Help choosing between 2 tags for 2025

[Neckbone]

I have 5 points for Wyoming and 4 for Colorado. I am trying to decide what to apply for. The goal is to get my buddy (71yr old billy goat in great shape) hearing bugles. We will hunt archery/rut for that reason. Have it pretty much narrowed down to 2 options.

1. Wyoming General West. I hunted here in 2019 and I have an area I had good success in and would love to go back. Last year 5 points was 100%, <5 was 57%. Creep has me a bit worried its not a sure thing. I do know they had a bad winter recently that put a hurting on herds so there's that.. But I do have boots on the ground knowledge of the area.

2. Unit in Colorado drew out 57% (oddly enough) at 3 points. 100% at 4 points. Creep has be worried as well..

WWYD?

 

[Stache Attack]

Which is closer? Personally I’d hold the Wyo points and burn the Colorado points. Colorado system has been creeping worse it appears and the F&WS might just run their hunting into the ground in the next few years. Wyo seems more stable in the near term and always can hold and get in a good tag

 

[Neckbone]

Which is closer? Personally I’d hold the Wyo points and burn the Colorado points. Colorado system has been creeping worse it appears and the F&WS might just run their hunting into the ground in the next few years. Wyo seems more stable in the near term and always can hold and get in a good tag

Distance wise doesn't make a difference (Coming from Florida)

I would prefer to save Wyoming as well, but the Colorado creeping worse kind of worries me. All this wolf talk has me thinking people may be cashing in points more. I believe there are a lot more Wyoming Gen tags to be had than this one unit in Co. I think that makes the point creep more volatile for Colorado and more predictable for Wyoming. Its a crap shoot either way,

 

[elkocd]

Distance wise doesn't make a difference (Coming from Florida)

I would prefer to save Wyoming as well, but the Colorado creeping worse kind of worries me. All this wolf talk has me thinking people may be cashing in points more. I believe there are a lot more Wyoming Gen tags to be had than this one unit in Co. I think that makes the point creep more volatile for Colorado and more predictable for Wyoming. Its a crap shoot either way,

I'd personally hunt WY as often as possible. Those 5 points are not going to get you any other tag anytime soon than what you can draw now. The winter(s) have had no impact on the elk. Deer yes, elk no.

 

[dirtytough]

I would hunt Wyoming.

 

[Deerhunter6250]

Wyoming and then Colorado and gain another point in Wyoming next year and you could always draw a random tag in Wyoming in the future with 0 to 5 points.

 

[Neckbone]

Wyoming and then Colorado and gain another point in Wyoming next year and you could always draw a random tag in Wyoming in the future with 0 to 5 points.

That’s the way I’m leaning.

I hate playing the random game in WY with the 1/31 deadline and the mid May draw. So many other draws have come and gone that if you don’t hit you are stuck with little to no options.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Im in a similar situation. Have 6 pts in WY and 6 pts in CO. My impression is that trophy and experience quality are both going to be better in WY on average, than in CO for what you can get with 5-6 pts in both.

 

[bz_711]

Have you hunted before in either of the areas you are looking to draw?
I would go with whichever I have the most experience or the most knowledge of where to find bulls...if my goal was to get my 71yr old buddy onto bugles. This is more about getting him the best hunt and not what the next few years look like for your points...as it's really a toss up anyway.

Good Luck!

 

[Deerhunter6250]

That’s the way I’m leaning.

I hate playing the random game in WY with the 1/31 deadline and the mid May draw. So many other draws have come and gone that if you don’t hit you are stuck with little to no options.

I apply in 4 states and if I draw something else Then I withdraw my Wyoming application, which I haven't needed to do but think you still can.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Wyoming without a doubt

 

[huntnful]

Elk are doing great is western WY after the hard winter. No need to worry about that.

I’d 100% go for WY and to the area you know. CO could be a crap shoot.

 

[wildwilderness]

Put in for Both and see what you get. at 71 nothing is guaranteed for anyone.... If you do get both you could turn one back in and get points back I think in CO. Not sure about WY. Or you can just hunt both states back to back!

CO will definitely go up with the changes announced for 2028. These next few years will see massive point creep!

 

[KHNC]

No Grizz in Colorado.

 

[Neckbone]

Have you hunted before in either of the areas you are looking to draw?
I would go with whichever I have the most experience or the most knowledge of where to find bulls...if my goal was to get my 71yr old buddy onto bugles. This is more about getting him the best hunt and not what the next few years look like for your points...as it's really a toss up anyway.

Good Luck!

Good point, I hunted WY general in 2019 and heard plenty, had a few close calls, and took a bull opening day of rifle. Already know where I would go in WY. I've about made up my mind onWY. Thanks for the input

 

[Neckbone]

I apply in 4 states and if I draw something else Then I withdraw my Wyoming application, which I haven't needed to do but think you still can.

I haven't thought of with drawling the application... have to check other deadlines and keep that in mind. I'm assuming they don't refund your hunting license and other fees..?

 

[Neckbone]

Elk are doing great is western WY after the hard winter. No need to worry about that.

I’d 100% go for WY and to the area you know. CO could be a crap shoot.

Thats the plan, thank you for the input!

 

[Neckbone]

Put in for Both and see what you get. at 71 nothing is guaranteed for anyone.... If you do get both you could turn one back in and get points back I think in CO. Not sure about WY. Or you can just hunt both states back to back!

CO will definitely go up with the changes announced for 2028. These next few years will see massive point creep!

Wish I could hunt both, I'm lucky to get the 1.5 week away with a 4 month old (Bless my wife, supported my MT hunt last year with a newborn at home)

It damn expensive if you end up drawing both. Colorado will either refund your hunt and take your points or the other way around. Hell of a tax...

Gonna apply for Wy and keep my fingers crossed. 5 Points would have been 100% last year, Heres to hoping for little or creep!

 

[Neckbone]

No Grizz in Colorado.

Where I hunt WY would be considered the edge of grizz country. I'm more afraid of thunderstorms/severe weather, skeletal injury/fall, fire mishap, pocket knife slip, or other general dumbassery

 

[cnelk]

Would you shoot a cow if you drew Wyo?