M
mathewsman
Guest
I'm looking for some feedback on which state I should hunt in; Idaho, or Colorado? I'm a Utah resident, so I would be hunting as a non resident. Both states offer over-the-counter tags, a long archery season (which runs pretty much all through september-main reason for hunting out of Utah), a much larger Elk herd in general, and better over-the-counter management (personel opinion). I was fortunate enough to draw a Utah, San Juan archery permit 3 years ago with 10 points and had an awesome hunt despite coming home with nothing more than the awesome memories of that hunt, and a good helping of tag soup. I was just too darn selective, which I've come to terms with (took 3 years)! But the reality is I'll be lucky to ever have that opportunity again in Utah or I'll be too old and wore down to really do the hunt justice. I hunted my arse off in San Juan! This leads me to my question of which state I should hunt in with a bow, general tag; Idaho or Colorado? I don't want to be resricted to hunting spikes. I'm willing to hit the steep and get in deep (matter of fact that's what I would prefer). I don't have an endless amount of money to pull off this hunt. Cheap as possible is my motto with todays economy! I've never harvested an elk with my bow and this isn't a premium limited entry hunt (like San Juan) so my standards just got lowered big time, but I'm not interested in shooting a cow, and if I manage to get an opportunity at a branch antlered bull I want to be able to take it. I would be thrilled at the opportunity to take a 3 year old bull or older. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to take a pope and young bull, but I have to be realistic. So which state should I hunt that offers over the counter tags, and real opportunity at a 3 year old, or older bull? I was thinking Colorado, or Idaho. I think Utahs general season closes a week too early (among other things). I've never elk hunted either of these states, so I have no real in field experience with either of them. I've done some research into Idaho, but it seems the buzz up there is the wolves are eating themselves out of house and home. Colorado seems like elk hunting central and draws a huge crowd. I could sure use some direction! Any help would be great. No secret spots or honey-holes, just speaking generally. I haven't elk hunted since that hunt in San Juan, and I'm missing it badly. It taught me a new respect and admiration for elk and elk hunting especially with a bow. I'm hooked for life, but I need to get on the score board so any help would be appreciated.