I was up the mountain a week ago and saw tents and camps already set up at trailheads, two plus weeks before the season.... maybe that's just normal though.
Bet they just create a hunt code like E-E-999-NR-A and issue 15,000. Valid in all current OTC units. They will go 2nd, 3rd, and 4th choice and there will be 5,000 leftover after the primary draw. Preference point attained and an OTC secured.
Only tents I have seen in the woods have been from those remote workers who overland. Non of them looked like hunters to me. I do agree with OP though, I feel like people will get in before they cant next year.
My new spot has a filter. Someone will saw the filter out but it won’t be me.
No camps within 4 miles yet. Even a Jeep won’t fit. Seems like a normal year closer to,the trailhead.
New spot had no one then the day we were leaving had 4-6 cars can’t remember but majority were CO with 2 being out of state. we did run into a couple out of state hunters on trail that parked at a different area.
We got it done in an OTC. Hunted 6 days. Saw the fewest amount of people we’ve seen in years. Was strange but nice. Bulls were talking pretty good. Moved to a high point LE unit the next 7 days and saw way more hunters than the OTC. Go figure.
Been a zoo from the couple of the things I’ve seen and reports I’ve heard. Had buddies in low point units who have told of zoo like conditions as well. I think year to year it ebbs and flows but who knows, my Highpoint LE hunt last year was pretty busy for taking 7 points to draw