Hi, I am looking for an agancy that applies for tags for you for a fee. I am pretty sure there are some that will put up the money for the tag and if you get it they charge you for the tag as well as a small fee for using their service/money to apply. Does anyone have experience with these services and if so what do you think?

I haven't used any agency to apply for tags. I know that Cabela's will float all of the money for the tags. I think you will find it to be quite pricey. There fees run from $20 to $150 per tag depending on the state and species. I think that you will find this about par for most agencies that will float the fees for you.
I would recommend subscribing to Garth Carter's The Huntin' Fool. They publish the most comprehensive information about where to apply for every big game animal in the west. Also, with most states going to an online draw you only have to pay the application fee upfront. the bad thing about this is that everyone applies creating very poor draw odds.
ryan

Run-dont-walk away from George Taulman and USO!

Amen on the USO comment! Don't be fooled by what you see on the videos. I have friends that have hunted with them, others that have aquaintences that have guided for them...never heard the first positive comment about them. Had one friend that paid big bucks for a "trophy" elk hunt, as opposed to a "just any ol elk" hunt with USO. All the while they were talking up his chances at a real whopper of an elk, as if he were already tied to the proverbial tree. First morning hunting with the guide he pointed out a small 4x4 to him and told him "shoot". My friend politely told him that he paid big bucks for a trophy...I can get a 4x4 anywhere...I paid the extra $ for a private ranch hunt in a trophy managed area, blah blah blah....His guide simply told him "there is your trophy...take it or leave it...I have done my job as your guide". Needless to say my friend was pissed beyond belief and his hunt went down the tubes from there on.
I have a close friend that guides on a huge New Mexico ranch that tells me about the way they advertise for guides for this bunch....something to the effect that they have a meeting at some hotel in the evening where anyone who is interested in guiding can attend. Go to the meeting, signup, and bingo...you are now one of their guides.....
The locals in New Mexico don't hold USO in high regard. Just my 2 cents.

I am just glad most writers haved shunned Taulman like the scumbag that he is. Zumbo dropped him like a hot potato - good move, Jim.

Take a serious look at Larry Altimus of Hunter Application Service (H.A.S.). He is a very experienced hunter, guide, and down to earth good fella. Fronts the money, makes the apps, and follows up with lots of help once the draw is complete. Has a pretty good reputation with quite a few people.

quote:

Originally posted by wapiti7:
Run-dont-walk away from George Taulman and USO!

Where did that come from? Am I missing something?

I agree with Blank about Larry Altimus. While I have yet to be succesful, his guidance, putting up the fees, and filing the application were all very helful. He can be found at: http://www.hunterapplicationservice.com/

Thanks. Will be contacting HAS soon. Any other suggestions?

Bulldog563, Do yourself a huge favor, sign up for a 1 year trial membership at Garth Carter's License Application Service. www.huntinfool.com They will send you a great monthly magazine with excellent stories and they will describe step by step how to apply for trophy unit tags and other hard to get tags.
I checked as many of the application services i could find and found out that when they say they are "fronting" money for you you're really not getting anything for free.
I joined Carter's and just started following their instructions and found out it is really, really simple to apply in most states. A lot of them you can do on-line and only pay a small processing fee unless you draw a tag, then they charge your credit card. So there is really no fee that can be "fronted"!!!
Some states get pretty pricey if you have to send the tag fee and wait to get reimbursed if you don't get drawn.
I'm glad I tried doing it myself first because I would have been pissed if I paid someone 50 bucks to do something that takes maybe 2 minutes on the computer! It really is easier than it sounds. Each state is different but Carter's tells you exactly what you need to do for each state. Give it a try yourself first and if it's not your cup of tea Carter's will do it for you! Good luck. Joe