12 Points to Burn in Colorado for Mule Deer

[Humbleman]

I've hunted colorado a number of times for elk and had great success in Unit 61. I was accumulating points for deer to draw a Ranching for Wildlife tag. That is no longer available to non-residents. What is the best Unit to harvest a Trophy Mule deer in Colorado. I want to get the most out of 12 years worth of points. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[accubond]

I dont have a ton of experience but have been doing some research and know a few people that that hunted 21 the third season but you would need 13 points for a garunteed tag there or i've heard good things about 10, which you would probably draw a second season tag. From the best of my knowledge this area wont be affected to much with the winter kill that's happening in parts of the state. Thats a lot of points and you're gonna draw a good tag somewhere. Best of luck wherever you decide to put in for.

 

[TheGreatWhiteHunter]

WINTER KILL MAY HURT THE QUALITY IN SOME OF THESE UNITS

61 4th rifle

44 4th rifle

10 4th season or 3rd

21 3rd season (THERE IS NO 4TH RIFLE.)

66,54,55 4th rifle

43 EARLY HIGH OUNTRY HUNT


THE LORD IS MY ROCK
COLORADO,USA
NRA LIFE MEMBER
HUNTING PASS IT ON

 

[accubond]

How come only certain seasons will be affected by the winter kill and not all of the available?

 

[Ridge_Runner]

I think he is saying those are the seasons to hunt but the winter kill may hurt any of those units not the seasons.


Happy trails
Ridge Runner
"Now Pilgrim,you sure you can skin grizz"

 

[BeanMan]

Accubond,

Much of the state won't be as affected by winter kill because the animals have access to larger areas of low altitude where there is much less snowpack. The Gunnison Basin is for the most part high altitude and surrounded by high mountain ranges creating a 'basin' that the deer do not migrate out of. It is also an area which gets much more snow, on average, than many of the other wintering areas. All are not equal in terms of available forage and snowfall etc.

BeanMan

 

[TheSaint]

Unit 61 has had a fairly mild winter compared to most units in western Colorado. Plus unit 61 has a huge winter range. I'd try to draw the new 4th Season Tag.

On the flip side, the Gunnison Basin has been hammered!!! Deer cont. to drop daily.

 

[toughshed]

I have hunted Unit 10 and I was just there 10 days ago. More snow than I have ever seen. If the deer were gonna hang around there, they would be competing with the elk for open ground as of last week. Should get better in a couple weeks but I won't bet that they don't have some winter kill there too.

 

[accubond]

In looking at draw odds for 61 after reading your suggestion I noticed a non-resident needs 8 to draw second season and 62 right next door only requires 2. Why is there such a large gap especially with 62 having a larger section of the famed uncompahgre.

 

[txhunter58]

Here is the reason:

Buck tags for muzzy and rifle seasons:

Unit 61: 400 (aprox)

Unit 62: 1200



txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

 

[accubond]

Is 62 a good unit for quality bucks compared to 61

 

[TheGreatWhiteHunter]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-09-08 AT 00:02AM (MST)[p]
62 does have a 4th season tag for 2008 and there is a lot of public land and good potential for taking a big buck but they give out 3 times the number of buck tags in 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons than 61.




THE LORD IS MY ROCK
COLORADO,USA
NRA LIFE MEMBER
HUNTING PASS IT ON

 

[Califelkslayer]

Humbleman, I sent you a PM. When you sign in, click on the "In box"

 

[sheepeater]

44 fourth season
61 fourth season
44 speaks for itself, just look at the books, 12 points should put you there, buuuuut been a pretty tough winter there, I might hold off and get my 13th point, 44 would be my first choice but I think 61 is going to be awesome as well.

 

[alwaysruttin]

I hunted 61 last season in the third season. We did not get any weather but still saw no bucks that I would consider "GOOD BUCKS". We hunted all day and even made drives in some of the thicker country but still never saw a glimpse of a big buck. I would not burn the 8 points it takes even for third season.
It seems like the division of wildlife is opening a few 4th season hunts every year. I would wait a year and see if they open one in 21. Will be tougher to draw but I think way better than 61.
Remember a lot of the hype in these units are dictated by individuals that benefit from the landowner tags. Just my opinion and goodluck with whatever you decide.