Podcast Summary: Live Wild with Remi Warren – Episode 172: "Beat the Creep - Ways to Beat Point Creep and Draw Sooner"
Release Date: February 27, 2025
Introduction to Point Creep and Its Impact
In Episode 172, Remi Warren tackles the increasingly frustrating issue of point creep within preference point-based hunting systems. Point creep refers to the gradual escalation in the number of points required to secure hunting tags over time, primarily driven by a surge in applicants chasing limited tags. This phenomenon often results in hunters perpetually chasing an ever-moving goalpost, making it harder to draw coveted tags with moderate point counts.
"Point creep occurs when the average number of points needed to draw a tag just continues to increase over time due to more hunters applying for these very limited tags." [05:10]
Remi explains that traditional preference point systems award tags to applicants with the highest points first, descending the list. However, many states have modified these systems to introduce random draws, albeit with low odds, to provide some opportunity for hunters with fewer points.
Understanding Preference Point Systems
Remi provides a comprehensive overview of various states employing preference point systems, including Utah, Colorado, California, Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon. He highlights how these systems initially allowed hunters to predict when they could draw tags based on accumulated points, but over time, the equilibrium has been disrupted due to increasing applications.
"I've got 24 points or something like that. But also, you know, in some states, I'm not super concerned with withdrawing right away." [22:35]
Sharing his personal journey, Remi recounts years of chasing tags only to fall a few points short, thus perpetuating the cycle of point creep.
Strategies to Overcome Point Creep
Remi delves into several actionable strategies hunters can employ to navigate point creep and improve their chances of drawing tags:
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Realistic Goal Setting and Hunt Planning
- Assessing Your Position: Understand where you are in your hunting journey. Are you a beginner, or have you been applying for years?
- Setting Achievable Goals: Avoid chasing unattainable top-tier tags. Instead, focus on realistic hunts based on your current point levels.
"Don't go chasing waterfalls. You have to be realistic about the type of hunt you want and what you're going for and build your plan first based on that." [15:50]
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Data-Driven Analysis of Trends
- Utilizing Tools: Use platforms like Onyx to analyze draw statistics and trends in specific units.
- Identifying Stable Units: Focus on units where point requirements are stable or increasing modestly, avoiding those with rapidly rising points.
"I'm starting out. One of the things that I want to do is look for those, those hunts that trend to a, you know, whatever point level." [18:45]
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Monitoring Regulation Shifts
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on changes in hunting regulations that could affect point requirements.
- Adapt Strategies: Take advantage of increased tags during population booms or regulatory adjustments to secure tags with fewer points.
"A few years ago, Wyoming increased the price of their elk tags... I waited knowing that change was coming into effect." [35:50]
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Buying Down Points
- Guaranteed Tags: Use accumulated points to secure a tag in a desired unit, bypassing the uncertainty of draws.
- Impact on Point Pool: Be mindful that this strategy can contribute to point creep by removing points from the pool.
"Buying down is where you have a certain level of points and you find a unit you can guarantee yourself a tag in without having to worry about potentially not drawing." [42:15]
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Pairing with Hunting Buddies ("Party Up")
- Collaborative Applications: Partner with friends or family to pool points, enhancing the collective chances of drawing tags.
- Shared Benefits: Splitting travel costs and improving the hunting experience by hunting together.
"It's a really good way to do it. And think about not just applications individually, but applications with your friends or hunting buddies as well." [50:30]
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Patience and Long-Term Planning
- Building Points Over Time: Steadily accumulate points while engaging in alternative hunting opportunities.
- Waiting Out Unfavorable Conditions: Letting time work in your favor by waiting for better opportunities or regulatory changes.
"Sometimes you don't have to beat the creep. You can just kind of wait it out. You can be patient." [68:10]
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Capitalizing on Bad Hunting Years
- Taking Advantage of Poor Conditions: In years affected by drought or harsh winters, top point holders may hold back, allowing lower-point hunters better chances.
- Securing Quality Hunts: Utilize these downturns to access quality hunts with fewer points.
"Cash up with your points on bad years. There are certain states that are highly affected by drought... my friends drew strip tags in bad water years and shot really good bucks." [78:55]
Alternate Hunting Opportunities and Supplemental Strategies
Remi encourages hunters to diversify their hunting strategies beyond just pursuing main bull elk tags:
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Targeting Cow Elks or Spike Elks:
- Gaining Experience: Pursue spike tags to hunt cow elks, providing valuable in-field experience and preparation for future bull tag opportunities.
"Chasing cow elk or spike elk... it's an awesome way to get out into the field and learn the unit." [90:20]
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Alternate Seasons and Methods:
- Exploring Different Seasons: Apply for different hunting seasons or methods (e.g., archery vs. muzzleloader) to increase application success.
"Alternate seasons that have better draws or seasons with better dates can help you get into units sooner." [82:10]
Maximizing Resources and Community Engagement
Remi emphasizes the importance of leveraging available resources and engaging with the hunting community:
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Utilizing Online Tools and Memberships:
- Data Analysis: Use tools like Onyx to track draw statistics.
- Join Organizations: Become a member of groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) for access to specialized articles and resources.
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Networking with Fellow Hunters:
- Share Strategies: Communicate with hunting buddies to share strategies and coordinate applications.
- Collaborative Opportunities: Engage in joint applications to enhance collective chances of drawing tags.
"Within my family and friend group, we have different kind of strategies... It allows you to hunt multiple places by strategizing together." [55:40]
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Continuous Learning and Adaptation:
- Stay Updated: Regularly read hunting magazines, follow news, and adapt strategies based on current data and trends.
"I read through every hunting fool like magazine I think I have ever since they've started... talking to people in different states." [80:30]
Conclusion: Navigating the Point Creep Challenge
Remi wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of strategic planning, adaptability, and perseverance in overcoming point creep. He encourages hunters to blend the discussed strategies, tailor their approaches based on their unique situations, and remain patient and informed to successfully navigate the evolving landscape of preference point hunting systems.
"It's a mental game... You have to do something to draw and get out of that loop of waiting your tail." [86:00]
Additional Resources and Promotions
- Wilderness Athlete Flavors: Remi introduces new energy flavors available on the Wilderness Athlete website, offering discounts with code "livewild."
- Vortex Optics Partnership: Highlights the importance of quality optics and promotes available gear on Remi’s online store.
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Membership: Encourages listeners to subscribe for access to Bugle magazine and specialized hunting tactics articles.
"Remywarren.com We've got our store on there. If you haven't checked out our store, go check it out, man." [95:30]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and actionable insights presented by Remi Warren in Episode 172. Hunters looking to overcome point creep and enhance their tag-drawing strategies will find valuable guidance and practical tips to navigate the complexities of preference point systems effectively.