I am planning a DIY Elk Hunt to Colo. I have been reading everything I can from Eastman's and Colo DOW. Is there any one that hunts Elk there, care to share some insights or tips. No Guide, just bow and OTC tag, and camping gear. I am thinking positive, so I need to know about transporting game back to Louisiana, laws about quartering meat, as you can tell the Elk is already on the ground(In my mind). Should I bring my ATV, or just hike? Any info big or small will be appreciated. In picking a unit, what criteria should I be looking at besides success rate? So many thoughts and questions. Thanks.
Wow, were to start. Just so I am clear, are you trying to come out in 2011 and get an OTC tag? If so, what units are you thinking about? I don't usually get OTC so I am not even sure how many will have these available, especially since they have been decreasing the number of tags the last couple of years. First thing, you need to do is figure out what unit you will be hunting and then you can start scouting... digital scouting that is. Using online maps, you can find public land and start picking out your hunting area. Depending on your physical fitness level I would recommend trying to get away from any roads. Start your physical conditioning now. Find the biggest hill around and start running up and down it for hours. The lack of oxygen and the terrain here is killer for those that live here, let alone the lower elevation states. Depending on what you find during your digital scouting, I would bring the ATV. Some areas they are a God sent and other areas they are pretty useless, just depends. One year I was hunting near Meeker and an ATV was perfect, now I hunt an area that I don't really need one at all. Don't be afraid to give the DOW a call and aske them what units will have OCT tags AND have public land access. Some units have very little or NO public access available. Like I said, this should be your first step. I love hunting elk and look forward to helping you out! Let me know when you figure out what unit you will be hunting. Good Luck! -Kyle
Yes, I am wanting to come out in Sept of 2011. I am of the understanding there is unlimited OTC either sex tags for Archery. That is my plan anyway. I have been reading and researching everyday trying to select a unit. What criteria do you look at besides success rates and amount of hunters?
Yes, there are unlimited OTC either sex tags... but only for certain units. As I said before, the other main thing to look for is how much public land is available in the units you are looking at. here is a link to the Colorado DOW map for archery: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/393CEE85-2EA3-48B9-9480-7EDC2166361B/0/biggame.pdf I would look at some of the units around Glenwood Springs and another option might be the units around Durango. I have not hunted either of these areas, so I can't give you any details. But you should be able to look at the statistics you already are and get some idea. Both of these areas have National Forest near buy, so they should have decent public access. But please don't take my word for it. Oh yeah, another thing to start working on now is your calling. Go buy a couple elk calls and start practicing!
This is also posted on the Colorado DOW website. I would be ready that morning to call and buy your license. "No application is necessary to purchase OTC licenses—they go on sale at 9 a.m. MST, July 12. These are sold online, by phone (1-800/244-5613), at license agents, and at DOW offices around the state. OTC licenses provide you the flexibility to discover new units, scout different habitat, and, potentially, combine your elk hunt with the opportunity to hunt another species. Over-the-Counter Licenses with Caps: A preset number of bear, antlerless elk, and either-sex elk licenses are available for specific units and specific seasons on a first-come, first-served basis for resident and non-resident hunters. These are called licenses "with caps". They are sold online, by phone (1-800/244-5613) or at DOW offices and license agents starting at 9 a.m. MST, July 12."
Thanks Stuntriders. I will be buying my tag on that day, for sure. I am pouring over all the maps trying to decide which Unit.
I would recommend you pick out a fee units. From there you can search some other forums to see if there is some information already posted for you to read. I to, would call.the DOW once you have some specific questions on an area. For example toad access, wilderness area, past hunting pressure, etc. Personally I would look at it like this, the easier the access, the hunters that area will attract. Maybe search out some wilderness areas with otc tags Either way you on for a great time. Huntin in the west can become addictive so be prepared.
Left over for the 2011-2012 Season go on sale on Aug. 9 and 10 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leftover licenses are available to both resident and nonresident hunters on a first-come, first-served basis. These are the limited licenses remaining after the draw and leftover draw processes. They go on sale to the public at 9 a.m. (Mountain Standard Time) on August 9 from license agents, Division of Wildlife offices, phone (1-800-244-5613) and mail-order. They will be for sale online starting August 10. This staggered approach is taken to eliminate Internet sales from competing with in-person sales, for the first day. This process still allows non-residents to have access through the telephone and mail order (form will be available below), which would be the same as standing in line at an agent business. License agents also have the opportunity to be an active part of the sales process. Those who plan to purchase leftover licenses at license agents or DOW offices should be prepared before they arrive. This will help the process run as efficiently as possible. Customers who are planning on purchasing a license should bring: Their driver's license. Their hunter education card. Be sure to have your card or certificate or be able to provide proof of hunter education. Their social security number. Their conservation certificate number or their customer identification number. The list of leftover licenses. A list of hunt codes for licenses they are interested in. If purchasing a license for someone else, the buyer must bring the following for the hunter: A clear copy of both sides of a driver's license. A clear copy of both sides of a hunter education card. Their social security number. Their conservation certificate number or their customer identification number. A list of hunt codes they are interested in. NEED MORE INFO? See the 2011 Big Game Hunting Regulations Brochure or speak to a Division of Wildlife Hunt Planner at (303) 297-1192.
