Colorado OTC Elk Tags

[ghyatt]

Hi all,

I'm New Mexico native transplanted to Minnesota and dream about getting back to New Mexico for an elk hunt in the rut. Come to find out NON resident tags are way more expensive than I remember. I looked at Colorado and it seems cheaper, they even have otc tags for elk??? Wondering if non residents can purchase the otc tags and if so, are they decent hunts? Or are they just trash hunts with a 1/1,000,000 chance of seeing an elk? Any further light on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[PMcGee]

I'm a non resident and went OTC in Colorado last fall. We seen elk 9 out of the eleven days we hunted. It was my first year going but I went with a guy who has been going out for years so he knows the area. There's elk there you just have to find them.

 

[bz_711]

This will be my 5th consecutive CO-OTC elk hunt this fall...if that tells you anything.
I'm sure more and better elk can be found in other states or draw areas - but considering you can just drive out anytime you want during season, stop and bye a tag, and still have some pretty decent elk hunting...its hard to beat.
Always a good fall back option for years you don't draw other areas...

 

[Archelk]

I've hunted archery OTC Colorado for five years. We have harvested 3 (1 bull, 2 cows) of those five years. We are after meat and horns are just icing on the cake for us. We have seen elk every year. I have seen some very good bulls too and had some close encounters. We hunt the same area every year and have gotten to know the land very and elk movement pretty good. I have been on hiatus for the last four years but we are starting back up this year and we can't wait.

 

[Bonedalien]

non resident otc tag will be $601 for 2014.

 

[G Posik]

non resident otc tag will be $601 for 2014.

If I remember correctly that includes the combo fishing license as well.

Glenn

 

[Bonedalien]

yep,fishing good through march 2015.

 

[ghyatt]

Cool! All good information. Maybe I'll give it a shot. Thanks to all who replied!

 

[fulldraw1972]

Just curious but I thought new mexico nonresident was close to the same as Co.
As far as OTC goes well I didn't hunt OTC but I did hunt a unit that didn't require any points during archery and we seen elk every day. Had a couple of encounters.
Good luck to you, elk hunting is a blast.

 

[MesaHorseCo.]

New mexico also prices there non-res elk different. The "high-demand/quality" tag costs more than your "standard" tag.

 

[5MilesBack]

Wondering if non residents can purchase the otc tags and if so, are they decent hunts? Or are they just trash hunts with a 1/1,000,000 chance of seeing an elk?

They are the same as a resident hunting the same area. OTC is just that, and anybody and everybody can hunt those units.......resident or NR.

 

[Josh Wright]

Pick an area, hunt it get to know it well. Be a student of the game when it comes to points.

 

[hunting1]

Pick an area, hunt it get to know it well. Be a student of the game when it comes to points.

And heck just enjoy being out there while you learn the area! As a resident of NM there are only a few units I feel are worth the cost in comparison.

 

[katdaddy2013]

Going on my first OTC drop camp hunt this year in CO. Can't wait

 

[amp713]

Gonna finally make the hop myself this year if i can afford it/dont draw my premium utah tag im after. I live 40 minutes from the colorado border. Wish i wouldnt have waited as long as i have!

 

[trophyhill]

I don't think I'd classify any elk hunt as a "trash hunt". some units are better than others and some units are tougher than others. the tough hunts will define you as an elkhunter.

 

[JPD350]

One man's trash is another man's treasure, it really is what you make of it. I have seen huge bulls come out of low success units, have a positive attitude, do your homework and have fun! they wouldn't have OTC tags if there were no elk.


Apply for points and hunt with OTC tags until you can draw in a quality unit.

 

[5MilesBack]

they wouldn't have OTC tags if there were no elk.

CDOW would sell OTC unicorn tags if they could get away with it.

 

[KMT]

CDOW would sell OTC unicorn tags if they could get away with it.

I agree!

That being said, there are plenty of elk in OTC units. You just have to know where to look.

 

[PeterAnthony]

Fellow Minnesotan transplant here too! Myself and a buddy are heading out to CO for our first elk hunt this year also....