Hunting in America vs Africa

[Elton]

Being from South Africa, hunting is a pretty straightforward thing, almost like going out and getting the groceries.

However when i watch YouTube hunting videos, of which the majority is in the USA, they always talk about tags and being drawn for a moose etc.

This got me wondering how does hunting in the USA work?

 

[PARA45]

@Elton, every state is different, and has different hunting laws and requirements. I live in Georgia, and my hunting license gives me the option to hunt 2 bucks and 10 does during deer season. If I want to hunt other animals like duck I need to purchase a Georgia waterfowl and migratory bird stamp, to hunt gators, I need to purchase a quota alligator permit. This is just to hunt in Georgia, to hunt somewhere else, it's a completely different game.

 

[JimP]

What you mentioned about moose is that there are a very limited number of them here in the US, so the state agency holds a drawing for them every spring. This is for the lower states but does not include Alaska where tags can be purchased over the counter.

It is the same for mule deer, and some elk tags in the lower states. The demand far outnumbers the deer population so the states hold a draw for them in the spring. There are some states that use one of two point systems. Either bonus points or preference points. With preference points you have to wait until you have the maximum number of points to draw that tag. With bonus points you always have a chance to draw, a slim one but a chance.

Mule deer unlike their eastern cousins the whitetails are few in numbers when you compare the two.

One state where you can purchase a number of tags over the counter is Alaska, but then Alaska is the largest state and is larger than a lot of countries.

 

[chashardy]

I agree with PARA45. and it works the same in Texas. It also makes a difference whether you are hunting on public lands, which may require a lottery type drawing of a limited number of tags for elk, moose, bear, etc. or on private land where the requirement may only be for a state hunting license. Hunting of what we Americans call "exotics" or African game imported to the U.S. and raised on managed game ranches, usually requires only a state hunting license.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Elton, you almost have to be a lawyer to interpret all the regulations. Each state is different. I live in Colorado where it is basically a manual for hunting. We have a number of big game species such as mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, mountain lion, etc. each has different license tags for different seasons. You have to pass a hunter safety course before you can even get or apply for a license. For mountain lion, you have to pass another online test as well.
There are a few game management units where you can buy an over the counter bull elk license, but lots of units you have to apply early in the year in a drawing to get a license. Some units you can get an over the counter tag for black bear while you are hunting other species (elk, deer primarily).
Almost everything else you have to apply for preference points each year and pay to get that until, or if you ever get drawn. Example: apply for 3 years just to be able to get the initial 3 points before you start getting what are called “weighted” points after that. I applied for some 18 years for mountain goat and bighorn sheep. After the first six years, I lost all my points because I failed to apply on time the following year. I started over. Now at 73 years old after acquiring 12 weighted points, I’ve decided not to waist my money and time chasing a dream I likely will never draw and if I do, I likely will not be in shape enough to hunt at 12-14,000 feet in elevation.
Another example: I had 12 weighted points (plus the 3 to start) for moose. I gave up on a bull, and decided a cow would work. I drew and lost 15 years of points and many $ of applying. I had to hunt alone, so I knew I had to drop a cow within 300 yards of a road, or I would never be able to get it out. No cell service and 75 mile drive to call for assistance. Needless to say bulls walked across the road in front of me, but all the cows were 1/2 mile at least from a road. Didn’t pull the trigger on any. 15 years of points gone.
Not wasting my time and money chasing points in Colorado. If I really want a moose, bighorn or mountain goat, I’ll go somewhere and pay an outfitter to haul it out.

I drew an either sex elk tag and a buck mule deer muzzleloading tags this year. If I take them and can get them out without a heart attack by myself, this will be my last year without a guide to do the heavy lifting.

Hope this helped you understand one US state’s licensing method.
Best if you are planning to pursue North American game.

 

[Elton]

What you mentioned about moose is that there are a very limited number of them here in the US, so the state agency holds a drawing for them every spring. This is for the lower states but does not include Alaska where tags can be purchased over the counter.

It is the same for mule deer, and some elk tags in the lower states. The demand far outnumbers the deer population so the states hold a draw for them in the spring. There are some states that use one of two point systems. Either bonus points or preference points. With preference points you have to wait until you have the maximum number of points to draw that tag. With bonus points you always have a chance to draw, a slim one but a chance.

Mule deer unlike their eastern cousins the whitetails are few in numbers when you compare the two.

One state where you can purchase a number of tags over the counter is Alaska, but then Alaska is the largest state and is larger than a lot of countries.

Thanks, but how does your point system work? How do you get points?

With regards to the buying of tags. What happens when you buy a tag but can't go hunt for some reason or just don't get anything during hunting season?

