Colorado mule deer in OTC elk unit pressure

[Neckbone]

So all this obsessing over planning a Co mule deer hunt in 2026 got me thinking..

Just how big of a difference do you think there is in terms of dudes on the mountain when comparing deer hunting in a unit that has OTC resident tags for elk vs a unit that is draw only for elk?

With my point holding there is only 1 mule deer hunt code in the western half of the state that is not a resident only OTC elk unit.

what I don’t like about the units: it’s a 3rd rifle hunt and the majority of the public land is >8,000k ft. There are some smatterings of BLM and State trust land at lower elevations, but not the huge swaths I would like. How much would this worry you with it being a later, presumably migratory phase hunt? During 3 and 4 rifle do you spend any time focusing on high elevation stuff? Or stick to the migratory routes seen on the Colorado Atlas?

 

[Nickofthewoods]

My biggest concern would be the lack of access to low country on a late deer hunt rather than worrying about the otc elk hunters. Less people is always great but if weather and migration send the majority of deer low into private you could have a tough hunt trying to find any stragglers that haven't come down yet. Especially if you are holding out for a big buck.

 

[S.Clancy]

I killed my buck at 8400' in 4th this year, so it all depends on the weather. As far as OTC elk, it is pretty impressive to see how many dudes can drive the same road all day. My last opener of 3rd season the first vehicle passed my rig at 430am and was basically constant until 8am or so.