To get a tag or not

[gmclaughlin]

Is it worth buying a deer tag if coming out on an OTC elk archery hunt. I have done my research on elk but that part has consumed the majority of my time and I know squat about Muleys. Out of state guy coming in to hunt an area that I wouldn’t think they would hang out but it borders private land that guys kill them on. Just wanted some opinions.

 

[Cody Lightfoot]

What state and unit? Are deer tags even available? That may make your decision for you.

 

[ChrisS]

It's hard enough to kill an elk in an OTC archery unit. That said, the one OTC unit I tried for elk in I had more mule deer bounding around than anything else. The problem is that CO mule deer tags are draw only, so you have to commit to it upfront.

 

[jspradley]

Might as well if they are available and you have the budget for it...

 

[Rich M]

I've heard a lot of experienced guys saying not to do multiple species hunts, just do 1 at a time.

Having the reverse dilemma but with rifle. Hoping to draw a mule deer tag and may have half-a-chance at an elk in that area. If I do, it will be a distraction from the mule deer hunt. Thinking about it has me looking at the area with more potential to see elk as opposed to deer.

There is no harm in having an extra tag "just in case", just understand that it might change the dynamics of your trip.

 

[5MilesBack]

Sure wish I had a deer tag last year on my elk hunt. Saw some bomber timber bucks for the first time since the 80's while elk hunting.

 

[87TT]

My buddy had an elk tag, whitetail tag and a controlled hunt mule deer tag in a unit that has all three for rifle. He ran all around and hunted hard. Finally ended up with a whitetail doe and a small forky mulie. Personally, elk and deer are open for archery here at the same time but when I'm elk hunting, I'm elk hunting. Not saying I wouldn't take a shot but it would have to be special and I would have to think hard. That is even though I will have a deer tag in my pocket as I can use it for deer later when elk season is over.

 

[197]

You know what will happen if you don't!

I think it is unit, time of hunt and location in unit dependent. If you are hunting elk up high early in September, then you might want to get one to chase around a big timberline buck. If you are hunting elk down low in late September in the timber, then probably not worth the cost.

 

[jragsdal]

I am in the same dilemma. Me and a buddy will be hunting OTC elk in Colorado in September. I went ahead and put in for a Unit 35,36,45, and 361 deer tag. Now I’m not sure if I should keep the tag or not.


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[publichunter1]

Depends on how much $400 is worth to you. I am sure glad I had a Miley tag on my elk hunt last year. I only get one hunt a year out that way so if my funding and a tag is there it’s worth it to me.


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[MtnOyster]

Get the tag if it’s available, here’s what walked up on me while elk hunting on day 2 and had another run in with him on day 3, it’s draw only in that unit and you can bet I put in for a tag this year, here’s a couple still shots from the video I got of him 30-35 yds......made me sick just letting him walk away.

 

[jragsdal]

Get the tag if it’s available, here’s what walked up on me while elk hunting on day 2 and had another run in with him on day 3, it’s draw only in that unit and you can bet I put in for a tag this year, here’s a couple still shots from the video I got of him 30-35 yds......made me sick just letting him walk away.

Dang! I believe you just helped to make my mind up. This is an elk trip, I just noticed earlier in the year that I had a good shot at getting a deer tag with 0 points. Assuming I do draw it I will probably keep it just in case we run into something that I can’t turn down. MtnOyster, I just sent you a PM.


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[Jhaury7]

Definitely get a tag if it’s a option