Would GMU 50 be a good spot to draw a first time mule deer tag?

JustStartingOut526 · Mar 22, 2022

I am a new hunter and have been studying all the rules, regulations, GMU's, public land rules, state wildlife areas, state trust land, etc etc. It just goes on and on. I am new to Colorado so learning all these rules have been fun, but very exhausting. I am now at the point of picking an area since I will be trying to get a mule tag in the secondary draw in June. I have researched GMU 50 and specifically James Mark Jones SWA and Tomahawk SWA. Any tips or pointers on these areas? Would it be worth it for a first timer? I am not going for a monster by any means, just a nice sized buck to put food on the table. For that GMU they only have buck tags available. If this is a good area, what season should I go for? The ones available are for second and third season.

ruger1022 · Mar 22, 2022

I don’t think there will be many tags in the secondary draw, and they almost always go only to Youth. I wouldn’t plan on ever getting a tag in the secondary draw. Are you going to apply in the primary draw?

Unit 50 takes a coupe preference points. If you are wanting to hunt this year you may have to look at a different unit.

JustStartingOut526 · Mar 22, 2022

ruger1022 said:
I don’t think there will be many tags in the secondary draw, and they almost always go only to Youth. I wouldn’t plan on ever getting a tag in the secondary draw. Are you going to apply in the primary draw?

Unit 50 takes a coupe preference points. If you are wanting to hunt this year you may have to look at a different unit.

I am taking my hunters safety course on April 2nd, so I may try to do primary, but not sure how much luck I will have since the deadline is April 5th. Do you know any good mule deer GMU's that I may have better luck in the secondary draw? Or should I try to do an OTC whitetail since those are unlimited?

txhunter58 · Mar 22, 2022

Any time they have unlimited whitetail tags it is because there are not many WT there and they don’t want them there. Don’t do that

You don’t have any points right? You would then have to choose a season that requires zero points to have a chance. 50 requires at least 1 point for any season. If nothing else apply for a point in the primary draw.

JustStartingOut526 · Mar 22, 2022

txhunter58 said:
Any time they have unlimited whitetail tags it is because there are not many WT there and they don’t want them there. Don’t do that

You don’t have any points right? You would then have to choose a season that requires zero points to have a chance. If nothing else apply for a point in the primary draw.

Oh I just found the preference point brochure. So if I am looking at this correctly, does that mean for GMU 50 I would have to have a minimum of 2 preference points? For the secondary draw it does not allow you to use preference points, so wouldn't that mean I have a better chance at drawing one since no one would be using their preference points?

txhunter58 · Mar 22, 2022

The secondary draw only has leftover tags or tags that people have drawn but then turned back in. Not only does someone have to turn a tag back in, but you have to put in for a draw and compete against other people who want that tag as well. I would not count on a 50 tag being available in the secondary draw

txhunter58 · Mar 22, 2022

Study the “preference point required” brochure. And find one you can draw with zero points plus has decent success rate. You have more homework to do

JustStartingOut526 · Mar 22, 2022

txhunter58 said:
The secondary draw only has leftover tags or tags that people have drawn but then turned back in. Not only does someone have to turn a tag back in, but you have to put in for a draw and compete against other people who want that tag as well. I would not count on a 50 tag being available in the secondary draw

Yeah I know it'll be tough. I know when you go to apply they give you four options of hunt codes you can type in. Any recommendations for a new hunter with no preference points? I know that question may be a stretch, but if there are any areas you are willing to share that I would have a better chance at then I am open. It doesn't have to be only a buck either, it could be a doe. I am just looking to put some food on the table