 

[Elton]

Elton, you almost have to be a lawyer to interpret all the regulations. Each state is different. I live in Colorado where it is basically a manual for hunting. We have a number of big game species such as mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, mountain lion, etc. each has different license tags for different seasons. You have to pass a hunter safety course before you can even get or apply for a license. For mountain lion, you have to pass another online test as well.
There are a few game management units where you can buy an over the counter bull elk license, but lots of units you have to apply early in the year in a drawing to get a license. Some units you can get an over the counter tag for black bear while you are hunting other species (elk, deer primarily).
Almost everything else you have to apply for preference points each year and pay to get that until, or if you ever get drawn. Example: apply for 3 years just to be able to get the initial 3 points before you start getting what are called “weighted” points after that. I applied for some 18 years for mountain goat and bighorn sheep. After the first six years, I lost all my points because I failed to apply on time the following year. I started over. Now at 73 years old after acquiring 12 weighted points, I’ve decided not to waist my money and time chasing a dream I likely will never draw and if I do, I likely will not be in shape enough to hunt at 12-14,000 feet in elevation.
Another example: I had 12 weighted points (plus the 3 to start) for moose. I gave up on a bull, and decided a cow would work. I drew and lost 15 years of points and many $ of applying. I had to hunt alone, so I knew I had to drop a cow within 300 yards of a road, or I would never be able to get it out. No cell service and 75 mile drive to call for assistance. Needless to say bulls walked across the road in front of me, but all the cows were 1/2 mile at least from a road. Didn’t pull the trigger on any. 15 years of points gone.
Not wasting my time and money chasing points in Colorado. If I really want a moose, bighorn or mountain goat, I’ll go somewhere and pay an outfitter to haul it out.

I drew an either sex elk tag and a buck mule deer muzzleloading tags this year. If I take them and can get them out without a heart attack by myself, this will be my last year without a guide to do the heavy lifting.

Hope this helped you understand one US state’s licensing method.
Best if you are planning to pursue North American game.

That really sounds technical... We as the rest of the world normally looks uo to America as being bigger and better, but with all due respect i think hunting is one thing south Africa might win? We literally just go out to a game farm. Hunt what we want and then pay afterwards...

Thats why i said its almost like going to the grocery store...

 

[PARA45]

Thanks, but how does your point system work? How do you get points?

With regards to the buying of tags. What happens when you buy a tag but can't go hunt for some reason or just don't get anything during hunting season?

That's part of life, you do not get any money back, you lost that money. You have to have a license/tag to hunt big game, otherwise the Game Warden may think you are doing something illegal and site you for not having the required tag/license.

I'd give you an example. I usually hunt in South Dakota, in which I have to apply for a lottery drawing for deer tags. I have to pay in advance, but my CC doesn't get charged, only if I draw a tag. That tag is about $265, for one deer (mule or white tail, or a combo). If I get drawn and I do not shoot a deer, that tag is done since it's only valid for this particular hunting season/year. Like @Ridgewalker said, some states hunting laws are so confusing you almost need a law degree to interpret. LOL.

 

[Stephen Ausband]

Again, as others have said, it depends on location. I live in North Carolina and hunt here and in Virginia. My yearly licenses and big game stamps in both states allows me to hunt deer, bears, hogs, turkeys, small game and upland birds, etc. (I do have to get a "bear stamp" in NC, but it's free and immediately available.) There's a separate stamp required for waterfowl hunting, but it's also immediately available over the counter. No waiting or drawings. So basically, you pay your money for the license at your friendly sporting goods store and then go hunting. Not complicated at all. There are special drawing hunts for hunting on some state/federal lands and for species like tundra swans. Other states, especially Western states with species like mule deer, elk, moose, etc., may be a bit more complicated.

 

[JimP]

Thanks, but how does your point system work? How do you get points? Each state in the early part of they year will have a application guide book, both on the WWW and some will have a hard copy. Most states now you have to purchase a hunting license which covers small game and water fowl. Then you apply for the hunts that you want or you can just purchase a point in their system for what ever animal that you would like to hunt in the future. This point is then banked so that you can accumulate more points. As a example here in Colorado I put in for a point every year for 17 years to draw a muzzle loader elk tag in one unit. Some units will take 20+ resident points and close to 30 non resident points to draw a tag.

With regards to the buying of tags. What happens when you buy a tag but can't go hunt for some reason or just don't get anything during hunting season? Others have covered this, once a tag has been purchased you either need to use it on a animal, return it before the season starts, or hang it on the wall in a frame as a decoration. I have a British Colombia grizzly bear tag doing this.

Here are a couple of links to Utah's and Colorado application guide books that you can look at or download onto your computer to read.

https://wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/2020_biggameapp.pdf

https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/Brochure/BigGame/biggame.pdf

https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/Brochure/SheepandGoat.pdf

Other states are similar but application periods and point purchases may and can be different.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Thanks, but how does your point system work? How do you get points?

