Several years ago I drew a late season mule deer tag in unit 36. I took a decent buck on that hunt, but in the few days I was there most bucks spotted were forked horns or smallish four points. Anyway, I now have 3 points again and should be able to draw that same tag again, but I wonder about the impact the weather had in 2007. I also thought of trying another late season unit and other than a few areas that some of the hunting mags such as eastman's and huntin fool are suggesting, I have no first hand info on these other units. So any advice would be greatly appreciated, about unit 36 or any other late season unit that can be drawn with 3 points. Thanks.
Colorado 4th season mule deer
- Thread starter ToddT
- Start date
W
wildsage
Guest
Unless I am reading incorrectly the draw odds for the 4th season in unit 36, for a resident with 3 points there is a 78.6% chance of drawing a license and a non-resident only has a 5% chance of drawing. Unless the odds change for 2009, there is no slamduck with 3 points in unit 36. I didn't look at all the other units but I believe most of the good ones need more than 3 points. Maybe I am wrong, who knows.
Another appreciation point for Garth Carter. I drew that tag in 2005 with 2 points, and now it may take 4, that sucks - before 2005 you could get a 3rd season license as a leftover. Beyond that, I also know that there are several other units that I can get into late season with 3 points. A friend shot a 175 class buck in 25 or 33 in late season and the group he was with knows very little about hunting for quality bucks - most shoot the first little 18 inch four point they see. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
T
toughshed
Guest
What? Are you asking a question?
Deer numbers are WAY down in Colorado. Does that help? You have a very low number of points. What are you asking from MM members?
Deer numbers are WAY down in Colorado. Does that help? You have a very low number of points. What are you asking from MM members?
I was simply trying to find out if the herd was down as much as I had heard? What areas were effected most? How long should it take areas to rebound? and if anyone had suggestions for drawing a tag with 3 points. I wouldn't consider 3 points a lot, but then it's not too few for a good area either.
Aside from the Gunnison basin and herds in the central part of the state, including the area you mention above, I don't think deer are doing too bad. There are some decent areas you can draw with three points. The good thing about CO is that you don't need a pile of points to have a good hunt. From what I have gathered, there are still a few deer left in the area you are interested in. As far as rebounding, I'd say it'll take 5 years of milder weather....I knew you were just inquiring as to the health of the area you hunted before, even if you didn't ask a straight-forward question, so no worries!
If you look at how many tags were handed out last year and compare that number to the year before it will give you a good indication of how severe the deer populations dropped in Colorado and other states. Most central Colo unit tags were cut in 1/2 and quite a few eliminated 4th season hunts this coming season.
If 1/2 the tags are allocated it is possible that it may take twice as long to draw these same tags in the coming years if tag numbers aren't increased. If there are 2 bad winters in a row tag numbers may even drop lower than they currently are....so keep your fingers crossed!
Things are not looking very bright anywhere in Colo...other than maybe a few Eastern Plain units.
If 1/2 the tags are allocated it is possible that it may take twice as long to draw these same tags in the coming years if tag numbers aren't increased. If there are 2 bad winters in a row tag numbers may even drop lower than they currently are....so keep your fingers crossed!
Things are not looking very bright anywhere in Colo...other than maybe a few Eastern Plain units.
Founder
Founder Since 1999
- Messages
- 11,469
I don't know if you can draw a 35/36 fourth with 3 points or not, but I believe that 4th season, along with most of the others, would be great. I do think there are fewer deer in some units compared to last year, but there are still big bucks in most.
If you're ready to go hunting, apply for that hunt and give it all you got when you draw. Regardless of the winter, there will always be a few whoppers in those units.
Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
If you're ready to go hunting, apply for that hunt and give it all you got when you draw. Regardless of the winter, there will always be a few whoppers in those units.
Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
H
HighWidenHandsome
Guest
2 friends of mine hunted the 4th season unit 35/36 last year,both came home empty! They both started out hunting for exceptional bucks ( I've hunted for years with one of them and I know he's pretty good) by the end of the hunt 1 of them was willing to settle for a lesser buck (maybe 22-26" buck) but couldn't find one! I knew they had the tags for that hunt and was quite excited for them ( I thought for sure they'd see a good buck or two) and I was surprised how it turned out. I think founder is right that there are a few good bucks in almost all units but if you're planning on taking a special buck (say 180 class or 28" plus buck) you're in for a lot of hard work and a ton of luck! Unless of course you are founder, then you can just drive along in your pickup and hold a hand full of peanuts out the window and a giant will run up to you! LOL
Good Luck what ever you decide!
Bud
Good Luck what ever you decide!
Bud
