Colorado Big Game Deadline

[knd2970]

Just a reminder. You have two days left to apply.
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/

[blackwolf]

Got my app in, applied for that new hybrid draw also since I have 18 elk pts and 8 deer pts.

[knd2970]

Got my app in, applied for that new hybrid draw also since I have 18 elk pts and 8 deer pts.

Wow thats a lot of points! Good luck on the hybrid draw. I only have 4 next year I can apply.

[Sam Ubl]

I'm confused... Are you talking about specific GMU's? I am under the impression over-the-counter elk licenses' are available to local and out-of-stater's. This would apply for bulls, or perhaps either sex (anyone know?)

I'm interested in a do-it-yourself bowhunt near Steamboat Springs, CO, in 2012 with my wife.

Can someone clarify licensing in Co?

[lungbuster]

Sam , certain units are over the counter but the better units for big bulls are draw only......over the counter tags will be good for areas with high elk numbers but not necessarily trophy sized bulls.

[Sam Ubl]

So they allow over the counter for densely populated areas - understandable. So you have to weed through the little ones for a shot at a real giant... Like musky fishing in Pewaukee Lake I assume, haha.

Why do they manage tag allowances for areas with less numbers but bigger bulls? What I'm interested in is why these areas support bigger bulls versus the other units (not DNR support, but niche`).

Sounds like QEM (Quality Elk Management) governed by the State, is that so?

[lungbuster]

Well it stands to reason that if the area is not as densely populated it would be on a limited tag draw, and if there are not as many hunters because of the limited tag system, the bulls have a chance to grow older and more trophy status bulls would reside there.
I don't know if it really has as much to do with Quality elk management as much as just plain elk management in general. The cow tags are usually draw only in these ares as well.

[Sam Ubl]

Thanks for the explanation.

My wife and I were talking about taking a trip out to Co in two years after a vacation to somewhere warm. . . This is ample time for her to practice and prepare for the hunt. I'll be frequenting these threads much more in the time leading up - sounds like a lot of great knowledge and experience here.