Hello Hunters. I wanted to start this thread because it looks like there are a lot of non-resident hunters saving their points for a high quality Colorado mule deer hunt and I'm interested in hearing from you your experiences and recommendations. My Dad and I went on a OTC elk hunt in Unit 30 back in 2003 and although the weather didn't cooperate and we didn't see many elk, I was quite impressed with the bucks we were seeing. Impressed would be an understatement though. We've been saving our points ever since, accumulating 12 points each as of 2015. Based on reports we hear, unit 30 hasn't seen the big bucks since the mid-2000s winter kills and we're not sure we should go back based on memories from 12 years ago. As Dad gets older, we're thinking it's time to cash in our points. This is where it gets complicated...where to go with the points we have to get a good shot at a 180+ buck? The magic question. My research has lead me to lean towards late season (3rd or 4th where available) units 66, 63, 44 (3rd season...wishful thinking), 35 (4th season), 004 (4th season), 11 (4th season)...the list goes on, but those are the highlights.
We don't have the ability to spend quality scouting time (not with a 3-month old baby boy and a 5 year old starting kindergarten), and with the PP investment we have, Dad and I are leaning towards getting a guide. We're both experienced (albeit very out of shape) mountain hunters and probably don't need a fully guided hunt in order to save money. I've seen some outfitters have drop camps that are a cheaper, but we also don't want to cheat ourselves out of a good buck after so many years. We just don't have the ability to pay more than a few thousand $$ each (just typing that was difficult). That's my story...any advice, recommendations or experience is very much appreciated!! Thanks in advance!
We don't have the ability to spend quality scouting time (not with a 3-month old baby boy and a 5 year old starting kindergarten), and with the PP investment we have, Dad and I are leaning towards getting a guide. We're both experienced (albeit very out of shape) mountain hunters and probably don't need a fully guided hunt in order to save money. I've seen some outfitters have drop camps that are a cheaper, but we also don't want to cheat ourselves out of a good buck after so many years. We just don't have the ability to pay more than a few thousand $$ each (just typing that was difficult). That's my story...any advice, recommendations or experience is very much appreciated!! Thanks in advance!