Colorado Muledeer unit 21 archery

Hope some of you guys can steer me in the right direction.

Me and my hunting partner have 11 NR deer points. I know thats too many in most peoples minds but, we didn't care as we were accumulating them figuring we can hunt where we want when we're ready. Its time! we haven't hunted out west for a few yrs now since I drew my Wy ram tag in 2014,that hunt drained me financially and fullfilled me hunting wise. I'm finally out of it and ready to come west again.

I had originally thought 61 would be the hunt to do but have recently decided 61 would be tough and decided on unit 21(for now while I do more research)

If you think there is another hunt I should consider, please let me know. I know that many would say do an early archery hunt above treeline, but, The elevation takes it toll on me and am not considering a unit like that.

Question: is unit 21 ok for early archery with a goal of 160 to 170 bucks?
The reason I ask is: so many suggest to hunt 3rd and 4th season, the deer arn't migrating from another unit ,are they?

Some notes to understand us:
1. 2 of us, bowhunters from Pa.
2. mostly DIY will consider trespass if available
3. archery but will hunt with bows during a gun season
4. will be driving out and can bring an 4 wheeler and wall tent
5. 1st time muledeer hunters
6. Dont need 200" bucks, will be very happy with classic look 4pt deer
7. can not scout, hope to find some scouting help
8. member, CBA,UBP,UBNJ,P&Y,ECWSF etc.. try to help as much as I can

I need to call the CPW (one of the things I need to do) Is Meeker the office that I should call for unit 21?

Thanks in advance for any comments and help.

Nocwalker

First of all, I have never hunted 21 but I can answer a couple of your questions.

21 is a unit that has higher than normal success rates across the board (bow/muzzy/gun). That said, I would want to hunt either the bow, muzzy or 3rd rifle. The second rifle has good success rates, but LOTS Of hunters. The other seasons have way fewer

Second, the reason most people iike the 3rd season the best is because the bucks are starting to rut, and therefore that is the season that the big boys start showing themselves more consistantely. Also, if you get some snow, it makes the deer move more and show up better even if they are not migrating.

But even in bow season, 30-50% success is pretty darn good

txhunter58

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

Thanks Tex, we dont have enough points to hunt 3rd season unit 21.
I mentioned that incase guys thought archery 21 was a bad idea and had an idea on another unit to hunt with bows during a later seasons.

I know you've responded to questions of mine in the past, Thanks for your responses.

Nocwalker

Ok, got it. Looks like you can draw any season but 3rd. I would have to go for archery then, due to less deer tags. Although, personally I would do the Muzzy season because that is my weapon of choice. Have a lot longer season for archery though so more open to changes on timing

txhunter58

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

Thanks Tex, really pumped up for this hunt its all Ive been thinking about and its only January. I shut down my whitetail season here in Pa and NJ weeks ago due to a knee problem Im getting fixed on Friday, so, Ive had time to think about it.


Bill V