CO cow

[cory]

Are there any decent areas / units where you could purchase an over the counter license and try for a cow elk in CO on public lands? I know the draw results aren't out, but I think I might have been too aggresive to draw a tag this year. Do most people who purchase the over the counter license go out after a cow just to get out and be able to hunt, or do most score on a cow and bring home some meet for the fridge?

 

[sremim]

I would be interested in some areas also. Mostly in the Northern part of the state. I went out with a late cow tag last year and didn't see anything except hunters. And I hiked, and hiked and hiked some more. The state with the most elk in the world and I can't seem to find any!! Any ideas? In fact, I've been in CO for two years and have only seen one wild herd of elk!!! Of course I've seen all the elk in Estes and RMNP, but I don't consider those wild elk!!! They're too tame!

 

[Hiker]

The problem is with the late hunts is, most elk have moved down to private land. Elk will be on Public land in the early seasons but when the snow starts to fly and the rifles start cracking they start getting out of the high country "Public Lands" and head to the low country "Private Lands". If I were you, I'd find some BLM and huntable State land that is in the middle of the elk migration routes and hunt them. Units that border the flat top wilderness is a good place to start. Many of these areas are hit and miss. Some years you can slay them and other years they don't show.

Hiker

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

[contender]

You can still get a cow tag from the leftover draw when it comes out.

 

[Califelkslayer]

Hiker is right. The 4th season sucks unless you have access to winter ground which is usually private. I prefer the 1st season. Elk are on the summer areas for the most part unless an abnormal storm hits. During the first season we usually see dozens of elk the first 2 or 3 days in aspens where you can see/shoot 200-300 yards. By the 4th day, the elk are in the timber unless pushed. When they are pushed, the guy that jumps them isn't the guy that fills a tag. Review their website and look for areas with good success rates. You'll notice that the 1st season usually has the best success and the 4th the second best. Find a unit with good success and leftover cow tags and you are set. This research will pay off as will getting there early and scouting.

 

[cohntr6]

Most people who but OTC tags are buying OTC bull tags. Most cow tags are sold as leftover draw not necessarily otc. I would assume most folks with a cow tag are out to put meat in the freezer. Some of the late hunts (after general rifle seasons) have hig succcess rates and are great hunts to fill the freezer. Look at the stats for best units.
Jeff