Don't know what to do with my 5 Colorado points

[BigLou]

I got 5 points in CO too, i'm definitely gonna.....burn them this season....

yall are hilarious....

 

[Ultraheight]

A simple formula to answer this post would look something like this: Find a archery unit with over 10% success that has at least 20-40% public land (which overlaps with september elk habitat), that takes at least 3,4, or 5 points to draw. Sort of a waste to draw a unit that requires 1 or 2 points to draw when you have 5. Some might say its a waste on 3 as well, but depends on your outlook on these things. All of these statistics are available in rough form from Colorado parks and wildlife's website, or more aggregated/easy to read on GoHunt or similar services etc. If you have the cash, get a gohunt account or similar service for a year, it is helpful in narrowing down units. Find your units where you would be within these parameters, then search for outfitters on the Colorado Outfitters Association website search function. Maybe someone has a semi-guided option or trespass fee hunt to give you an edge. Even a trespass fee that gets you through to remote part of public land could be helpful. Then e-scout, scout in person, shoot a lot, call a lot, and get in shape.

 

[LongWayAround]

I say that I am "burning" my points in states because I'm tired of chasing hunts that I'm unlikely to draw. Weird thing to get riled up about...

Hunting with a recurve, I would not plan on killing a big bull in Colorado (or anywhere). Going solo as a rookie and you should shoot the first legal elk.

If that area looks appealing, roll the dice and plan to stay as long as possible.

 

[5MilesBack]

I propose an amendment of slang defining Burn(ing) to mean randomly applied for with zero knowledge why.

I burn points all the time, with intent, for exactly what hunt code I want to apply for, with extensive knowledge of said units.

 

[BRTreedogs]

@okie archer
I think the reality of CO is 5pts is gonna be a rag/cow unit realistically.

There will just be slightly less pressure then otc

But sense you made the comment indicating your only interested in larger bull imo you have unrealistic expectations.

Try to find an outfitter possibly.

 

[CMF]

I propose an amendment of slang defining Burn(ing) to mean randomly applied for with zero knowledge why.

Then what slang word shall we use when applying for a well researched unit with extensive knowledge why, resulting in no longer having multiple points?

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Then what slang word shall we use when applying for a well researched unit with extensive knowledge why, resulting in no longer having multiple points?

Incineration!

"I'm going to incinerate my points and get my BOAL!"

 

[sndmn11]

Then what slang word shall we use when applying for a well researched unit with extensive knowledge why, resulting in no longer having multiple points?

Cashed in ala @HornPorn

 

[5MilesBack]

While burning my points, I cashed in.

 

[Howdoyoulikemenow]

Not what it used to be... burn points....

Omg do you guys like to hunt or not?! Go hunting. Nothing is ever what it used to be. Do some research, make a decision , do some work and have some fun!

No F’n shit!! No matter the state, unit or F’ing animal someone always had to say”it’s not what it used to be” Nothing about life is as it used to be! Go. Go have fun and make memories.

 

[FGB]

If you really want to kill an elk DIY, you could grab a cow muzzleloader tag in a primo unit with those points (research), and then go to AZ with a guide when you want to get one for the wall

 

[MallardSX2]

If you really want to kill an elk DIY, you could grab a cow muzzleloader tag in a primo unit with those points (research),

This is actually a really good idea and you would have probably the best trip of your life.

 

[HenDawg3]

I am a fellow Okie. I can help you out. I sent you a PM

 

[workingonit]

I just called cpw and asked how I could burn my points too and they had no idea. Now I’m not sure what to do..

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Came from ole “burn yer points” newberg a few years back… trying to light a fire for all this followers to dump points… I’m sure he did the same right?

Newberg used 19pp for elk in Colorado back in 2016 and got a pretty good bull. He could potentially have 8pp again if he hasn't used them again.

 

[5MilesBack]

Newberg used 19pp for elk in Colorado back in 2016 and got a pretty good bull.

It's hard to imagine that that was 9 years ago already. Seems like it was just 3-4 years ago.

 

[snowdog104]

Im 49 years old and have never killed an elk. I have gotten close in the past but couldn't close the deal. I've never elk hunted in Colorado.
Thinking about burning my 5 points in unit 5 unless someone has a better idea.
Honestly a little intimidated on a solo hunt but know it is more rewarding. A guide is still a possibility depending the cost.
I want one for the wall but I know that's a tall order. I have points in other states (Arizona, Wyoming, and my home state of Oklahoma.)maybe I should pay for a guide on those states and just try to get a bull in Colorado. I don't know though.
I have killed a few whitetail with a recurve as well as two black bears and would love to kill an elk with the recurve as well.
Maybe find a wallow and do that, not sure.
I know this is a scattered post but just looking for ideas.
Thanks for reading.

Point creep in Unit 5 is largely due to tag reduction in effort to rebuild the herd after the winter kill off a few years ago. This unit is (used to be) an opportunity unit, not a trophy unit. Right now it's neither. It's a very young age class.

Used to be 175 nonresident archery tags available in 2022, in 2024 there was 62.
Used to be 350 nonresident 1st rifle tags available in 2022, in 2024 there was 100.

For a few (several?) more years you'll be better off looking at other units for 5 points for both opportunity and trophy potential. The NW is still in recovery and will be for a while.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Point creep in Unit 5 is largely due to tag reduction in effort to rebuild the herd after the winter kill off a few years ago. This unit is (used to be) an opportunity unit, not a trophy unit. Right now it's neither. It's a very young age class.

Used to be 175 nonresident archery tags available in 2022, in 2024 there was 62.
Used to be 350 nonresident 1st rifle tags available in 2022, in 2024 there was 100.

For a few (several?) more years you'll be better off looking at other units for 5 points for both opportunity and trophy potential. The NW is still in recovery and will be for a while.

That's good info, thank you. Crazy they'd have more rifle tags than archery.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Newberg used 19pp for elk in Colorado back in 2016 and got a pretty good bull. He could potentially have 8pp again if he hasn't used them again.

I’m sure he does, how else will he make super kewl videos and make it harder for us to hunt out west?

 

[snowdog104]

That's good info, thank you. Crazy they'd have more rifle tags than archery.

1st rifle includes Units 3, 4, 5, 301 and 441.
Archery is only Units 4, 5, and 441.

2nd/3rd rifle used to be OTC non-resident. No longer the case.

To be frank, OP and anyone else looking to hunt these units and some others nearby could put in 1 oz of research effort and quickly find out that the herd was decimated a couple winters ago and tags have been dramatically reduced.