Personally i like to have as many tags as possible! If you can afford it and draw a 44 deer tag as a second choice it might be nice to have...... you never know.
Although I wish I had a deer tag with me last year, saw the biggest deer of my life at 15 yards. So if you can focus on one then maybe it isn't a bad idea.
You know dam well the second you dont have that deer tag in your pocket you will have a perfect 50 yard broad side shot at a giant. Better get the deer tag as well.
If u can draw the tag( deer is draw only ) and it doesn't hurt your pocket then he'll yeah why not. If your not seeing lots of elk but some great bucks then change gears and belly crawl up to a great mulie!
I went to Colorado a couple years ago with just a deer tag in my pocket. Wish I had bought an elk tag because we saw a lot of elk, one being a really good bull. I wont make that mistake again. When opportunity knocks I want to make sure I'm ready with a tag in my pocket. So if you can afford the extra tag fee then by all means go for it.
You'll have to apply for 44 archery deer tag as first choice to get one and you'll loose any points you have. based on past draws you would stand a pretty good chance of drawing with 0 points though.
The way I see It if you have only an elk tag you'll see big deer if you have only a deer tag you'll see big elk. If you have both this ensures you won't see any legal animal to take and will be plagued with bears and spikes Ha ha.
In all seriousness I say go for both that way you can be an opportunist and good luck
I would get it. I am doing same for the area I am in draw for. Always put in and if I get one and not the other it doesn't hurt my feelings. But if you get deer and not elk.... tough choice....