10 Point Cow Hunt

[Kiwi]

I'm looking at my application options for Colorado 2026.

I have 10 elk points and am considering applying for a cow tag. It might seem crazy, and perhaps it is, but I can draw a cow tag in the best units in Colorado and one which suits my plans (both location and timing) for a road trip to the South West corner of the state.

Anyone else burn points on cow tags for the experience and glad they did?

 

[Kevin W]

I pondered this exact thing last year but for Wyoming. I just couldn't do it, but then again I'm not coming from New Zealand either. Good luck with your decision and subsequent hunt.

 

[Pucky Freak]

I have one set of elk antlers in my wall - plenty enough. My mindset right now is cows. They can be a fun challenging hunt, make whatever you’d like of it.

That is also a lot of $$$ in points. Might need a little memorial service once they’re gone.

 

[Bullshot]

I'm looking at my application options for Colorado 2026.

I have 10 elk points and am considering applying for a cow tag. It might seem crazy, and perhaps it is, but I can draw a cow tag in the best units in Colorado and one which suits my plans (both location and timing) for a road trip to the South West corner of the state.

Anyone else burn points on cow tags for the experience and glad they did?

Noooooo! PM me your timing and constraints if you care to, maybe I give you a better plan which should not be hard! I'm sure you will get lots of suggestions from others too.

 

[Carl 9.3x62]

Never been in your situation, but cow elk hunting is a blast, especially in cool country. That does sound like a heck of a lot of money just for a cow though.

 

[Kiwi]

I agree it’s a lot for a cow hunt, especially if you factor in all of the trip costs. Wouldn’t like to work out the cost per lb!

 

[Chingon]

Landowner cow tags in NM can be pretty cheap. I wouldn’t burn points on one…

 

[Bulldog0156]

Based on my very limited experience in Colorado, i wouldn't burn 10 points on a cow tag. Where i hunted in a general unit it was not that hard to find elk. I'd have to imagine 10 points would draw a tag where it isn't too hard to find a bull.

 

[elkduds]

I drew cow tags in order to hunt in CO high point units like 49, 61 and RFWs where it would have taken points I would never accumulate. I had memorable hunts, usually filled the freezer, and got to see why those units take so many points. For me it was a win-win strategy.

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

Kind of an outside the box thought if you just want to experience elk in Colorado you could do a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in September and photograph them. And if you want some good meat there are bison ranches that sell meat. My wife worked with a guy who bought a bison and the rancher let him shoot it for a “hunt”. Pretty lame in my opinion but the meat was good

 

[CowboyLeroy]

You can also draw a cow tag in the leftover pool

 

[Kiwi]

Kind of an outside the box thought if you just want to experience elk in Colorado you could do a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in September and photograph them. And if you want some good meat there are bison ranches that sell meat. My wife worked with a guy who bought a bison and the rancher let him shoot it for a “hunt”. Pretty lame in my opinion but the meat was good

Thanks for that suggestion. I definitely like the idea of going to the Rocky Mountain National Park and perhaps I’ll fit that in as part of a road trip, but I definitely want to include a hunt while I’m there.

 

[gonhunting247]

Go bull hunting! Maybe go on a MZ hunt. Then go on a cow hunt too, with no points!

 

[WapitiBob]

I used WY points on a Cow tag last year in one of the best areas of the state, my 3rd WY Cow tag in a top hunt area, and I'm probably doing it in WY again this year. I'm too old to wait for a Gen license and dealing with crowds. Doing the same in AZ now that I've drawn Bull tags twice; just not willing to wait or hope lightning strikes. I wouldn't use 10 points in WY but the point situation in CO is probably quite different.

 

[Elkoholic]

I'm looking at my application options for Colorado 2026.

I have 10 elk points and am considering applying for a cow tag. It might seem crazy, and perhaps it is, but I can draw a cow tag in the best units in Colorado and one which suits my plans (both location and timing) for a road trip to the South West corner of the state.

Anyone else burn points on cow tags for the experience and glad they did?

Campbell - I'll send you a PM.

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks WapitiBob, that's helpful.

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

My only other advice is do what will make you happy, not what will get other people’s approval for lack of a better term. Only you know if you would rather have a kicked back cow hunt in some beautiful country or hold out for a chance at a big old bull.

 

[Kiwi]

My only other advice is do what will make you happy, not what will get other people’s approval for lack of a better term. Only you know if you would rather have a kicked back cow hunt in some beautiful country or hold out for a chance at a big old bull.

Great advice.

I may change my mind but I have shot 3 bulls that I am happy with and have points in MT and AZ (my sons) that I hope will give me / us of a chance of a big bull.

 

[Gerald Martin]

Campbell - I'll send you a PM.

This sounds like potential for another adventure… pending draw results for several family and friends Sherpa service might be available.

 

[Redraider7]

Save your points. Try and get one off the leftover list or do an OTC unit. 10 points is a lot to burn on a cow hunt but I am burning points to go on two cow hunts this year as well.