In Colorado we apply for points or a license tag between January and the first of April. For some species you pay $50 (Credit card) just for a preference point until sooner, later, or never you draw. For others such as deer and elk you give them your credit card number after filling out the application and you will hear by Mid July if you drew a license tag or just got a preference point. If you drew a license tag, your credit card gets hit.
Some trophy areas such as the northwest corner of the state require over 20 preference points (that’s 20 years of applying) to draw a tag.
Exotic high fenced game farms (mostly in Texas) are more similar to RSA. You tell the owner what you want to hunt; they take your money and guide you on the hunt.

 

[daawg1963]

Being from South Africa, hunting is a pretty straightforward thing, almost like going out and getting the groceries.

However when i watch YouTube hunting videos, of which the majority is in the USA, they always talk about tags and being drawn for a moose etc.

This got me wondering how does hunting in the USA work?

imo and ive africa 5 times and usa forever including had my own string of big game hounds baying bear nothing compares to dg in africa not even close. are game laws here suck ass as well

 

[Hogpatrol]

I can sum up hunting in the U.S. in two words. MONEY GRAB. Unfortunately for most states with less hunters yearly, that's getting more difficult. Eventually those chickens will come home to roost for good.

Edit: And one word for regulations, BYZANTINE.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Another “fly in the ointment“ here is statistically a bull elk hunter has an 18-20% chance to get one of any size.

 

[archer36]

I guess you can look at it this way. In the U.S. (and Canada), the Wildlife belongs to the public except in cases of private ranches and fenced preserves. The animals do not "belong" to a particular person. The vast majority of hunting is called "free range". Animals are allowed to travel between privately owned land. The animals were not "purchased/raised" by a specific person. The wildlife is managed by a Government Agency. It is very different from South Africa where a lot of areas are "fenced" in and animals do not freely roam. I understand the financial aspects of it. I am not condemning or advocating for either, just stating the difference.

 

[Elton]

I guess you can look at it this way. In the U.S. (and Canada), the Wildlife belongs to the public except in cases of private ranches and fenced preserves. The animals do not "belong" to a particular person. The vast majority of hunting is called "free range". Animals are allowed to travel between privately owned land. The animals were not "purchased/raised" by a specific person. The wildlife is managed by a Government Agency. It is very different from South Africa where a lot of areas are "fenced" in and animals do not freely roam. I understand the financial aspects of it. I am not condemning or advocating for either, just stating the difference.

I have long wondered about that, i believe that the game belonging to the public and public hunting land is the best method, but obviously this will need regulating. And in SA that is very difficult sadly.

 

[JimP]

One other thing, in most areas and states here in the US you do not need a outfitter or guide for any animal.

But if you have never been into the area and would like a better than average chance at taking one a guide is highly recommended.

 

[375Fox]

Hunting in the United States is managed to give everyone an opportunity to hunt (at low cost), it’s a different model than rest of world. Europe/Africa is managed on a set quota to harvest and long seasons with limited hunters. United States is managed with as many hunters as possible, shorter seasons including seasons of less successful methods such as archery and muzzle loader, tags to minimize hunters attempting to hunt, all to give opportunity to largest amount of people without over harvesting. Our system changes state by state and area by area, in Pennsylvania, our big game is deer, bear, and elk. Deer and bear are viewed as our right to hunt. All deer and bear tags are over the counter (no draw), deer is 1.5 month archery season, now 13 day rifle season, 2-4 week muzzle loader season. Bear was historically a 3 day rifle season but has been lengthened to increase harvest. There are around 1000 elk in state, they were reintroduced 100 years ago and only huntable in last 20, they are managed on a very limited draw (that anyone can apply for) to prevent over harvest. More simply, our system is about giving as many people the opportunity to hunt without over harvesting.

 

[Jfet]

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is what has driven the reestablishment of wildlife in North America.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Wildlife in the USA is not owned by private citizens. Wildlife is held in a public trust for the people. Each state has a wildlife management department. These state agencies are tasked with the management of wildlife in their respective states. Each of these agencies derive a large amount of their budget from the sell of hunting and fishing licenses. Each state has a different system and it can be a challenge to understand that system.

In the Western US the allure of hunting on public lands for little to no money is a major attraction. The draw back is that you are going to spend a large amount of time researching how to apply for the process to draw for tags in states such as Wyoming and Montana. The advantage to the draw system is that there will be fewer hunters in the woods. The down side is that it may take you several years of application to draw a tag. In Colorado and Idaho you can purchase licenses and tags over the counter. The down side to states like Colorado is that you will be in the woods with many other people.

In Texas and much of the rest of the US, 99% of the land is privately owned. You can purchase your hunting license which include your tags at your local sporting goods store. The cost will come when you go to lease or day hunt private land. This can be inexpensive or can be equivalent to an African Safari. You will almost always get what you pay for.

This is our system to providing value to wildlife. When one considers the lack of wildlife in the early to mid 1900's, then this system has been very successful. It is a system that may need to be updated.

 

[Jfet]

More simply, our system is about giving as many people the opportunity to hunt without over harvesting.

Great Description!