Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Colorado draw recommendation question

So I've got about 18 elk points (resident) and my hunting partner (non-resident) has 4. He's been out the past few years and we've hunted 1st rifle without success. He's getting older, is tired of driving out here and going home without any meat. At this point just wants to fill the freezer and is willing to use his points to do so.

We've hunted GMU 131, 231 previously and 15 the past two years, building his points. At one point, our party had had decent luck in 131/231, but not so much now.

I'm not wanting to burn my points for a 4 point unit, but he is wanting as close to a "sure thing" hunt as we can get. He's also said he'd consider muzzleloading if it would be better odds of taking meat home this fall.

What recommendations (unit/season) to help me get him into some meat? Not looking for your honey-hole...just a GMU strategy to help an older guy his last taste of elk that might need 4 points. I'm willing to be with him as a non-hunter, if needed, or to try for a leftover tag in same area. I can do some scouting later this summer.

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Four PP's will get a NR a cow tag in most limited elk license units for the 1st rifle, or 2nd rifle, or muzzleloader seasons. A cow license in hand during one of those seasons in one of those units is about as good as it gets in Colorado.

Casey

2pts drew a cow muzzleoader NR tag in 61 last year. That would be a fun hunt and a great chance of filling.

So what elk tag are you holding out for? Just curious, must be in the NW corner.

Thanks, appreciate the input.

Yes, I'm currently holding out for NW corner, when my points hopefully, eventually overcome point creep as others with similar points use or burn them. I'm about 15 years younger than my partner, so I've got much more time to play the game and wait for a tag than he does. We'll take a look at the 61 muzzleloader info, that could be the ticket for him. If so, I'll go along as a camp hand unless lucky enough to get a leftover for same.

The past several years the warm weather hasn't shown us anything in first rifle, so I'm really just looking for some ideas where cows are normally seen on public land during a hunting season. My experience is currently of 131, 231 and now 15 for 2 years....but more than willing to try a different unit and season that has some good opportunities and access.

I would look in the BG brochure and get then names of the RFW ranches.Not for a RFW tag but most of them offer a later season cow hunt for a minimal price.

I do all my hunting by riding in on my mules.I can't offer to much in the way of advice for foot hunters

Good though on RFL ranches for a reduced fee, I'll look at some, thanks!

201 first rifle cow. I did it last year and took my 8 year old boy with me. Was a super fun hunt. Easy access and if you have an atv it would even be a better hunt. Good time for you to get familiar with 201 for your eventual hunt.

Good luck.

Tuff,

Appreciate the lead, didn't think we could get in there with 4 points, but it does look like that's a possibility for cow. Will have to consider it. No ATVs here, but would plan for the hiking. I might consider a bike, if I'm in the field helping him.

Thanks!

If by some stroke of luck your friend gets a 201 cow tag, contact me. I had a bull tag in 2009 so I know the area fairly well

Much appreciated!

No problem. I didn't have an atv either. It would have been helpful since the cow I shot died 20 feet from a two track. Probably could have taken the truck down it but I opted to pack it out a mile or so instead of beating on the truck.

Like the above poster if he draws I'm more then willing to help also.

61 cow

You won't get any free advice more solid than that.

I appreciate the information that's been shared. It has given me some options to discuss with my partner and to hopefully get him a meat cow for the freezer.

Many thanks for the assistance.

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