Which CO sheep unit?

[1hoda]

I got the 2015 sheep and goat brochure in the mail recently and it got me thinking about which CO sheep unit to apply for. Only moved here 4 years ago so haven't learned enough about which sheep units I should be looking at. I live in Fort Collins so I've been in the Poudre Canyon enough to know the density of both recovering herds aren't enough to interest me.

I'm not after a world record, just want to find a unit in central / northern Co that has a decent density and that is close enough to home I can spend some weekends scouting and getting to know so that when I do draw a tag I'll be ready.

Could you gents point me to some resources? I don't find the CPW website helpful at all - maybe I'm missing something. What are some things to consider about each unit? Which ones to avoid and why?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ckleeves]

Have you been applying the last few years?

 

[1hoda]

No just now have minimum 3 points. I know theres no chance anytime soon but just want to be ready when the time comes!

 

[In God We Trust]

Archery or rifle?

 

[1hoda]

Rifle. That's all the challenge I need!

 

[crzy_cntryby]

1hoda, I'm in the exact same boat and will be doing research also. I will let you know any good sources I come up with. I'm using tag allotment numbers and hopefully Eastman's MRS for starting points. Figure more animals means more opportunity.

 

[1hoda]

Thanks!

 

[30338]

Back in my younger days, I decided that to kill a sheep, I had to have a sheep tag. That meant applying for and drawing an archery tag. I killed my sheep in 2000. I am applying again for an archery tag and still feel the same way. The draw odds are so poor for a rifle tag that I think it pays to go archery on this one. Now I can't kill an archery elk to save my life, but getting that rocky was one great day. Hate to have more competition for archery tags but unit 32 second season is in my opinion the best one out there. And that is where I am applying again.

 

[1hoda]

First, the practical approach is always the best- I love the way you think! Second- I vey much appreciate sharing your strategy and even the unit. I'm not a bow hunter so no competition from me. In return I'd definitely offer to come scout with you or even hopefully be a pack mule! Just PM me. Thanks again and good luck with the draw!

 

[chindits]

You didn't find the CPW website helpful? I'm amazed at the amount of information they provide in the stats. I would say TMI especially on the harvests.

 

[1hoda]

Sure there are lots of stats but they only take you so far.

 

[Steve O]

I'd join and become involved with The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society and get involved. Lots of knowledge there working on projects and lots of experienced sheep hunters.

 

[justin davis]

I would be careful of the easier to draw units. My buddy went for a "easier to draw" unit. He burned 12 points. Scouted all summer long and hunted the whole season and he never saw a legal ram. His opinion of that unit was they shouldn't have even issued tags.

 

[30338]

Justin, One of the 2 sheep tags we drew was S9. We spent 8 days scouting and never saw a ram in there. People kill them in there, but we ended up returning that tag. And the herd in 32 seems way down as well these days. But I still see sheep in there so willing to roll the dice.

So for me, I have drawn 1 sheep tag in a combined 15 years of applying and have had years of fun daydreaming about them. Good luck to all in the draws.

 

[Coveyleader]

3 points is all you need. Don't fool yourself into thinking guys with 3+X number of points are in some elite pool. FYI, I drew my first sheep tag with 3+0 in one of the best units in the state at that time.

Justin what unit was the "Easier" to draw that your buddy didn't connect in?

To be honest, if you draw a sheep tag, it doesn't matter if you live in FC, and the tag is in Durango!

 

[1hoda]

To be honest, if you draw a sheep tag, it doesn't matter if you live in FC, and the tag is in Durango![/QUOTE]

I'm a DIY hunter and since it's a long way to Durango from FC - that means less opportunity to scout the unit before the season. If I were a trust fund baby and didn't have this called a job it wouldn't matter!

 

[CoHiCntry]

You might only get one shot at this so drawing a unit close to where you live for scouting and familiarization of the area is a step in the right direction IMO.

 

[Jtelarkin08]

3 points is all you need. Don't fool yourself into thinking guys with 3+X number of points are in some elite pool. FYI, I drew my first sheep tag with 3+0 in one of the best units in the state at that time.

Justin what unit was the "Easier" to draw that your buddy didn't connect in?

To be honest, if you draw a sheep tag, it doesn't matter if you live in FC, and the tag is in Durango!

I thought Colorado went to max points?

 

[Coveyleader]

Colorado goes to the lucky person with 3 points. Weighted gives you no huge advantage.

 

[CoHiCntry]

Colorado goes to the lucky person with 3 points. Weighted gives you no huge advantage.

There IS an advantage to having more points. I know you said you got lucky and drew with only 3 but that doesn't happen to everyone.