What to do with 13 pts in Co

[car]

Looking for some advice. I live in Ohio. I was planning on moving to Wyoming and traveling to Colorado often to do alot of scouting before cashing in my points. I was going to DIY hunt since I would have been able to do so because of living so close. At this time, it doesn't look like I'll be able to move to Wy. I have never been one to use outfitters much, but at age 57 and hunting alone, I feel with the amount of points and a one shot trip, it would be a wise choice to go with an outfitter or a ranch tag or something along that line. What would you do?

 

[elks96]

With your points there are not many options that stand out! You can always DIY an OTC unit! If you talking a truly once in a lifetime hunt, burning 13 points for elk really leaves you with just a couple options! Look at unit 76 and get a guide! Also unit 49 is a good option! I myself prefer a non guided hunt, but there is a lot more that has to happening order to be successful!

If not 76 then also unit 49 is very popular! Neither are probably worth the 13 years you have put in but they are the best option with the hand your holding!

 

[FrontRange]

Here is a link to the CPW web site that shows the "minimum" munber of preference points it took to draw various hunt codes in 2014.

http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Hunting/BigGame/Statistics/Elk/2014ElkPreferencePoint.pdf

 

[car]

Thanks for the post and link.I can see 13 pts doesn't really put ya in the driver seat.

 

[Coloradoboy]

LAST EDITED ON Dec-24-14 AT 10:25AM (MST)[p]13 doesn't get you get close to being in the parade as far as the primo hunts in the NW corner or even the over rated unit 61 (as far as big bulls go) Unit 76 or 49 would be tougher hunts as far as DIY if you're not experienced with hunting in the high country and not willing to put miles on the boots and bring an elk out on your back. Most of your hunting in 49 and 76 will be done at over 11k. As far as outfitted or trespass hunts unit 40 would be first choice. But you're going to have to be willing to cough up 7 to 8 grand minimum to go with a good outfitter. Honestly Wyoming has much better opportunities as quality bulls at much easier to draw tags, especially if you become a resident.

Coloradoboy

 

[Coloradoboy]

Sorry I missed the part about not being able to move to Wyoming.

Coloradoboy

 

[2f350s]

As stated, 40 is good but cost for the outfitter & land access is outrageous. 76 is a large area and if your DIY is not far off the road you'll be crowded. 61 has declined in quality over the past few years, might want to consider 66, less grand as far as reviews go but you can catch bulls up high that are the quality of 76 and more likely to draw a tag. I'm 50 and don;t use outfitters either (I was a registered guide) so prefer to do my own DIY when the tag is mine.

2f350s: Spend the money on additional licenses and HUNT more!

 

[Elkduds]

Be careful w the "Minimum Points to Draw" doc from CPW, it doesn't tell you how man w the minimum # of points drew the tag. If one guy drew w 13 pps and 99 didn't, it will still say that 13 is the minimum. Here's an idea: Muzzleloader bull tag in 67. maybe with an outfitter or drop camp. It is during the rut, so you or outfitter can call bulls into ML range. Very nice time of year unless it rains. 67 is nice country, not as high or steep as some other units, and has about the same quality of bulls as the rest of the Gunnison country, which is better than average for the state. This unit gets crowded during rifle seasons, which take 0 points to draw. The south part of the unit around Sawtooth Mtn would be a starting place. W a drop camp you would have a 2-way radio to contact outfitter if you had a problem or needed game packed, and you would be your own guide. Consider your cardiovascular health, hunters die from altitude-induced illness every autumn. Good luck!