Meat in the freezer

[axel314]

Hi Everyone

New to the forum, I have been hunting whitetail in northern Minnesota since I was of legal age, living in California now trying to learn the ins and outs of California hunting for quail, chukar, deer and pig. Lookin at planning an elk hunt. Any suggestions on the the best way to go about it? My goal for now is not a trophy, just looking for the best option for meat in the freezer. Im looking at Colorado right now since it is not too far of a drive and seems to be the most populated for Elk. Is a cow tag the way to go? Anyone have suggestions for the highest rate of success in a zone? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[homers]

Cow tag, CO, WY even NM or AZ

 

[madtom]

Pretty sure NM doesn’t give cow tags to nonresidents, but CO and WY are both solid choices

 

[pabearhunter]

Welcome aboard.

 

[JohnCushman]

Welcome aboard. If you're just looking for meat, you can't beat Wyoming doe antelope tags.

 

[axel314]

Welcome aboard. If you're just looking for meat, you can't beat Wyoming doe antelope tags.

Easy to get tags?

 

[Muley_Stalker]

Not much meat in an antelope. A cow tag in Colorado is easy to get with no points every year.

 

[JohnCushman]

Easy to get tags?

Many units are easy to get. Many units have leftovers too. Plus, you're allowed 4 tags. And they are only like $46.

 

[Muley_Stalker]

Many units are easy to get. Many units have leftovers too. Plus, you're allowed 4 tags. And they are only like $46.

For a resident but he's from California. His best bang for the buck is a cow as far as getting meat.

 

[JohnCushman]

For a resident but he's from California. His best bang for the buck is a cow as far as getting meat.

As a community of hunters helping hunters, is it not up to us to show him as many options that are out there and give him the choice?

 

[Muley_Stalker]

We should also recommend the best option.

 

[JohnCushman]

The 'best option' in your eyes might not be the same to him.....so let him decide

 

[madtom]

For a resident but he's from California. His best bang for the buck is a cow as far as getting meat.

Pretty cheap option and generally easier to kill than a cow elk.

 

[JohnCushman]

View attachment 126781

Pretty cheap option and generally easier to kill than a cow elk.

Pretty easy way for a new western hunter to scope out a possible future antelope unit as well to come back for a buck tag.

 

[Muley_Stalker]

He'll be the one to decide. No matter what we say. However, he did ask about cow elk.

A good tasting cow for a sage tasting antelope?

 

[wytex]

A reduced price cow tag in Wyoming and a pocket full of doe tags to fill the freezer.
Sounds like he has never hunted elk so the doe tags might be the best option.
Good bit of change tied up in one and if you don't find elk you're eating tag soup, doe antelope are pretty much a slam dunk for meat.

 

[madtom]

He'll be the one to decide. No matter what we say. However, he did ask about cow elk.

A good tasting cow for a sage tasting antelope?

That's a personal choice too. To me, antelope is at least as good as elk, maybe better.

 

[Muley_Stalker]

View attachment 126781

Pretty cheap option and generally easier to kill than a cow elk.

Not sure where you got that. I just looked and found this.

Nonresident adult/fishing combo*

$ 396.75

You can't be talking about Colorado. He said he wants to hunt Colorado because it's closer to him. He also wants to hunt for a cow. Why are you trying to talk him into something else? He sounds like he wants to be an elk hunter but start with a cow.

 

[Muley_Stalker]

That's a personal choice too. To me, antelope is at least as good as elk, maybe better.

The majority won't agree. Look up best tasting game meat.

 

[Slm864]

Many units are easy to get. Many units have leftovers too. Plus, you're allowed 4 tags. And they are only like $46.

I never knew the cost for a doe antelope tag was that inexpensive but that is mainly due to the fact I never researched it. Elk and mule deer have been my reason to travel west to hunt recently, but this info definitely peaked my interest. Sounds like a fun opportunity and a great price. Thanks for the information.