Colorado Muley hunt

deadeye1 · Dec 11, 2022

looking to cash in my 20 points for a late rifle mule deer hunt around unit 61 , looking for advice on an outfitter, normally i don't use outfitters but since I'm cashing in want to make this a hunt of a lifetime any advice would be appreciated.

coloradoman · Dec 11, 2022

I sure wouldn’t burn 20 deer points on 61 that’s for sure

sjhgraysage · Dec 11, 2022

Garvey's used to kill some pretty big deer in 61.

BeanMan · Dec 11, 2022

sjhgraysage said:
Garvey's used to kill some pretty big deer in 61.

Used to being the key word. I talked to Old Man Garvey not long ago on 47 road. We talked about how few deer of a size were left up there. There are a few left, just as any unit. There aren’t 20 points worth of deer up there.

AMann · Dec 14, 2022

Unfortunately, "cashing in" on 20 points doesn't guarantee you a 200" deer/180" deer. Unless you're applying in and hunting other states, 20 points in CO is more of an obstacle. Assuming you're a NR and willing to hire an outfitter, I'd look eastern plains and eat 17 points. If your mind is set on the western slope, you're not far off from a semi-decent 3rd rifle Gunnison tag. Otherwise, there's a handful of good deer in 61 and the outfitters are an easy Google search away, Godspeed.

schoolhousegrizz · Dec 15, 2022

Go hunt the unit you want to hunt and make it happen. I had a Colorado tag this last year and numerous people told me to turn the tag in. Just believe in yourself and make it happen. I had a great hunt.

littlebighorn · Dec 15, 2022

My experience is, having a "hunt of a lifetime", is really up to you, regardless of the unit, points cashed in, etc.
And as AMann implied, the fastest way to ruin a "hunt of a lifetime" is to go into it with a preconceived notion about the size of trophy that your points and waiting have earned you. Certainly a good outfitter can improve your odds of finding a nice buck, so I'd stay open to that possibility.
If I were in your shoes, I'd look at all units that you can draw with 20 pts, and weigh your options. Then contact several outfitters and get their take before making a decision.
Best of luck

nripepi · Dec 16, 2022

AMann said:
Unfortunately, "cashing in" on 20 points doesn't guarantee you a 200" deer/180" deer. Unless you're applying in and hunting other states, 20 points in CO is more of an obstacle. Assuming you're a NR and willing to hire an outfitter, I'd look eastern plains and eat 17 points. If your mind is set on the western slope, you're not far off from a semi-decent 3rd rifle Gunnison tag. Otherwise, there's a handful of good deer in 61 and the outfitters are an easy Google search away, Godspeed.

If it were me and I had the means/desire to hire an outfitter, I would burn your 20 on the best unit you can draw and go DIY and at the same time book with an outfitter a few years out for an Eastern Plains hunt then save a couple years of points and have two awesome hunts!

Wiszard · Dec 16, 2022

schoolhousegrizz said:
Go hunt the unit you want to hunt and make it happen. I had a Colorado tag this last year and numerous people told me to turn the tag in. Just believe in yourself and make it happen. I had a great hunt.

...and it turned out pretty good for you. I agree...go hunt!!

AMann · Dec 16, 2022

nripepi said:
If it were me and I had the means/desire to hire an outfitter, I would burn your 20 on the best unit you can draw and go DIY and at the same time book with an outfitter a few years out for an Eastern Plains hunt then save a couple years of points and have two awesome hunts!

Haha that's a much better plan. Good call.