Field Notes

Western Hunting Strategy Blog

Draw odds breakdowns, unit comparisons, and outfitter advice from HuntScouts.

Strategy3 min read

How Landowners Can Safely Monetize Hunting Rights Without Long-Term Leases

Trespass fees vs. hunting leases: a comparison for landowners. How to price your tags, protect your liability, and list without a broker.

May 22, 2026
Strategy3 min read

How Many Points for a Wyoming General Elk Tag This Year?

Year-by-year trends, minimum points drawn, and units still accessible with 0–3 preference points for Wyoming general elk.

May 15, 2026
Strategy3 min read

Wyoming Mule Deer: The Best Points Strategy for 2026–2028

Wyoming mule deer preference points are among the most valuable in the West. Here's how to build a 2–3 year strategy to draw a top-tier muley tag.

May 10, 2026
Strategy3 min read

What Is a Hunting Trespass Fee (And How to Find One Without a Broker)

Trespass fee hunts let you access private land without a guided package. Here's what to expect, what to pay, and how to vet a landowner directly.

May 8, 2026
Strategy3 min read

The Hard Truth About Colorado Elk Preference Points in 2026

Point creep data, dead zones by unit, and what your preference points are actually worth in today's Colorado elk draw.

May 1, 2026
Outfitters3 min read

12 Questions to Ask an Outfitter Before You Book

Most hunters book guided hunts without asking the right questions. Here's exactly what to ask before you put down a deposit — and what the answers tell you.

May 1, 2026
Draw Odds3 min read

Colorado Elk Units: Where to Apply in 2026

A data-driven breakdown of the best Colorado elk units for 2026 applicants by point level — from OTC to 15-point units.

Apr 22, 2026
Strategy3 min read

How Draw Odds Actually Work for Western Big Game

A plain-English breakdown of how preference points, draw percentages, and applicant pools determine who gets a tag in CO, WY, MT, UT, ID, AZ, and NV.

Apr 15, 2026