Application Paralysis - Unit 22, 53, or 70

[jschaffer]

So I am suffering from application paralysis. I really want to cash in my deer points this fall, but cannot seem to decide. so I could use some help. if you had to decide from unit 53 third season, 22 third season, or 70 fourth season, what would you do? I believe 22 would be a for sure draw, the other two should be, but hard to know with what may happen with applicants because of the late season.

Just looking for a good hunt and chance at a respectable deer. Doesn't need to be a booner. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Slugz]

How many points do you have going into the draw?

 

[jschaffer]

I have 10. So I have been looking for units that had good odds with at least 9 points assuming it may take another point (or two) to draw this year if there are a flood of applicants cashing in their points.

 

[Slugz]

So....I'll start with my standard comment "In Colorado, once attaining 8 deer pts or more it becomes very hard to determine when to use them because each point after that opens up some very very interesting options" Combine that with the later seasons this year really makes the 3rd season a solid rut hunt with 4th season now most animals pushed to deep hidey holes or private land down low or generally moving in that direction. I exclusively hunt NF land for deer and elk...and am a resident....so my comments are based upon that.....getting access to private or edge property is worthy of an entire new thread.

So 3rd season 53 and 70 4th season... it would appear that's a 50/50 chance to draw.....but as you said, I think a lot less of a chance maybe even 15% or less this year due to the season dates.

I think given the circumstances 22 is the only real solid option.....I've late season elk hunted it a lot and seen some good bucks in there....very respectable animals with an occasional monster.

 

[jschaffer]

thanks Slugz... Yup, 53 is more realistic then 70 forth season, and based on some feedback I have been even toying with 70 third season to get a longer hunt, but comparatively that might be a waste of points compared to 22 or 53. Seems like which ever unit I look at, there is always feedback from someone that there is something wrong with that particular unit. But hey, it is deer hunting third season in CO. How bad can it be? Gotta beat my general units in MT and WY that we turn bucks up in.

I am ready to hunt deer and then get to know some of the units closer to home that can be drawn with fewer points.

 

[Slugz]

Yep I agree.....hard to beat boots on the ground intel to complete the data collection cycle of planning.....I think though its safe to say with the amount of points you have.....any unit you choose will provide a solid chance at a above average respectable buck.

 

[crzy_cntryby]

I hunted 22 elk with a deer tag in my pocket last year second rifle. Lots of people. Tons of deer. Most the bigger bucks were in the 170 range. Look for the base/ frame on this buck. It was from scouting in late Sept. By far the biggest I saw there. Solid, beautiful 4x4. I'd guess him in the 190 range.

 

[lostinOregon]

My prediction is that 53 will jump at least 2 points and 70 4th even more than that. 22 will also jump from 6 PTAs for third season but you need to check the oil lease that has expired and there will be a bunch of land inaccessible this year that was available in the past. People are cashing in their points this year and point creep will turn into point explosion this year.

Rich