What to Do With a Tag You Can't Use

by
posted on November 12, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
unused_tags_f.jpg

The Background
Every year, I put in for a variety of tags across the U.S. in hopes of drawing one so I can hunt somewhere other than at home. I’ve always wondered what I’d do if I drew a bunch of tags in the same yearwell, this year I found out.

The Dilemma
Like many of you, my days off are numbered and my family is youngI don’t have unlimited time to hunt my way across the country the way I'd like to. I decided that I could combine two of my hunts into one, and managed to work in a third hunt where I’ll have a rare Arizona elk tag. But that pushed my days off to the absolute limit. All was well until a Wyoming antelope tag turned up in the mailbox. What now?

The Solution
As much as I hated to have spent $500 on a tag that I couldn’t use, it pained me more to know that it would go to waste. I called the state of Wyoming and they let me know about a program that allows hunters to donate their tags for use by wounded veterans or non-veteran disabled hunters. I will gladly hand my tag over to someone who shed their blood for our nation or someone who can’t get around the outdoors as well as others. I filled out this form and enclosed it with my tag. According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s website, mine was one of 11 buck antelope tags donated this season. Other states have similar programs, so if you have a tag that you can’t use, pick up the phone and see whether you can put it to good use.

Latest

W H2026 03 Elkdraw RE345 Elk Copyright Mark Kayser
W H2026 03 Elkdraw RE345 Elk Copyright Mark Kayser

5 Steps to Win Your Next Elk Draw

Want to find success in your next elk lottery? Get some tips from Mark Kayser on how to beat the point creep, find less-applied for honey holes, and more.

Savage Arms Expands Model 110 Line

Savage Arms has added three new rifles to its Model 110 lineup: the 110 Core Predator, 110 Core Tactical and 110 Ultralite Predator. In addition to the all-new AccuFit V2, these rifles feature a beavertail fore-end that incorporates an ARCA rail with M-Lok slots. The Predator and Tactical rifles also have higher capacity magazines, holding up to ten rounds.

Zander's Exclusive TriStar Setter LT

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has announced the release of an exclusive new shotgun offering in partnership with TriStar Arms: the TriStar Setter LT, featuring a custom black engraved receiver designed specifically for Zanders dealers and customers.

Behind the Bullet: .450/400 3” Nitro Express

Among the lot of Nitro Express cartridges—a term coined by James Purdey to compare the power of these cartridges to a locomotive and newly loaded with smokeless powder—the .450/400 3” N.E. represents one the best blends of hunting power and ease of shooting. Curious? Read on, as Phil Massaro goes in-depth on this classic, though esoteric, favorite.

TriStar Arms to Exhibit at 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, taking place April 17–19, 2026, in Houston, TX. Attendees are invited to visit TriStar Arms at Booth #3103 to explore the newest firearm offerings and learn more about the brand's continued commitment to the shooting sports community.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.