Colorado advice needed

[PublicTines]

Myself and a friend are trying to plan our first DIY/Out of state hunt for mule deer this coming fall. I have constantly be researching draw odds, success rates etc trying to find the best units since this is all new to us. My question is would it be smarter to hunt the 3rd rifle season in one of the units with decent draws odds with 0 preference points say units, 9,18, 25... Or hunt the fourth season in a lesser quality unit that is almost guaranteed a tag as well such as 34. We are by no means looking to kill a giant, just out for the experience and would love to take something home. We are both young and eager so a physical demanding hunt is not an issue. Thanks for any help!

 

[TOGIE]

i'd go 3rd 0 points

draw odds have the potential to not be what you would expect them to be this year for deer, especially for 3rd. just keep that in mind to check your expectations

by and large though, just pick a unit you can draw and go. lotsa mule deer round here

 

[vanish]

To add to TOGIEGOAT's comment, CPW has changed the dates (later) for the deer/elk hunt this year, and some of us expect significant changes to quotas, so we expect previous draw odds to be of marginal use.

Unit 18 will probably still be available in second season for 0 points. Scads of hunters but also lots of deer.

 

[PublicTines]

okay good to know! Also, is it correct to apply for a harder to draw unit as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice, then an almost guaranteed unit as 4th choice just to ensure a tag?

 

[LCH]

okay good to know! Also, is it correct to apply for a harder to draw unit as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice, then an almost guaranteed unit as 4th choice just to ensure a tag?

Read through this thoroughly:

Big Game

Hunting for big game in Colorado can be a thrilling and challenging experience, with the chance to explore some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the country. However, it's important to follow all hunting regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and sustainable hunt.

cpw.state.co.us

You can apply for a hard to draw unit 1st choice if you want a point. Just understand you have absolutely zero chance of drawing this tag. Your 2nd choice, you can select a unit that you expect to have a good probability of drawing as a second choice. This will whittle down your tag options even further, since there are tags you could draw 1st choice with zero points that you won't draw as a 2nd choice.

You will be unlikely to draw 9, 18, or 25 late rifle seasons as a 2nd choice. You might be able to draw muzzleloader or 2nd rifle in one of these units, if draw odds remain similar to last year.

 

[Kiwi]

To add to TOGIEGOAT's comment, CPW has changed the dates (later) for the deer/elk hunt this year, and some of us expect significant changes to quotas, so we expect previous draw odds to be of marginal use.

Unit 18 will probably still be available in second season for 0 points. Scads of hunters but also lots of deer.

Do you think that applies to elk as well? I have 4 elk points and trying to select a unit and was thinking I’d be safe choosing a unit that was 3 points last year but I could also select one that was 2 points to increase my odds.

 

[vanish]

I don't know what to expect with elk draws this year. Unlike deer, the rut is long over by 3rd and 4th seasons. With the later season date, I think it will be more attractive to those who want snow, and less attractive for those who don't.

 

[Dsnow9]

I think elk points should hold tight. The major point shift changes are going to happen on the deer tags.

 

[TOGIE]

^ which is such a pity

colorado, even for fully limited, is still a mule deer opportunity state. i fear with just a little season shifting we could be losing a not insignificant chunk of opportunity

i'm still so curious to see the quotas. then i can figure out if i hate myself for my application choice or not

 

[Deleted member 28227]

^ which is such a pity

colorado, even for fully limited, is still a mule deer opportunity state. i fear with just a little season shifting we could be losing a not insignificant chunk of opportunity

i'm still so curious to see the quotas. then i can figure out if i hate myself for my application choice or not

I'm very curious to see how it all plays out as well. In theory I think the change in dates will effect the quota negatively... but on the other hand I think it's possible there will be zero effect.

 

[lastlight]

IMO the major shift in points will be mostly in 2021. They aren’t pushed back that much this year. But in 21’ say goodbye to the older age class bucks for the most part.

 

[Deleted member 28227]

IMO the major shift in points will be mostly in 2021. They aren’t pushed back that much this year. But in 21’ say goodbye to the older age class bucks for the most part.

I think on paper I would agree, if quotas weren't adjusted (which they will be... one of the commissioners even made a flippant comment about making the quota 0 for 4th season in some units), but then a lot of winter range, i.e. where the deer are during the rut is in valley floors which are typically private land.

In the unit I have the most experience with deer show up on private during 1st rifle elk and don't leave until spring. In that specific part of that unit there is virtually no advantage to 4th season over 2nd.