CO late rifle 66, 67, 35/36/45/361 and 74 early rifle

DonVathome · Mar 17, 2014

CO late rifle 66, 67, 35/36/45/361 and 74 early rifle

I am looking at the above mule deer hunts. I am a NR with 11 points. I know it is very unlikely I will draw any of these but I am looking for this year and into the future. I was going at the 74 early above treeline tag - but I have heard the unit has gone way downhill. Also the tags went to 20% for NR a few years ago and odds went in the toilet.

I hunted 76 for elk before the winter kill, and I know 66 and 67 are even better. The deer I saw were UNREAL. It is tough to choose to go there knowing it is nothing like it used to be.

35/36/45/361 looks like a crapshoot, TONS of tags for 3rd rifle and counting on weather for a good hunt (I took that gamble in WY once and lost).

I am willing to hunt hard but I will not preseason scout. A 170" buck would make my happy and I would like to know there is a chance at a 200" buck.

Any input on these hunts or other ideas is greatly appreciated. I want a nice mulie (do not have one yet) so I am looking at all options.

I am in great shape, willing to backpack miles in and hunt hard. I love the rough terrain.

Thanks DonV OH

HalfAce · Mar 17, 2014

Sent you a PM.

txhunter58 · Mar 17, 2014

Took 13 points for 66 last year, so not likely. 67 took 11 but has been going up by 1-2 points per year, so only a small shot.

I agree that 74 was definately hit hard by winter a few years ago and it is still recovering, but there are some good ones there. I even know some one who turned his tag back in after scounting. That and a small chance of drawing

I think any of the units in the eagle county are are still a crapshoot.

txhunter58

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

DonVathome · Mar 18, 2014

I agree unlikely for 66 or 67.

74 I have also heard has gotten the big ones hammered the last 4 seasons since they pushed the late rifle hunt later. I know a guy who hunts there every other year and he heard a lot of big ones got nailed the last 4 years on the late rifle hunt. He was there and every time he goes now he sees fewer and fewer good bucks. In fall 2013 he saw none.

35 seems like a big gamble, which is not what I banked 11 points to do.

CO444bowhunter · Mar 19, 2014

I would look into unit 44 as well as 33 in Colorado. I live in 33 and scout it every year hard. I routinely see bucks from 180" passed 200" in the 4th rifle season in 33....you would have enough points to draw it too.....good access...big bucks....