Draw Plans...Haven't Happened

[kroppr77]

So I didn't draw my elk tags that I applied for so far New Mexico and Arizona. I plan on applying for Idaho yet, but the odds aren't the greatest, around 5%. My question is what would you guys do? I can only really do one of these hunts that I am contemplating, the time doesn't matter and I can get away for 8-12 days of on the ground hunting. I want to backpack hunt, which is why i am not just focused on the hunt, I want isolation and the adventure too. Yes I'd be extremely grateful to harvest an animal, but I won't be completely strapped if I don't get one for meat, I usually get a couple of deer a year.
The scenarios for hunts are to
1. Draw a Wyoming general mule deer tag that I have 100% odds, don't burn points because it is second choice, has good harvest rates, and public land. Still applying for the Idaho tag, refund the mule deer if I do draw, otherwise stick to the deer tag.
2. OTC elk in Colorado, Idaho, or Oregon. I am not sure whats the best state yet. I know they all have their pros and cons, predators in Idaho, lots of hunters in Colorado, and poor heard management in Oregon. If I end up going this route I want to stick to this state and hopefully the area so I can be comfortable if I come back, and don't know which is the best state to invest the time in.
3. Pray for a good leftover tag. It seems to be an okay option through some states like Colorado, but I would like to plan this out and scout in advance and not plan my whole trip in only a few weeks.
The thing is I really want to elk hunt and know there is lots of opportunity, but this will be one of my first hunts in the west. I also may be forced to go solo, my hunting buddies are pretty spotty right now with the school situation. Its a big question with lots of options, any feedback would really be appreciated!

 

[bsnedeker]

Is this your first elk hunt? If so I wouldn't worry too much about a draw tag. I would just grab an otc tag from Idaho or CO and get out there. Get some experience under your belt then start chasing the LE stuff.

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[kroppr77]

First tag for myself, I was just applying in the mean time. I've read so many stories from otc hunts on threads and gohunt that I'm worried that I'll go all week and not actually see any elk and then chase around other hunters bugles all week, and then not learn anything.

 

[bsnedeker]

Yeah, I get that, but you can have that happen in draw units as well. Trailheads can get packed but remember that most people are lazy. Look for elky areas that are tough to access. I usually look for steep climbs right off the road that would scare most people away. You'll still run into people but it will be greatly reduced.

Another thing to consider would be chasing a cow in a premium unit somewhere. You can get otc spike/ cow tags in Utah for example in areas that are impossible to get a bull tag in. It's a good way to learn about elk behavior and potentially see some monster bulls.

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[kroppr77]

Out of Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and then Utah would you recommend Utah to start at?

 

[bsnedeker]

I've honestly never hunted Utah but it was on my list of to dos before I moved to Montana so I would seriously consider it. I'd probably go Idaho if you want to look for a bull, then Colorado, last would be Oregon.

Hopefully someone with some experience in those hunts can chime in. I've hunted otc in Washington which was awful, and in Colorado which was pretty great in terms of seeing elk.

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[cnelk]

I'm worried that I'll go all week and not actually see any elk and then chase around other hunters bugles all week, and then not learn anything.

Oh you'd definitely learn something. No doubt about that.
Every year there are LOTS of elk killed by Newbies on OTC hunts

 

[kroppr77]

Do you know if Montana will have any leftover general tags? Also I am leaning more towards Idaho, I have a decent connection out there and am hoping for less people hopefully, but he told me that backpack hunting can be really difficult now with wolves moving in and out.
When you went in Colorado did you go archery or rilfe? For Colorado I am thinking archery for the rut and tougher odds or 3rd season rifle in hopes that the weather shys away others.

 

[MuleyFever]

Out of Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and then Utah would you recommend Utah to start at?

Hell no!

 

[kroppr77]

Oh you'd definitely learn something. No doubt about that.
Every year there are LOTS of elk killed by Newbies on OTC hunts

Reminds me of what my dad always said haha, "can't kill them from the couch wondering what if"

 

[bsnedeker]

Hard to say. In a normal year I would say no, but with all the Corona stuff anything is possible.

I live in NW Montana so the terrain is pretty similar to Idaho and I can tell you that I don't run into much hunting pressure once I start climbing. Thick nasty stuff but there are elk running around foot sure.

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[kroppr77]

I checked and gohunt said that like 500 were leftover last year, so you had to be ready to go right when they went on sale. I am hoping that happens this year, in Montana and or Colorado.
Sometimes I just think that everyone says theres no elk and it isn't worth it because they don't want more hunters there, in other words why would fish and game sell the tags and why would so many people want to do it?

 

[Wapiti1]

You'll have to be on the stick to get a MT leftover. I suspect there will be some again. How many, who knows.

If you do 3rd season CO, choose your unit wisely. If there is no winter range on the unit, and you get snow, you'll be all by your lonesome, or watching elk on private the whole time. Could be no snow, could be lots of snow, plan accordingly.

I don't know. Some places really are not worth it. I agree that Utah's OTC is not a good place to start.

Pick any unit that has a good elk population and whatever else you want in a hunt. Then just go. MT, ID and CO will give you about the same experience just with different scenery.

Jeremy

 

[87TT]

Oh you'd definitely learn something. No doubt about that.
Every year there are LOTS of elk killed by Newbies on OTC hunts

That is learning something. Like what not to do.

 

[GregB]

First tag for myself, I was just applying in the mean time. I've read so many stories from otc hunts on threads and gohunt that I'm worried that I'll go all week and not actually see any elk and then chase around other hunters bugles all week, and then not learn anything.

If this is your first hunt I would not recommend a backpack hunt. If there are no elk in the area then you have to pack up camp hike out and go set up somewhere else and this burns a lot of time. Having a truck camp an being mobile will help you find elk. Once you find elk then you can look at backpacking in if it makes sense.

 

[KHNC]

How do you have 100% odds for GEN Wy tag as a 2nd choice and no points used?

 

[StopMakingSense]

Just go to CO, pick a unit, do some e-scouting, take the Elk101 course, and get your ass kicked. You'll learn a ton for sure...

As far as backpack hunting, that's how I learned going solo from the start but I hate hunting from my truck so to each there own.

 

[kroppr77]

How do you have 100% odds for GEN Wy tag as a 2nd choice and no points used?

NR special not regular sorry I should have clarified.

 

[sneaky]

Out of Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and then Utah would you recommend Utah to start at?

Honestly, I would never recommend Utah as an elk starter state

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[CorbLand]

Honestly, I would never recommend Utah as an elk starter state

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Oh come on, Utah is a wonderful State for elk. You can start applying now and have 30 years to research and acquire everything you need for elk hunting before you even have a shot at drawing.

As for OTC elk in Utah. That’s nothing more than giving people the illusion that they get to hunt elk every year.

Pick the closest State to you that has OTC archery elk and go for it. I would plan to hunt from the pickup with the option to spike out if you need to. Keeps you mobile but gives you options.

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