2020 OTC Elk Hunting Pressure

[TheInformedHunter]

What are y'alls thoughts on OTC elk hunting pressure this year? I ask because limited entry tag applications increased in most states. I was hoping draw odds would improve this year and ended up striking out on all my applications.

 

[Bigjay73]

The vast majority of tag and license purchases are up. Our last otc season, turkey was very crowded in most areas. Barring colorado banning non residents, i don't see otc elk bucking the trend

 

[nontyp]

There is always going to be more hunting pressure than you would like. Don’t worry about the pressure. Use it to your advantage and find overlooked places. Control the things you can control. Make a bulletproof game plan with extensive e-scouting, get in shape, and if you’re calling elk, learn from experts and understand what the elk are saying.

 

[Pucky Freak]

Welcome to HT!

 

[Gerald Martin]

In Montana it’s going to be terrible. The only solution is to stay home.

 

[elkantlers]

It will be the same as previous years in Utah because they cap the sales at 15,000 tags.

 

[44hunter45]

Welcome.

Idaho wishes all NR hunters to just send in their tag fees and then stay home.

 

[clueless]

Based on all other trends this year, my guess is record level of pressure.


J

 

[Shangobango]

In Montana it’s going to be terrible. The only solution is to stay home.

Too late for that for me. I'm committed. If I don't pull the trigger and just get the experience of traveling almost literally all the way across the country for a hunting trip and get to observe some animals that I want to learn about it will be a successful trip.

 

[AvidIndoorsman]

Avoid the San Juan’s... total dumpster fire and no elk, covid everywhere, forest fires, no water, just terrible.

 

[nrpate05]

All those people who struck out on limited tags may look to OTC...

 

[brownbear932008]

Several states are capped so there will be no difference in those. CO may be rocking though. Lol

 

[cbellosu]

I also wonder if OTC will be limited to residents in some states if COVID continues to increase.

 

[jlong17]

Last year was my first year elk hunting. Like many, I was a bit stressed out thinking about the potential hunting pressure I would encounter... especially considering the amount of money I had invested in two out of state hunts. I hunted OTC archery in Colorado and I was lucky enough to harvest a beauty. I only came across 5 hunters while out in the field - and they were all stand up guys. I also hunted an OTC cow tag in Idaho. I experienced a lot of hunting pressure there. It was a bit frustrating for a few days until I realized I could work harder and allow the increased pressure to push elk to me. That's exactly what ended up happening, and I harvested another beauty.
Don't worry about other folks... your only competition is yourself

 

[TheInformedHunter]

Thanks for the feedback!