Gen MT vs Archery CO (Solo Backpack)

[Pinhoti Trail Hunter]

I’ve got two points in MT. Should draw the general tag, but can’t help but to look at some of the zero point units in CO. Would be out there for peak rut action. Just wondering what you guys would choose? Logistics would be about the same as I’m an airline pilot and can get just about anywhere with some effort. Would be renting a pickup when I get there.

 

[Hondo0925]

Montana. What I’ve heard Colorado is busy

 

[rogerdoger]

I would do Colorado before the wolfs take over the state.

 

[Preston]

I've hunted and lived in both states. Colorado hands down, especially if you can go either the first or last week.

 

[dirtytough]

Montana. I believe you will lose your points if you don’t apply.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

I’ve done both recently and personally would choose MT, but that might be because I’ve hunted CO more.

 

[D_wit22]

Do both!

 

[ResearchinStuff]

They are more similar than different for hunting success and pressure. Pick one where you'll appreciate the scenery more.

 

[Indian Summer]

Montana. Less people. If I can eliminate other hunters that will be my choice. Since you’re a pilot and can go anywhere why don’t you apply for the Montana license and go out during archery. If you don’t punch a tag do a return trip for the rifle opener. That’s one advantage Wyoming in Montana has over Colorado. Your license is good for all of archery and rifle season. In Montana that gives you five weeks of bow hunting and five weeks of gun hunting.

 

[NotchElk]

I’ve hunted both multiple years. I’d say Colorado. I think the theory on Colorado is that it’s jam packed with people and you can’t get to the spots you want to get to. What I can tell you is that in some units that is absolutely true and I’ve hunted in and around a lot of pressure in CO. But on the same note, I’ve had some of the best hunting experiences of my life in Colorado. Just outwork other people, stick to whatever plan you have, and know that there is a ton of space out there and a ton of elk.

On Montana, I do love hunting MT as well but I honestly have run into more people in Montana than I have Colorado. The other part of MT is that you virtually have to be ready to hunt in G bear country no matter where you go out there now. For some, being mentally prepared for that can make or break your hunt. There are great elk hunting opportunities in MT and you may have a chance at a bigger bull, but I’d still go Colorado over MT.

 

[dirtytough]

Montana. Less people. If I can eliminate other hunters that will be my choice. Since you’re a pilot and can go anywhere why don’t you apply for the Montana license and go out during archery. If you don’t punch a tag do a return trip for the rifle opener. That’s one advantage Wyoming in Montana has over Colorado. Your license is good for all of archery and rifle season. In Montana that gives you five weeks of bow hunting and five weeks of gun hunting.

I believe it’s actually 6 weeks of archery, 5 weeks rifle, plus now there is a week of muzzy in December.

If a hunter has the time to take advantage of the Montana general tag it definitely allows more options.

 

[Preston]

I’ve hunted both multiple years. I’d say Colorado. I think the theory on Colorado is that it’s jam packed with people and you can’t get to the spots you want to get to. What I can tell you is that in some units that is absolutely true and I’ve hunted in and around a lot of pressure in CO. But on the same note, I’ve had some of the best hunting experiences of my life in Colorado. Just outwork other people, stick to whatever plan you have, and know that there is a ton of space out there and a ton of elk.

On Montana, I do love hunting MT as well but I honestly have run into more people in Montana than I have Colorado. The other part of MT is that you virtually have to be ready to hunt in G bear country no matter where you go out there now. For some, being mentally prepared for that can make or break your hunt. There are great elk hunting opportunities in MT and you may have a chance at a bigger bull, but I’d still go Colorado over MT.

Agree. Ive killed and seen way more branched bulls in Colorado in 5 days of hunting either in the archery season or 1st rifle than in being allowed to hunt 12 weeks in Montana. Wyoming is better than either one

 

[69Switchbacks]

Colorado. Get off the beaten path and you’ll find elk. Hiked 4-5 miles off the trail last season and got into the elk. Seems like most guys don’t hunt far from the trails/roads.

 

[Indian Summer]

Agree. Ive killed and seen way more branched bulls in Colorado in 5 days of hunting either in the archery season or 1st rifle than in being allowed to hunt 12 weeks in Montana. Wyoming is better than either one

If you can’t get on more elk in 12 freaking weeks in Montana than you can in 5 days in Colorado you are doing something seriously wrong! That’s downright funny

 

[cnelk]

@Indian Summer

Tell us how many times you’ve hunted Colorado.

 

[Preston]

If you can’t get on more elk in 12 freaking weeks in Montana than you can in 5 days in Colorado you are doing something seriously wrong! That’s downright funny

What I'm saying is I either killed 5 or 6 pounts bulls every rifle or had an opportunity during the archery season in around 5 days in Colorado. Ive hunted 14 rifle seasons in MT and killed an elk every year except 4-5 seasons, several seasons I didn't see a branched bull while hunting. It's definitely tougher up north due to pressure and private ranches. Carry on Montana is the best elk hunting in the west. Haha

 

[Indian Summer]

@Indian Summer

Tell us how many times you’ve hunted Colorado.

Seriously…. 12 weeks or 5 days??? If you can’t find as many elk in 12 weeks in Montana as you can in Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico… Michigan Minnesota or Tennessee in 5 days something sure ain’t right! Nothing to do with Colorado specifically.

 

[tkhuntsman]

I lived in Colorado for 35 years and guided for 18 there are a lot more elk there than MT. I now live in MT been here for 7 years, the only good numbers of elk to be found are on private property, there are elk to be had and hunting can be good on public. It is definitely a tougher hunt in MT than in CO. I think the age class is a bit better on bulls in MT. There are definitely just as many hunters in MT as there is in CO.

 

[Indian Summer]

I have never had a problem with other hunters in Montana. It goes without saying that if you are within a half mile or so of the truck, you will see people but if you hunt a mile or two in there is nobody. Not nearly the horse use as in Wyoming either. So the further you go the less chance of seeing anyone. Other than outfitters there are no backcountry camps where I hunt either. All roadside base camps.

Of course, all of our answers are based on the specific places that we hunt. It can definitely vary by area. I think the number of Colorado resident hunters alone outnumbers the number of hunters in Montana or Wyoming. But there is more square mileage of habitat as well.Things will change for the better once they eliminate OTC licenses. Montana and Wyoming know exactly how many nine resident hunters there will be. The only thing that can vary is the number of resident licenses unless they change the number of licenses issued in the drawings.

I have friends that hunt Colorado every year. They do really well. mostly archery and muzzleloader if they can draw a tag.But they sure do hunt high. 11,00 to 12,000 feet plus.

 

[bz_711]

Have you hunted either state before?
Have you hunted elk before?