As happens many times in bowhunting, this event transpired so fast it seemed surreal. One minute I was thinking about what I’d have for lunch in six hours, and the next minute I was staring through my peep at a Pope and Young whitetail.

I gave the deer a couple of hours and then gathered some friends to take up the trail. By noon, we were taking pictures of my beautiful chocolate-antlered brute. Yes, I killed this deer on private land, but the farmer never turns down anyone who wants to hunt. Hunting pressure was limited primarily through Iowa’s cap on nonresident archery tags.

Because all states have slightly different systems, getting started in the application process can be a bit overwhelming. However, after a couple of seasons of applying you’ll catch on and find the application process a fun part of the hunt. And if you’re consistent in playing the hunting-tag lottery over the years, you’ll reap trophy rewards.

Author’s Note: For my Arizona elk, I used a Mathews Legend bow, Carbon Express arrows, Muzzy broadheads, Danner boots, Cabela’s CLR800 rangefinder, Pentax binoculars, and the ever- important Camelbak hydration system.

When the author isn’t traveling to out-of-state bowhunting destinations, he can be found at home in Winneconne, Wisconsin. This is his first story for Bowhunter.