+1 for KurtB's comments.
FWIW, I chose to start saving toward an Alaska or Canada Dall sheep hunt several years ago, knowing that all money saved would eventually result in a hunt.
Turns out I got on a discounted cancellation hunt this year - three years ahead of my original savings schedule.
I had also maintained a relatively high level of conditioning, so that I was able to commit to a backpack hunt on short notice - and it turns out the outfitter was pretty emphatic about not taking a last-minute hunter who was not already in shape.
I also drew a nonresident desert bighorn ewe tag in a western state this year, with minimal points, by studying the odds and deciding that a DIY desert bighorn ewe hunt in my lifetime was better than potentially no desert bighorn hunt at all.
I'm 49, so I do not have an endless runway to acquire PP.
I do apply for PP in a couple of states, and also participate in those states' raffles, but I stick to a budget, including saving for potential cancellation opportunities.
If you choose to go the save-for-a-hunt route, I suggest you consider going to the Sheep Show in Reno when you're 1-3 years out from being able to go on (i.e., pay for) your hunt. Relatively quick and easy way to get lots of information and see which outfitters may be the best fit for you. I took one day off from work and the family, flew in and out of Reno the same day, and got a lot of good information that helped me get on the type of hunt I wanted, earlier than I had hoped.
Good luck, develop a plan and a budget, and stick with it.
FWIW, I chose to start saving toward an Alaska or Canada Dall sheep hunt several years ago, knowing that all money saved would eventually result in a hunt.
Turns out I got on a discounted cancellation hunt this year - three years ahead of my original savings schedule.
I had also maintained a relatively high level of conditioning, so that I was able to commit to a backpack hunt on short notice - and it turns out the outfitter was pretty emphatic about not taking a last-minute hunter who was not already in shape.
I also drew a nonresident desert bighorn ewe tag in a western state this year, with minimal points, by studying the odds and deciding that a DIY desert bighorn ewe hunt in my lifetime was better than potentially no desert bighorn hunt at all.
I'm 49, so I do not have an endless runway to acquire PP.
I do apply for PP in a couple of states, and also participate in those states' raffles, but I stick to a budget, including saving for potential cancellation opportunities.
If you choose to go the save-for-a-hunt route, I suggest you consider going to the Sheep Show in Reno when you're 1-3 years out from being able to go on (i.e., pay for) your hunt. Relatively quick and easy way to get lots of information and see which outfitters may be the best fit for you. I took one day off from work and the family, flew in and out of Reno the same day, and got a lot of good information that helped me get on the type of hunt I wanted, earlier than I had hoped.
Good luck, develop a plan and a budget, and stick with it.
