- Joined
- Jun 5, 2009
- Messages
- 42
- Reaction score
- 63
First Tuesday in April.
Always a handwringing time for me. What to do???
Anyone else in the process?
Always a handwringing time for me. What to do???
Anyone else in the process?
I will be putting in for an elk muzzleloader tag for Unit 61. I currently have 29 preference points. I should draw.
Oh yeah, gotta go through this every year for deer, elk, and antelope:
- Read the unnecessarily complicated regulations to keep updated on the ridiculous changes that have been made (I am convinced that they have all been written by former IRS employees!)
- Study the detailed statistics to increase my chances of drawing and how to best manage my preference points
- Communicate with my hunting buddies, both instate and nonresidents, to make sure everyone is onboard
- Finally bite the bullet and get the apps in before the deadline
- Pray for favorable outcomes (Prov 16:33).
Yeah you should. And I’m sure you know what you’re getting into - but that is no 29 point hunt, IMO.I will be putting in for an elk muzzleloader tag for Unit 61. I currently have 29 preference points. I should draw.
At the age of 61 with 29 preference points, I still can't draw for the northwest corner of Colorado. With the point creep each year I would probably be in my 70's or older by the time I drew for that area. I have spoken to several Colorado agents and outfitters to come to that conclusion. I refuse to spend $120 each year anymore just to buy a preference point.Yeah you should. And I’m sure you know what you’re getting into - but that is no 29 point hunt, IMO.
I completely understand - I’m in the mid 20s points as well. My point is just that many of the western deer/elk hunts that take 20-30 points are not worth that wait, IMO. They aren’t 2-3 times better (quality/experience) than a hunt that may take 10 points to draw, for example. It’s a really tough call to pull the trigger on a hunt after waiting that long and we all want to make the most of our investment. So, I’m just saying, know as much as you can about the hunt you’re applying for. Sounds like you’ve done some research.At the age of 61 with 29 preference points, I still can't draw for the northwest corner of Colorado. With the point creep each year I would probably be in my 70's or older by the time I drew for that area. I have spoken to several Colorado agents and outfitters to come to that conclusion. I refuse to spend $120 each year anymore just to buy a preference point.
When you say "that is no 29 point hunt".......What do you mean by that? What better area can I get for a ML hunt with my 29 points?
And even when you do that, you’ll be shocked at the number of other people that are there doing the same thing.For ml hunters who want that high and lonesome experience, it's best to get in shape and get into the backcountry.
A few years back when I thought I had a snow ball's chance in hell at drawing the Norhtwest corner, I had planned on a DIY hunt. Figured I would pay a trespass fee at some place like the Walker Ranch. I planned on going out a year in advance and do some scouting. Since deciding to cash in this year at a lesser unit I am 99.9% guaranteed to draw, I decided to go with an outfitter. Reason being. I don't have the motivation to go to Colorado and scout a new area. Especially an area I will only be able to hunt one time with lesser bulls than I was hoping for.. I don't plan to go back to Colorado after this hunt.I completely understand - I’m in the mid 20s points as well. My point is just that many of the western deer/elk hunts that take 20-30 points are not worth that wait, IMO. They aren’t 2-3 times better (quality/experience) than a hunt that may take 10 points to draw, for example. It’s a really tough call to pull the trigger on a hunt after waiting that long and we all want to make the most of our investment. So, I’m just saying, know as much as you can about the hunt you’re applying for. Sounds like you’ve done some research.
And keep in mind that CO has been discussing a change in their point system…
Are you going guided or diy?
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