Colorado OTC Units to Draw - Estimated Points Needed?

[wannabemtnman]

Hi All - New to the forum and relatively new to western hunting. I moved to CO in November and trying to get all my stuff together before the application deadline. Does anyone have history with units that have gone from OTC to draw units and the number of points they required to draw the first year?
I'm trying to take advantage of being a resident even though I have 0 points, with the goal of hunting a less pressured unit for archery season. I don't want to waste my time applying for a new unit if I won't draw with 0 points. Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[TheHardWay]

If you moved here in November, you will not be able to apply as a resident in April since you have not been here at least 6 months at the application deadline.

 

[tdhanses]

If you pick one of these as your first choice it’s highly likely you‘ll draw but no one really knows yet.

But yeah you’ll have to go in as a NR. Best just wait till the draw is over, possibly there will be leftovers.

 

[TheHardWay]

Also, here is good resource to start doing your homework. CPW breaks down the statistics by species and year for each unit and method of take.

Big Game

Hunting for big game in Colorado can be a thrilling and challenging experience, with the chance to explore some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the country. However, it's important to follow all hunting regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and sustainable hunt.

cpw.state.co.us

 

[Dvidos]

If you pick one of these as your first choice it’s highly likely you‘ll draw but no one really knows yet.

But yeah you’ll have to go in as a NR. Best just wait till the draw is over, possibly there will be leftovers.

+1

 

[TheHardWay]

Also, keep in mind that you can put in 4 hunt code choices in the draw for each species. Therefore if you don't get your 1st choice, there is a chance you can still get your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th.

 

[wannabemtnman]

Well that's a ball buster... I thought it was 6 months prior to the season, not application. Time to rethink the strategy here. Thanks for the comments!

 

[wannabemtnman]

If you moved here in November, you will not be able to apply as a resident in April since you have not been here at least 6 months at the application deadline.

Looking into this further - looks like if I want to apply for the regular draw I would end up paying NR prices, where if I wait for the secondary draw and try to pick up leftover tags for both elk and muley's I would pay resident prices due to meeting the 6 month threshold. Is that correct? Looking like it may be another OTC year to save some $$ on tags or try to pick up leftovers in August.

 

[cnelk]

The SW units will definitely go to the Second Drawing.

By that time you should have everything in order to have Resident status.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

Looking like it may be another OTC year to save some $$ on tags or try to pick up leftovers in August.

I did this a couple years ago when I moved back to Colorado. I moved in April so I had to wait for the tags leftover in October. Ended up picking up a leftover 4th season elk tag the week before the season and shot the biggest bull of my life. I was disappointed I had to do OTC or leftovers that year but it all ended up working out.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Buy your NR qualifying annual small game license for $82.78, Habitat stamp for $10.13, apply for a point for deer $9, apply for a point for elk $9. $110.91 for points. You will then have 1pp for deer and elk for 2021. For reference it is $30.11+$10.13+$7+$7=$54.24 as a resident. The points are worth the extra $56.67.

Then draw a tag in the secondary draw as a resident or wait for the leftover licenses.

I personally would not use points for these new limited archery license as the units are still OTC rifle. Use points for units that are 100% limited draw.

 

[wannabemtnman]

Buy your NR qualifying annual small game license for $82.78, Habitat stamp for $10.13, apply for a point for deer $9, apply for a point for elk $9. $110.91 for points. You will then have 1pp for deer and elk for 2021. For reference it is $30.11+$10.13+$7+$7=$54.24 as a resident. The points are worth the extra $56.67.

Then draw a tag in the secondary draw as a resident or wait for the leftover licenses.

I personally would not use points for these new limited archery license as the units are still OTC rifle. Use points for units that are 100% limited draw.

That’s likely what I’ll be doing, appreciate the insight. Would like to go into 2021 with a point in each and for $56, way better than the $1500 I’d be spending on NR bull, cow, and muley tags.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Sounds good. Welcome to Colorado.

 

[jhbaylor]

Was wondering about these new draw tag units too... guess we will have to wait and see what happens this year.

 

[OleoOutfitters]

The SW units will definitely go to the Second Drawing.

By that time you should have everything in order to have Resident status.

Hey cnelk - I tend to agree, but do we have any info to support our suspicion (like a similar OTC-to-draw unit transition from the past)?

 

[cnelk]

^^^ I know a guy who knows a guy

 

[stonewall]

Buy your NR qualifying annual small game license for $82.78, Habitat stamp for $10.13, apply for a point for deer $9, apply for a point for elk $9. $110.91 for points. You will then have 1pp for deer and elk for 2021. For reference it is $30.11+$10.13+$7+$7=$54.24 as a resident. The points are worth the extra $56.67.

Then draw a tag in the secondary draw as a resident or wait for the leftover licenses.

I personally would not use points for these new limited archery license as the units are still OTC rifle. Use points for units that are 100% limited draw.

this is a great idea