Colorado deer points

[Retterath]

My question is do I save my Colorado deer points till I get like 7-8 points or use my two points? I was thinking of maybe hunting Colorado every other or every two years. I have read quite a few posts on forums where people have saved 7-8 points in Colorado to deer hunt and saw only two decent bucks and had to deal with deer,elk,bear and grouse hunters through out there hunt. I would be rifle hunting and looking for 170-180+ bucks. Can a guy have a good hunt and find some decent deer with 1 or two point units if you hunt hard? I was maybe thinking if I can find a decent 1 to 2 point unit and hunt it every couple years I could kill some good bucks. What are your guys thoughts or experience on this subject. Thanks

 

[5MilesBack]

While you can find good bucks in just about every unit in CO, the regular rifle seasons for the non-trophy units will be crowded. If not with deer hunters, then elk hunters. I have 14 points and will probably burn them this year, but have not had a real deer hunt in that time. Not too bad because I'm an archery elk hunter first and foremost. I've shot a few archery deer on leftover tags in that time as an opportunity tag, but haven't been on a true "deer hunt" in quite some time.

If it were me, I'd draw an archery tag whenever you could instead of waiting 7-8 or plus years for a decent rifle deer tag. But that's me.

 

[bigmoose]

As a rifle hunter, I like your idea of finding a unit to hunt every two or three years. Look for a third season hunt. If you find that unit you think might have potential, you could always get a over the counter elk tag in the off year to really learn the area. I just can't imagine building a bunch of points and not deer hunting Colorado all that time. I got as high as 5 points one time to draw a second season deer tag in great unit but with point creep, I could not do that again. It used to be you could draw a deer tag on your second choice but I was not able to in those five years that I waited.

Guys think that getting one of the trophy areas after waiting 15 or 20 years is going to be a slam dunk. It's not. You will need to spend lots of time in the unit to learn where and how to capitalize on your tag. Of course I'm talking DIY. Hiring a guide would be your best option after waiting so long. Just my thoughts....

 

[Retterath]

I'm a DIY hunter so won't be hiring a guide till I draw a trophy unit in Utah,Arizona or Nevada. i think draw a tag every two years and also have the opportunity to have an elk tag also to gain knowledge of an area would be helpful. Thanks for the info guys keep it coming

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

I'm going to hunt a Muzzy unit likely with my deer points then come back every 2-3 years and hunt it archery.

 

[Retterath]

sound like a better option if i want to be hunting deer every other year.

 

[Retterath]

After spending some time looking at some of the area that i think I'm gonna hunt this is what i came up with that would be pretty easy to draw. 3,11,15,22,25,26,211,301. Whats my best option on picking a unit? Do i spend more time on GE or pick according to success rates or just pick one and go for it? I ordered robbys book so maybe that will help with making a better choice on a unit.

 

[brushape]

Look on the co hunt atlas it is pretty awesome with seasonal concentration areas, migration corridors, land ownership shading.

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

I'm in the same boat. I have a hard time saving up a ton of points to hunt an area once. Plenty of units with good hunting and decent success that take 1-3 points. I'm trying to decide on a unit for this year with my 1 point!

 

[30338]

I'd opt for hunting every 2 or 3 years personally so think your strategy is sound. I've got 3 points now and hoping to burn them this fall.

 

[jvonbank]

My dad and I are both at 8 points now. What is a good point number to shoot for a really good rifle tag? We wouldn't be opposed to using an outfitter considering how long we've been building points. Thanks for the advice!

 

[jm1607]

My dad and I are both at 8 points now. What is a good point number to shoot for a really good rifle tag? We wouldn't be opposed to using an outfitter considering how long we've been building points. Thanks for the advice!

If you know you are going with an outfitter and can secure some private land, 53 might be your best option.. Last year 70% of people won with 9 points, so you would probably have to wait one more year..