I know I have seen on here a few times about states that have over the counter spike bull/cow tags. I was wondering if I could get some info. What state/area, maybe what areas that are relatively easy terrain wise and good amount of public land, decent population, things like that. I would like to start planning a DIY elk hunt for a few years from now, and think a spike bull would be good for me. I would be completely happy with a spike or smaller bull (2x2, 3x3, etc), as I dont have a large area for a bigger mount, and would be in it for the experience and meat more then the antlers. Thanks in advance!
Scratch CO off if you are wanting a spike. Can't kill one there. You can buy otc antler less and bull though. I know OldCarp talks about hunting spikes in Utah. He may be able to give you more info on that.
Ill look into co for sure...if I can get a bull tag over the counter then its an option for sure. Spike isnt a must, just figured it would be the easiest way. Id be super happy with a nice little 3x3!
Utah has OTC archery tags that are good for cows/spikes (and branch antlered bulls in some areas). Easy terrain..... not so much. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
CO you can buy either a otc cow for 351$ or either sex for 600$. The bulls have to have at least 4 points on one side or a 5 inch brow(I think). Plenty of places to hunt. Enjoy where ever you go. It's a blast!
Spike, Bull, or Cow... ELK are certainly not easy pickins but CO. may be the way to go. If you can get into ELK. I do wish you the best, it is tough and you can do it! Keep digging brother each state has certain regs. We here are on a Draw and I have not been...yet. Check in with Dubya or the others may chime in here. ..... Train.
Like Christine said Archery spike/cow tags are OTC. We have a lot of public land. It is mountainous and a little steep. I'm soon to be 52 and I still chase them every year. You will want to try and get into shape. You don't need to be Camron Hanes but we hunt at 9800 feet and the better the shape your in the more you will enjoy your hunt. My elk mentor hunted elk till he was 72. for a few years after that he would come up and spend a few days with us at elk camp and tell stories. I miss that man.
Awesome thank you so much everyone so far! Oldcrap and Christine I was looking forward to hearing from you when I typed this. Will defiantly keep doing my research and one of these days I need to work on the in shape part lol. Maybe some elk steak will be some motivation!
OC you put my little calf to shame with all of your pics. Im still proud I got it though. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
Any elk with a bow should make you smile! It took me about 1 day in the mountains to realize that...didn't see a glimpse that first day...but I was still hooked for life. You have the right approach so far - find the easiest place for you to get a tag, and just go - you'll love it! Good Luck and Have Fun!
Out of all of the elk encounters I have I would say 1 in 20 might be with a spike. I would not even bother with having spikes legal as a requirement for my hunt. Find a good OTC either sex unit and have fun!
I have to agree with this. In all of my trips to CO ive only seen one spike while hunting(granted he was wiyhin 15yards). Always tons of cows and many bulls every trip though. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
Been looking around a lot lately about elk hunting information. some good stuff in here. I am finally getting to go elk hunting my first time this year. I am excited for sure!!
Solid Advice! I have seen 1 spike in 4 years bowhunting CO - and it was long distance through binocs...
We come across a few every year. But cows and branched antlered bulls do out number the spikes. Unless you draw a big bull tag you can only shoot cows or spikes. We usually have 6 hunters in camp and we average 50% success. Some years we do better. We also are able to scout and put trail cams up. We start scouting as soon as the snow lets us in June. Here is a couple pictures from last year to fuel the fever
