WYO vs CO mule deer hunts

[Bowhunter1740]

Looking for general guidance for those that have hunted both WYO and CO mule deer on what hunts made you want to go back more. With the season structure’s being so much different I can imagine the experiences being the same. We have backpacked WA and ID deer a fair amount over 18 years. My father is retiring at 59 and still able to hike a decent amount. Again, just general impressions of if one state has made a better lasting memory as I prioritize what years of good health he has left. Thanks for your time!

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have hunted both states for 30+ years and I retired and moved to SW Colorado 25 years ago. I like them both. I generally like Colorado better because rifle hunting you have 4 seasons to choose from. I hunt close to home and spend a lot of time scouting.

Wyoming for me is a little different. I have mostly hunted private ranches that I paid a trespass fee on. They are getting harder to find. I also hunted BLM land too. The problem is the areas I like to hunt now require a ton of points. The buck I am holding in my avatar has a 31" spread and came off BLM that now requires 16 point to draw it. I'll never hunt it again as I am 84 now!. The last time I was on a guided elk hunt to the Teton Wilderness, I only saw 4 deer in a week. The wolves have pretty much cleaned them out.

I would do some scouting in either state before you start applying for tags. Message me if you have more questions.

 

[Bowhunter1740]

I have hunted both states for 30+ years and I retired and moved to SW Colorado 25 years ago. I like them both. I generally like Colorado better because rifle hunting you have 4 seasons to choose from. I hunt close to home and spend a lot of time scouting.

Wyoming for me is a little different. I have mostly hunted private ranches that I paid a trespass fee on. They are getting harder to find. I also hunted BLM land too. The problem is the areas I like to hunt now require a ton of points. The buck I am holding in my avatar has a 31" spread and came off BLM that now requires 16 point to draw it. I'll never hunt it again as I am 84 now!. The last time I was on a guided elk hunt to the Teton Wilderness, I only saw 4 deer in a week. The wolves have pretty much cleaned them out.

I would do some scouting in either state before you start applying for tags. Message me if you have more questions.

Thanks for the response! It does seem like CO has more accessible opportunities with so many seasons and units to apply for.

 

[Eagle]

CO due to less pressure. Wyomings best deer areas being general tags for residents causes the pressure to be nuts for the amount of years it takes for a NR to draw a tag. At least in CO, you know how many others you’re competing against.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

For a nonresident coming for one hunt on specific dates, Colorado.

Wyoming is better for residents who can scout and get to hunt both archery and rifle and go hunting several times in a season.