Im, just kidding with you Bigdan, BUT, actually even in the last five years those numbers certainly have, on average, went up, to some degree. But as all the states you mentioned, have some sort of random draw, or use bonus points instead of preference points, drawing a tag in any of these states after accruing three points I am certain can be done, but I would more seriously figure that if you choose much lesser, or shall we call them, average units, you should draw one, to all, in about five to ten years. On the downside, depending on certain variables, you may draw the first year you apply, or it may take more like 6 to 10, and my thoughts here would again, most likely apply to average units - the most sought after units in Arizona, due to the structure of their system, WILL require 20 plus points before you are assured to draw. In Utah, it could happen at any level for any hunt, and Nevada, from what I understand, gives out so few nonresident tags, it isn't hardly worth it - at least that is what I have been told, therefore, I don't apply there, so I don't know for certain.
Any place that you have a chance is worth applying over time if you apply every year.
I would agree with Bigdan if you apply every year. If you want to "buy points" for 10 yrs and then hunt, then I'd skip NV and possibly UT and just build points in AZ till you can hunt and stick with WY. Consider NM as well as it's a lottery and there's no points - you have the same chance as everyone else every year.
"Buying points" in NV will cost you almost 2 grand over 10 yrs and if you start putting in for the draw then, you'll still have a small chance at drawing.
Doing the same in AZ will net you 11 points 10 yrs from now which may still get you a good hunt 10 yrs from now. It'll also cost you a little under 2 grand.
Doing the same in UT will put you somewhere between AZ and NV in terms of actually being able to get a tag, but by then, you may not be looking at that great of a chance at that great of a tag, but it'll only cost you 42.50 a year in UT if you apply correctly and only app for elk.
It's impossible to give you good advice without knowing exactly what your goals are.
As far as trophy tags go, CA, OR, NV, UT, CO, and WA are basically a waste of your money as you'll either need the 20 yrs or your odds will still be very low after 10 yrs.
I'm 67 and when I drew 108 with max points in 2011 I stopped buying points. Still hunt WY but reduced price cow tags is how. Cows are harder to kill than the bulls.
