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

Henned Up Try One Of These Tips
Henned Up Try One Of These Tips

Early Spring Turkey Tactics that Work

A hunter strokes the paddle on a box call emitting a loud yelp into the predawn air. The thunderous reply has blood boiling at both ends of this dance. What now? Read on for some early spring turkey tactics that work.

New for 2026: Imperial Whitetail Sorghum Select

Hunters and land managers looking to add additional feeding opportunities now have a new option: Imperial Whitetail brand Sorghum Select from the Whitetail Institute. This blend combines two premium hybrid sorghum varieties to deliver a high-yielding, palatable, nutritious grain crop.

Hunting Adventure: Pursuing the Prince of the Plains

A veteran of many safaris finally hunts the game atop his wish list. Follow along with Scott Haugen as he stalks sable through South Africa.

New for 2026: Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig

Always scrambling to find the right call in one of a thousand pockets? The Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig eliminates that problem by putting everything front and center, exactly where it should be.

First Look: Mossberg Special Edition 590 Bliksem

Mossberg has released its 590 Bliksem, a Special Edition pump-action firearm created in collaboration with Christian Craighead and his brand, Ministry of Defence (MOD). 

What Your Favorite Cartridge Says About You: Part III

Somehow, more than ten years has gone by since we had the second installment in this series. With a multitude of requests for another go-round, I am more than happy to oblige. We’ve had some interesting new developments in the cartridges world in the last decade, and there are some classic which are still being championed. So, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, I present Part III of What Your Favorite Cartridge Says About You.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.