CO Elk points

[Sitting in trees]

I am trying to decide if I should use my CO points for elk in 2027.

I only have 3 points and have always hunted OTC and drawn on old OTC units after the change.

I’d like to hunt a little better unit. No expectations on a huge bull but would just like to be able to hunt a unit with more elk, less hunters and a decent shot at seeing a legal bull.

With the new change coming in 2028, I am thinking of just using my 3 points in 2027. I have heard many other people are going to use their points as well. Since I don’t have that many points I’m trying to determine if I’d be better off to keep saving them up regardless of the new draw system?

I’m close to 50 and not getting any younger so that plays a factor.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

RES or NR?

I would say pick a 1st rifle season that has terrain you like to hunt. They've had two weeks to calm down from the archery and muzzleloader season and haven't had the full gamut of the orange army. The bulls could still be responsive to calls during 1st rifle too. Whether or not you find a legal bull depends on the unit.

Can't kill one from the couch and you can't kill one with your points sitting in a savings account losing interest. Use your points and go hunt.

 

[Sitting in trees]

NR and really only archery hunt anymore. But I appreciate your advice. I’m actually considering dusting off the rifle. I shoot my bow year round and really love bow hunting so that’s my preference

 

[wardl_3]

3pts… use em. If you have a fav unit you hunted otc and it takes a pt or 2 now, go into that area again on your 3.

 

[Sitting in trees]

Been hunting in several old OTC units with no luck. Hoping 3 points will get me into something a little better.

 

[Next Ridge]

Yeah hard to say. Are those points going to be better off in the bonus draw in 2028? Or should burn them now and try to get a different unit/hunt.

I think finding a unit that is significantly better for archery with three points is tough. If I had three points and was going to use them I’d look at other seasons and weapons as well.

 

[bz_711]

Are you hunting elk in '26?

 

[5MilesBack]

These days, 3 NR points gets you a tag in a unit that is 0 points for residents, or OTC. That's not any kind of upgrade as far as units go. Get a tag and go hunt......whatever the unit.

 

[Sitting in trees]

Are you hunting elk in '26?

I am. Been snagging a tag in an old OTC units the last couple years with no points

 

[JohnKingMT]

I am trying to decide if I should use my CO points for elk in 2027.

I only have 3 points and have always hunted OTC and drawn on old OTC units after the change.

I’d like to hunt a little better unit. No expectations on a huge bull but would just like to be able to hunt a unit with more elk, less hunters and a decent shot at seeing a legal bull.

With the new change coming in 2028, I am thinking of just using my 3 points in 2027. I have heard many other people are going to use their points as well. Since I don’t have that many points I’m trying to determine if I’d be better off to keep saving them up regardless of the new draw system?

I’m close to 50 and not getting any younger so that plays a factor.

Use those points, you won’t be sorry. Don’t let waiting for the “perfect” unit keep you from hunting. I’m close to 60 and you’ll soon realize you only have so many years left to climb the mountains. I’m fortunate to have lived in MT for 30 years so I have a General tag every year, but I’ve started to rotate between CO, ID, and WY and have some great experiences in what most people would call marginal units. You just have to do the work and be in it for the experience. If you don’t draw a tag next year you’ll just be one year older when you do.