What do you expect next year in the CO archery OTC units?

[Gman12]

I have been bow hunting in a OTC unit in NW CO for the last ten years as a NR. Next year they are doing away with NR OTC tags and going to draw. I have no points as I always hunt at the same place and had no reason to build up points. What do ya'll expect next year when it goes to draw? Do you think most everyone will get drawn the first year in these former OTC units? I realize the state claims they want to lower the number of NR hunters during archery season but I also know they must realize the amount of revenue it generates each year. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out with the elimination of the NR OTC archery tags.

 

[Gerbdog]

Hard to say, i expect things to continue looking the same, so they will likely release with a huge tag limit, and most will get a first choice tag out of it, unless they're wiling to lower the tag limits. The units ive hunted the last couple years are more crowded now than they were when they were still OTC.

 

[RyanT26]

I suspect tag numbers will be so high you really won’t be able to tell a difference between when it was OTC vs draw.

 

[camelcluch]

/\/\ I think this is spot on. Probably very few units will see a difference but I would think the same number tags will be sold. The big issue will be OTC rifle when that hits in a few years. Yes, it’s coming.

 

[Poser]

In the Southwest units that went to draw just a couple of years ago, there are more tags available than people applying. It will most likely be the same and you'll be able to draw the unit you've been hunting every year with 0 points. I would suggest applying for a 2nd and 3rd choice just in case, but I wouldn't be concerned about it.

 

[alexnelon]

The change was probably mostly just lip service to CO residents. They just want the extra fees from forcing all the NR hunters to enter the draw.

If this ballot initiative passes we won't have to worry about it though because by the letter of the law, that bill contains all the language they need to outlaw hunting in CO entirely.

 

[cuerro viejo]

I have been bow hunting in a OTC unit in NW CO for the last ten years as a NR. Next year they are doing away with NR OTC tags and going to draw. I have no points as I always hunt at the same place and had no reason to build up points. What do ya'll expect next year when it goes to draw? Do you think most everyone will get drawn the first year in these former OTC units? I realize the state claims they want to lower the number of NR hunters during archery season but I also know they must realize the amount of revenue it generates each year. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out with the elimination of the NR OTC archery tags.

You will most likely still be able to draw it second choice and build points. Worst case you will for sure draw it first choice.

Historically the last OTC archery units to go draw, you still have a 50% chance drawing third choice and 100% second choice.

It will take CPWD a lot of years to cut tags, assuming they even do.

The whole OTC archery going away will not change pressure, it hasn’t in any OTC that’s gone draw. Just cuts either sex tags really

 

[Gman12]

In the Southwest units that went to draw just a couple of years ago, there are more tags available than people applying. It will most likely be the same and you'll be able to draw the unit you've been hunting every year with 0 points. I would suggest applying for a 2nd and 3rd choice just in case, but I wouldn't be concerned about it.

The area I hunt is in 2 units. Will they allow you to hunt 2 units if you get drawn or will the tag be unit specific?

 

[Laelkhunter]

I hunt a private ranch in 78/81 that is now OTC. Will CPWD issue landowner vouchers to the ranch owner or will I have to enter the draw??

 

[Hnthrdr]

Guys archery season isn’t over yet! Wait until December to kick off the Wild ass speculations haha let’s be honest CPW is addicted to the money they will keep tags so damn high there is likely to be any change. I’ll be pleasantly surprised if I’m wrong…

 

[Gerbdog]

I hunt a private ranch in 78/81 that is now OTC. Will CPWD issue landowner vouchers to the ranch owner??

Guessing this is a typo because 81 is no longer OTC, was switched to a point unit 3 years ago. I dont know if the landowner will get vouchers or not, thats likely up to the landowner to apply for them but im unfamiliar with how all that is done.

edit: for archery 81 is no longer OTC, you may be discussing rifle for all i know if so you may still be good

 

[Poser]

The area I hunt is in 2 units. Will they allow you to hunt 2 units if you get drawn or will the tag be unit specific?

You'll most likely be limited to one unit. I would pick one as your first choice and do the other unit as your 2nd choice. You could also alternate years if you want to change thing up, but you won't be able to hunt 2 units unless its a split. For example, units 75 and 751 are complementary/paired units because 751 is fairly small.

 

[Laelkhunter]

Guessing this is a typo because 81 is no longer OTC, was switched to a point unit 3 years ago. I dont know if the landowner will get vouchers or not, thats likely up to the landowner to apply for them but im unfamiliar with how all that is done.

edit: for archery 81 is no longer OTC, you may be discussing rifle for all i know if so you may still be good

Yes, 2nd rifle (bull). It is in Chromo, Co. and the 78/81 line is close to the center line (middle) of the ranch.

 

[cnelk]

I would think the CPW would limit NR to a DAU instead of a single unit

 

[teamwhitebelly]

scenario-- I can buy OTC archery now in my unit and draw muzzy cow. What happens next year to get both??

 

[sndmn11]

scenario-- I can buy OTC archery now in my unit and draw muzzy cow. What happens next year to get both??

Pick one for the primary draw, hope to turn the other up in the secondary draw or reissue/leftover.

 

[Kurts86]

Draw hunts are only as good as the quota for the unit. I’ve seen plenty of poor quality “draw” hunts and I expect it to go that way.

Colorado has a lot of elk and a low success rate so they can continue to get that nonresident money plus draw fees. The OTC needed to go away but I doubt they do anything significantly to improve hunt quality.

 

[cnelk]

scenario-- I can buy OTC archery now in my unit and draw muzzy cow. What happens next year to get both??

Well, you’ll probably still be able to get the ML cow because that won’t change

 

[Dave_]

Yes, 2nd rifle (bull). It is in Chromo, Co. and the 78/81 line is close to the center line (middle) of the ranch.

They aren't getting rid of otc 2nd/3rd rifle yet

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[ScreamingPotato]

The difference will be that you now have to buy a small game license to apply.