I'm in the same 3 point boat. Passed on the first year of PP's and am now paying, because we are not in the top draw pool by one point. You could apply for unit 1 or 2 western rifle mulie, but not being in the top draw pool will kill that chance. No NR archery mulie out there. My buddy drew the unit 2 hunt a couple years back and took a nice buck. However, he sought permission knocking on doors.

I'd have to agree it's best to just apply for an eastern WT tag and go during archery season on public land. We did this 3 times and I was just getting good finding spots. Killed a 120" the last year. Make sure you plan your hunt to end the first or second day of the pheasant opener, normally Nov. 6/7/8. The public land is ruined after that. Scores of pheasant hunters and their dogs from all over the country. I wasted many a primetime day before figuring out it was a waste of time. You will find tremendous deer sign and wonder where the bucks are if you go after the pheasant opener. They will be nocturnal. By contrast, we saw virtually zero bowhunters given the land available. Plenty of prime funnels with no competition. This year the opener is Nov. 4th. Go October 28-November 5 and pray for cold weather.