CO Draw Question - OTC Elk Tag as Second Choice?

[Joe2Kool]

Was planning to burn 5 elk points on a 1R tag, but a family commitment has forced us to a 2R or 3R OTC. Is it possible to put an OTC tag as a second choice on the application? Any reason not to?

Yea, I know, OTC can be bought OTC, but with my luck, the license printer at Wal Mart will be out of paper, or the manager is an anti and doesn't sell hunting licenses.

 

[Mallardsx2]

I would not buy an otc tag 6 months before your hunt. Seems like a terrible idea to me.

A lot can happen between now and the season.

 

[Joe2Kool]

I would not buy an otc tag 6 months before your hunt. Seems like a terrible idea to me.

A lot can happen between now and the season.

Good point.

 

[txhunter58]

If I was a resident, I might do it, but dang if I’m gonna let them borrow $800 of my money for 6 months.

 

[Joe2Kool]

Another good point Tx58.

Although you guys have convinced me to just wait, I'll go back to the original question. Suppose I wanted to be stupid and take the chance on an OTC tag 6 months in advance, and make a loan to the CO CPW, can I list an OTC tag as a second choice?

 

[Mallardsx2]

Another good point Tx58.

Although you guys have convinced me to just wait, I'll go back to the original question. Suppose I wanted to be stupid and take the chance on an OTC tag 6 months in advance, and make a loan to the CO CPW, can I list an OTC tag as a second choice?

Yes, and at this point I feel that you should.

 

[Bluehair]

Another good point Tx58.

Although you guys have convinced me to just wait, I'll go back to the original question. Suppose I wanted to be stupid and take the chance on an OTC tag 6 months in advance, and make a loan to the CO CPW, can I list an OTC tag as a second choice?

No. You need a hunt code. As soon as Leslie Knope figures out how to charge you for it, she’ll let you.

 

[BeanMan]

Yes, and at this point I feel that you should.

No, you can’t list OTC as a second choice.

 

[CCity65]

I seem to remember them giving you an option to buy an OTC tag, if unsuccessful with your draw choices. I don't know if they still offer that option, but I imagine they still do. Also, if I am not mistaken, you can buy your OTC licenses online once OTC licenses become available (maybe in August??). IF that is correct, I believe they give you the option of them mailing your tag to your home (usually arrives within a week or so) or picking it up at a vendor or DOW office in Colorado once you cross the border.

Rest easy. If you want to buy an OTC license, the state of Colorado will make certain that happens.

 

[txhunter58]

Buying an OTC tag did use to be an option if unsuccessful in the draw. But not currently.

 

[BeanMan]

An option to buy OTC is quite different than putting it as a second choice, which you can’t do. When you draw a second choice tag you also get a preference point.

 

[Joe2Kool]

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like OTC really means OTC!
I'll probably buy it 1-2 months before the season starts and have it mailed to me. I've had bad experiences buying OTC tags truly OTC.
Once, after a 20+ hour drive, the license printing paper had run out, so 2 hours to the next Kwikee Mart.
Once the person who knew how to run the machine had called in sick.
And once the Wildlife Office was closed due to a state holiday. Phone calls were forwarded to a local 4H with an automated voicemail wanting me to bid on used fishing equipment.

Trust me! I can't make this stuff up!

Thanks again!

 

[Mallardsx2]

No, you can’t list OTC as a second choice.

I honestly did not know that. I thought you still could. Learned me something today for sure.

 

[txhunter58]

That’s why when I have done an OTC hunt in Colorado in the past, I stop at the first Wallyworld I pass after entering CO and buy my license.

They should go on sale online first part of August

 

[Deacon92]

Pretty sure if you have a bass pro/cabelas, you can purchase the license in there as well in your home state. Driving that far without a tag in hand would make me nervous!

 

[BeanMan]

I honestly did not know that. I thought you still could. Learned me something today for sure.

You never could list OTC as a second choice. You could check a box that said “If unsuccessful send me an OTC license”.

 

[ColoradoBob]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ this^^^^^^^^^^^^

I do this every year for my spring turkey tag. Sometimes I just apply for the point & then check the OTC box

 

[Lvs2hunt1]

Was planning to burn 5 elk points on a 1R tag, but a family commitment has forced us to a 2R or 3R OTC. Is it possible to put an OTC tag as a second choice on the application? Any reason not to?

Yea, I know, OTC can be bought OTC, but with my luck, the license printer at Wal Mart will be out of paper, or the manager is an anti and doesn't sell hunting licenses.

No go, Joe. OTC is OTC. The draw system won't allow you to submit an OTC selection. Why not just purchase another Preference Point through the draw and hunt 2R or 3R OTC?

 

[Joe2Kool]

Yep. That's the plan. 3R OTC and burn points next year.

I've been convinced to wait until closer to the season to buy the tag.