population but could produce some very mature animals. Go back into the history books for the units, look at forums and talk with biologists in the area and get a feel as well on what type of animals can possibly come out of certain units.


Lastly, look at the season dates for the units that you now have narrowed down based off of the research you have done. Find the hunt that best fits your schedule or if you are lucky enough, choose one that might give you the best opportunity of harvesting. Across the west there are a wide variety of season dates. Most starting in August and many seasons running into or through November. Find the time frame that will be the most enjoyable and give you a great experience. No matter where or what season there will be lots to learn and memories to be made.