To get premier animals, you have to hunt in premier areas, but there's a problem. . .

In this column I want to focus on the fact that if your want to get premier animals, you have to hunt in premier areas. That sounds pretty straightforward. But the problem is that all of the premier areas are "draw" areas. You have to apply for these areas and be drawn in a lottery. It's harder than you think.

This year, if you want to hunt in Utah in a draw area, you'll have to send your application in by January for a March drawing. In Colorado you have to put your application in by the 6th of April. That's why I said, now is the time to be planning seriously.

Now is the time to be planning. . .

Out-of-staters actually have a better chance of drawing out on a license than in-staters because both Colorado and Utah set aside about ten percent of their licenses for non-residents.

Colorado works on a "preference point" system to get drawn for the best area. Four preference points will get you into some of the best units in the state for elk and deer. To earn these four points it means your have to apply for a license in that unit for four years and not get drawn. By the fifth year you are guaranteed a license. But, then again you can always get lucky...

Utah's preference point system works differently. If you are unsuccessful the first year, the following year you can put in twice. The next year three times, and so on. The problem is you are constantly bucking huge odds against you and it's really a matter of luck.

If you don't get a license for your chosen area, all your money is refunded except for a small application fee. So, if you want to get drawn for the best areas, with your best chance for scoring, get your applications and start filling them out this year and begin to rack up some points.

A way to shortcut the system. . .

Now there's also a way to shortcut this system and get a license in a premier area the first year. Landowners get a certain number of permits for their own land, if they cooperate with the game and fish department in several ways. These landowners can sell these licenses for whatever they wish. But be aware, the cost is expensive and many of these landowners are in the guiding business. It's your call!

What areas do you want to apply for? What areas are the best? In my opinion the best mule deer areas in Colorado are units 61 and 10. For elk I would apply for units 61, 10, and 201. Units 10 and 201 are in the northwest corner of the state. Unit 61 is in the west central.

Both offer the finest mule deer hunting in the world.

In Utah, the best deer units are the famed Paunsaugunt (area 52); and Elk Ridge (area 36). The Paunsaugunt is in the southwestern corner of the state while Elk Ridge is in the southeastern part of the state. I believe both offer the finest mule deer hunting in the world.

For elk in Utah try Unit 11 near Vernal; Bitter Creek (unit 16); and Little Creek (unit 17). Both of these last areas are in the Book Cliffs. Another good elk unit in Utah is San Juan (unit 28).

Now is the time to write or call. . .

Now is the time to write or call the state(s) you want to hunt in, and get your name on the list to receive an Application.

Send your name, address, etc. to the following addresses and ask them to get your name on the list to receive the big game applications when they are available:

• For Utah write to: Division of Wildlife, 1594 West North Temple, Suite 2110/Box 146301, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6301. Or phone (801) 538-4700.
• For Colorado write to: Colorado Division of Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216. Or phone (303) 297-1192.

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