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

[okie archer]

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.

When I originally posted this I completely forgot about the massive winter kill in NW Colorado and up into Wyoming.

 

[benconfused]

Just curious how some of you boys did this Fall in CO, in that 5 point range. I'm in the same boat next Fall with both elk and muley having 5 points.

 

[5MilesBack]

Times have changed.......just in the last couple years. 5 elk points for a NR today, is like 1-2 points from just 3-4 years ago. It's almost as depressing even for a resident. It will be interesting to see how 2028 changes play out in reality for the draw. Points needed to guarantee a draw will go through the roof with only half the tags available. But the actual draw % on the other 50% of the tags will be interesting to see. For some units, I'm betting it will rival or even surpass the low odds (to the downside) of moose, sheep, and goat.

I'm going to be looking to "burn" my 21 deer points and 18 pronghorn points soon (maybe this year).......so I can start drawing low point archery deer tags, and maybe some low point rifle tags for pronghorn on a buddy's ranch.

 

[Levy_ken]

Just curious how some of you boys did this Fall in CO, in that 5 point range. I'm in the same boat next Fall with both elk and muley having 5 points.

I’ve had some awesome hunts in sub 5 point CO elk units. Obviously doesn’t mean it’s always easy, but super worthwhile. I will however echo what @5MilesBack said - several hunts in my area have gone from a 1-2 point NR draw to 3,4 even 5 points to “guarantee” in just a few years.

 

[benconfused]

I’ve had some awesome hunts in sub 5 point CO elk units. Obviously doesn’t mean it’s always easy, but super worthwhile. I will however echo what @5MilesBack said - several hunts in my area have gone from a 1-2 point NR draw to 3,4 even 5 points to “guarantee” in just a few years.

That is what it is at this point. I've built what I can and now I'm ready to use the points next year ahead of the 2028 change over.

If I have to target a 4 point unit to increase odds with only 5 points then so be it.

Separate question - with 5 points being in the "no man's land" of the point area for CO for elk, I assume that's the same for muley as well?

I may try to use my (then) 6 muley points in 2027 in CO.

 

[sndmn11]

There's some outstanding 1-2 point NR hunt codes for both deer and elk that a hunter could cash in their points and could easily fill that tag. There's also many 5 point hunt codes that a hunter could get burned buying into the hype and drawing. The number o points a hunt code took to draw last year is only indicative of what others perceive their desire to hunt it is, and not the reality of how the hunt actually is. Looking at points to choose what to draw because one doesn't have any first hand knowledge of the hunt, is just following the other people who don't have first hand knowledge but thinking they have wisdom.

 

[benconfused]

There's some outstanding 1-2 point NR hunt codes for both deer and elk that a hunter could cash in their points and could easily fill that tag. There's also many 5 point hunt codes that a hunter could get burned buying into the hype and drawing. The number o points a hunt code took to draw last year is only indicative of what others perceive their desire to hunt it is, and not the reality of how the hunt actually is. Looking at points to choose what to draw because one doesn't have any first hand knowledge of the hunt, is just following the other people who don't have first hand knowledge but thinking they have wisdom.

I'm not just looking at points alone, fully agree with you here.

 

[HenDawg3]

I could send you to a place to for sure kill a 6x6 with your hunt but chance of a “big” bull. It’s enough points I’m not worried about telling you so you can have a great hunt.

 

[HenDawg3]

I could send you to a place to for sure kill a 6x6 with your hunt but chance of a “big” bull. It’s enough points I’m not worried about telling you so you can have a great hunt.

 

[HenDawg3]

I’m not worried about it. I want hunter’s to have a great hunt and I’m not gonna save 5 points ever again. Someone might as well enjoy it.

 

[benconfused]

I’m not worried about it. I want hunter’s to have a great hunt and I’m not gonna save 5 points ever again. Someone might as well enjoy it.

I'm gathering as much intel as I can for several units. Any info anyone is willing to share would be great - send me a DM.

Thanks for you feedback above. I'll have fun where ever I go just from being outside.

 

[eggerhunts]

As many others have mentioned, don't stress so much about the result. pick a unit and do your best by researching, scouting if possible, and hunting hard. There are not many low point units that are way better than others. Hope you have fun!