I would like to echo Kaywoodie’s sentiments. I’ve been hunting those elk critters in Colorado for 16 seasons and WA and MT before that. Time spent with family and friends on the hunt are way more important than antlers. My son prefers to get a cow tag and fill it as soon as possible then hunt deer the rest of the season. I get a bull tag and shoot the first legal one. That tenderloin we cooked last night was mighty fine, but I’ve had plenty of tag soup along the way!
I’ve always found the folks around Craig and Hamilton to be very cordial and helpful, unlike most jackwagons in WA State. The only rude behavior I’ve observed were from out of state hunters. I have also had positive experiences with CPW officers and testing folks at the Craig warehouse.
I do agree that the draw process has its warts. The whole license distribution process is currently under review by the commission and I doubt any changes will be favorable to non-residents.
I will second that the in the field wardens in NW Colorado are first rate. I’ve been thoroughly checked when a bull 2 miles away was shot on private - always professional. One helped me find a downed cow once too. We have had a problem with a POS lying landowner who calls them every time someone shoots an animal within 1/2 a mile of his (now marked) property line. The last time 2 years ago 2 wardens showed up checked my hunting parter then proceeded to help him drag out his buck a short way & toss it over a fence - right where the jackass landowner could see what they thought of his complaint.
