Elk vs Deer Hunt Decision

[Aldenj6804]

Whats up rokslide, this is my first post so hopefully I'm doing it right. I'm currently a student here in CO and am debating on my approach to the big game draw for 2024 and 2025. Based on my limited time here being a non-resident, I will have two years to both get points and go hunt (I currently have 0 points in all species). Here's my dilemma: Put in for a 0 pref point deer tag for 2024, getting an elk pref point which I use in 2025 OR put in for a 0 pref point elk tag for 2024, getting a deer pref point which I use 2025. In y'alls experience, are deer or elk tags generally better in the 1 pref point category. I know this is very broad but basic answers is all I'm looking for I suppose.
P.S this is for RIFLE seasons only. Thanks!

 

[UncleBone]

Youre not going to get much on either side with 1 PP, especially if you keep your NR status. You may see a few less people in a 1 PP unit, but it doesn't mean you will see more or bigger animals.

 

[ladogg411]

Do full time students in CO count as residents of CO for big game tags?

 

[ladogg411]

NR in CO school full time for 6 months qualifies as a resident. When exactly did you start school?

Get points. And use those points as a CO resident. Not NR. Until then, OTC elk as NR.

And get your 3 base points for MSG while you are considered a CO resident also.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. CPW issues hunting and fishing...

cpw.state.co.us

 

[5MilesBack]

I would apply for both elk and deer. If you draw one or the other, then do that hunt. If you don't draw elk then go OTC.

 

[Aldenj6804]

Yup, forgot to clarify that ladogg. I can apply as a resident since I've been a FT student for more than 6 months.

 

[ladogg411]

I would qpply all species.

I would do deer elk points only for 2024. Then, actually hunt a return/reissue tag, not a 0 point tag. And you get to keep your points.

Save your points and actually hunt your points on your final year as a "resident".

Too bad you didn't buy points for a few years before getting this backdoor residency opportunity. Keep that mistake in mind as you are planning for post school hunts.

 

[Aldenj6804]

No kidding, I definitely wish I knew that a few years ago. Anyways thanks for the tips

 

[Lou (Louis)]

Welcome aboard!

 

[180ls1]

I would apply for both elk and deer. If you draw one or the other, then do that hunt. If you don't draw elk then go OTC.

This. And hunt turkeys in the spring and predators every time else. Make the most of learning the unit. It pays off!

 

[psirus7]

OTC Dawg!

 

[BigMick93]

I would qpply all species.

I would do deer elk points only for 2024. Then, actually hunt a return/reissue tag, not a 0 point tag. And you get to keep your points.

Save your points and actually hunt your points on your final year as a "resident".

Too bad you didn't buy points for a few years before getting this backdoor residency opportunity. Keep that mistake in mind as you are planning for post school hunts.

Ladogg411,

As a non res, would it be right to buy points for both deer and elk? I too want to hunt CO, but being from IN id like to actually see elk. And if you draw and don't get in, does it bank a point for next season?

 

[ladogg411]

Ladogg411,

As a non res, would it be right to buy points for both deer and elk? I too want to hunt CO, but being from IN id like to actually see elk. And if you draw and don't get in, does it bank a point for next season?

Yes, buy points for CO deer and elk. Personally, I would never drive to CO from IN for OTC elk. But at least you could drive thru RMNP one direction to see the elk that you're unlikely to find as a rookie in a OTC unit.

Accumulate points and start praying that CPW follows through on a redesign of their hosed preference point system.

Go to CO after you have at least a few points. And watch that silly reissue website to try to snag a tag that won't use any points at all.

 

[BigMick93]

Which reissue site are you referring to?

 

[Hnthrdr]

You go to CU or CSU or somewhere else?

 

[UncleBone]

Yes, buy points for CO deer and elk. Personally, I would never drive to CO from IN for OTC elk. But at least you could drive thru RMNP one direction to see the elk that you're unlikely to find as a rookie in a OTC unit.

Accumulate points and start praying that CPW follows through on a redesign of their hosed preference point system.

Go to CO after you have at least a few points. And watch that silly reissue website to try to snag a tag that won't use any points at all.

We try not to talk about the "silly reissue website".

 

[awhit13]

As others have mentioned go the otc route if your only goal is to go hunting.
If you have the money, get a GoHunt insider account and spend some time researching your draw odds. The info on that website will help steer you in the right direction.

 

[ladogg411]

Which reissue site are you referring to?

Read here: https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/License-Refunds-Reissue.aspx

Way better option than OTC, especially for NRs as they don't enforce NR caps on reissue tags.

And with some light automation experience, you can minimize your time spent to get non-point using reissue tags.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Read here: https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/License-Refunds-Reissue.aspx

Way better option than OTC, especially for NRs as they don't enforce NR caps on reissue tags.

And with some light automation experience, you can minimize your time spent to get non-point using reissue tags.

what do you mean by light automation experience?