? for those who hunt WY and CO

[UtahMountainMan]

Hey guys, got a question for those of you who have experience hunting in Wyoming and/or Colorado.

I live in Utah and I have never hunted outside of this state. Although I did think I was lucky when I drew a NM elk tag this year. That is, until my whole unit pretty much burned up in the 300k acre Gila fire.

(Sigh)

Anyway, I am trying to figure out what I want to do next year. I would like to do a high country style archery hunt. I would love some feedback or PM's from those who are experienced. While I am a very passionate bowhunter in really good shape, I usually have to hunt solo, and I am DEFINITELY a rookie when it comes to knowledge on other states/units.


Here are the things I am considering....

- I have 1 Wyoming deer point and 1 Colorado deer point heading into 2013.

- I would LIKE to do a high country archery mule deer hunt

- I would be able to make one or two scouting trips to the area for 3 or 4 days each, and would be able to hunt about 10 days. Either 2 groups of 5 days or one extended trip. I would prefer two 5 day trips.

- I am 31 years old, just ran the Spartan Beast (13 mile obstacle race) and I hike all summer. Having said that, while I consider myself in very good shape, I am in no match to compete against a mule deer at 12k feet. So I am also open to renting horses if necessary, also open to backpacking in.

- I am just trying to decide if I should maybe shoot for a 2nd choice CO deer unit for next year, and build up to 2 points each in CO and WY going into 2014, or if I can try a decent unit in either WY/CO with 1 point to hunt with my bow.

I am NOT a trophy hunter. I would be looking for a nice, solid good buck. I dont really score bucks, but I think I am talking the 160 to 175 range. I am not one of those guys who passes on a buck because he is 167.34 inches and I NEED to shoot a 180" buck. I go for the challenge, the beauty, the mountain air, and the thrill of scouting, spotting, stalking, and just being in the Rocky Mountains.

Thanks in advance guys, I can help with detailed info in Utah for those who want to exchange info through PM.

Earl

"You sure you know how to skin grizz,
pilgrim?"

 

[theox]

dont count out your elk tag. Ill bet the elk and deer are back into the area.

 

[tsum]

pm sent

 

[Squirrel]

You are already plenty pointy for Co archery, you can hunt some really good bucks as a second choice ( or third or 4th choice for that matter) while building up for either a good rifle tag or a premium archery tag. But 175 bucks are not hard to see, just hard to get close to. Beautiful mountains?? throw a dart and you'll be there if the dart hits W of I-25.

Wy is a tougher nut to crack on mulies but I've seen some big ones there incidental to hunting other stuff. Not sure on the points req'd for where i saw them though.