What would you do with 11 points in CO?

[Deucebump]

Alright guys Im looking for some opinions and/or ideas. I have 11 points for Colorado elk and would like to use them up this season before the draw structure change next year.

A little background about me…Im not a huge elk hunter but Ive killed a handful of bulls in the past. Im mainly a die hard mulie hunter. Im typically a DIY high country backpacker, solo a fair amount of time. While I do bowhunt, Im not a huge fan of bowhunting elk, but also not totally opposed to it. (A few bad experiences in the past) Im 48yrs old generally in very good mountain shape, but Im small at 5’7” & 150lbs, one of the main reasons I switched to hunting mulies instead of elk as packing an elk out solo is almost too much. I havnt used an outfitter in close to 15 yrs because I just cant justify the cost for something I can largely do myself. But Im not against an outfitter for a decent price. Im an ok caller but far from great. One of the big issues I have is that I dont have any hunting partners with anywhere close to the points I have to draw a tag and nobody wants to go along “just for the fun of packing an elk out”. I love the early high country and Im leaning towards a muzzleloader rut hunt, but Im open to any all suggestions. The only thing I dont want to do is stay in a hotel and hunt 4th season winter range.

So throw me some options, seasons, units (not looking for locations) or any other thoughts. Thanks in advance!

 

[Jethro]

Draw structure change is 2028

 

[Deucebump]

Well I’ll be danged! Lol, for some reason I have thought since they announced it that it was ‘27! Man you just took a huge weight off my shoulders, thanks for correcting me! Now I can go back to planning a mulie hunt for this year!

 

[resident vs nonresident]

Resident or Nonresident?

 

[Deucebump]

Nonres

 

[sndmn11]

Can you run a 10 minute mile?

 

[resident vs nonresident]

If it were me in your position id want fun hunt n decent weather I’d focus on Muzzy or Archery. You actually have few decent options.
Im sure u have OnX or GoHunt research tools? If not CO actually does a good job of posting draw/harvest data on their site you just need to go through it and decide what unit appeals most to you

 

[Deucebump]

Thats exactly my thoughts! Just dont know what my best choice of unit is for the points I have.

A lot of people say I dont have enough for a really good unit and too many to burn for a mediocre unit.

 

[resident vs nonresident]

Look at last years Drawn Out data by CPW. 11poi ts u kinda in that no man land where you may overpay by few points on some units but it’ll be worth it.
The d look at few units that were drawn out at 10pp or less and then decide which one u like best

 

[Kicks831]

Where will you plan a Mule Deer hunt? Just getting into it, and am trying to figure out what my best option is for the first year. Non resident.

 

[bz_711]

At least you have another year to plan
For me it would really help to try and decide what weapon first as what you're applying for will be vastly different.

In general, Archery will get you the best unit for a set amount of points, Muzzy next best, and Rifle last.

Personally I'm 100% archery and know those point levels best. I've also only hunted elk in Sept/rut so I would be leaning that way heavily.

If set on taking a gun - I like what a Muzzy tag can offer you with those points. But, some are surprised to find out their midwest muzzy is not allowed in CO. Once you're using open sights, no sabots, no pellets...it's a lot different hunt and I think most would need a lot of practice with open sight setup to be ready at a decent range. But still a great option to hunt Sept Bulls in the mountains.

You have several good options and should be able to line up a good hunt. Good Luck!