Putting together my first DIY trip to Colorado next year chasing elk. Im looking for any input on what area I should be applying for a draw. I honestly dont know where to start looking. Ive done some research but havent been able to narrow it down to top 25 much less top 3 or 4.

Any input on this would be awesome. Super excited about this trip and already working on my gear list. Just completely lost when it comes to applying for tags and where I need to be.

how many points do you currently have?

Zero, Ive read that some of them dont require points, and even if I dont get drawn, I can get the over the counter license. But the way I understand it is I need to apply regardless. Even with the OTC license, although it reduces the number of huntable units I still have no idea where to start.

here's a good link to use for looking at draw odds.


http://huntodds.monstermuleys.com/colorado/2012_colorado_hunt_recap_elk.pdf

You don't need to apply to hunt an OTC unit, unless it's during certain seasons like limited rifle. If you want to draw a tag, you aren't likely to do it with no points. You're better off buying a point, for a future hunt, and planning an OTC hunt for now.

you stand a chance at drawing 67 2nd season w/ no points. I had a cpl friends who drew and went on that hunt, but they gave up after several days because they had other things on their minds. Pre-2007/2008 it wasn;t that good of an area, since the deer die-off, the elk herd has exploded and there's good bulls coming from it. A unit like that with not a whole lot of tags for elk/deer combined season keeps pressure off the bulls and will keep them vocal during that time frame.

2012 was my first elk hunt in Colorado Unit 54 for 2nd rifle season. We (my brothers and I) applied for cow tags...we all got drawn. I was able to return the cow tag after getting an either-sex OTC. We went in with two cow tags and the either sex tag. We chose Unit 54 because you could get OTC tags AND because a buddy of mine has hunted there for years. We were unsuccessful but we saw elk every day...just couldn't get close enough for a shot. TOUGH country...I've done some tough public land hunting before, but this was on a WHOLE different level. As tough as it was, we're already making plans for going back next year.

Thats unit 54 2 seasons ago 10,000 feet up.

Are you hunting Archery, Blackpowder or rifle? apply for an either sex tag, you have a greater chance of not going home empty handed. You might as well try for a Mulie tag as well, if you don't you're sure to see the largest mulie ever! Call 303.297.1192 It's the division of wildlife hunt planners, they are helpful and will tell you the best unit to apply for.

muley tag is out of the question around there on points for a NR starting with 0 for the next 5-10yrs. No winterkill and 3yrs from now you may be looking at 10-15.

I'll give ya one you don't want to go to is 62. Busy, busy! Too many for me to go back there.