Buddies First Time 2017 - Rifle Hunt Suggestions

[FredoTwoWheels]

Hi everyone. I am a whitetail hunter from back east that has lived in California for a few years now. I usually travel home to NY for deer season every year but have become more and more interested in western spot and stalk style hunting. I did my first Elk archery hunt in Colorado last year (OTC) and this year my buddy here wants to come on his first hunt with his rifle. I was wondering if any of you had some suggestions for what would be a good place that would guarantee us both a tag, this whole draw situation is pretty foreign to me and neither of us have any points anywhere. I would just have him come on an OTC Archery hunt with me, but he does not have a bow and feels more comfortable with a rifle for his first season. I am not looking for what unit is best, or anything like that, just some good suggestions for where we can make a trip out for a backcountry hunt together without steep odds on drawing together. He was hoping to start with a deer hunt but I don't mind looking for elk if it makes it easier, we are both late 20s and fit, and I do not mind a long trip or tough terrain. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Slugz]

FTW,
Welcome to EF. Lots of great people and info here. Reccomend you put a write up in the new members section. It helps all to answer questions with more focused detail.

Deer are most likely (for a good hunt ) require some points so I'd start building them now in states you would like to hunt. As far as 2017 Colorado will give you (as you know) the OTC archery and rifle options for elk. There will be some leftover deer tags in slightly below average GMUs ( but still hold deer).

I would think if you want to maximize a trip Colorado 2/3rd season OTC rifle elk, leftover cow elk tag and leftover deer tags could get you many options this year as you develops your long term plan.

Lastly if you haven't already check out the CDOW hunting atlas for more animal specific info versus GMUs. Good luck and feel free to throw any Colorado questions my way.

 

[Work2hunt]

Fredo,
First, I would stop by the new members section and introduce yourself. These forums get this question all the time and it often best received after we get to know you.

Second, I would recommend narrowing your focus a bit more. If you just want a hunt the simplest answer might be to pick up an OTC rifle tag for CO and go hunt since you are familiar with CO already. But, narrowing down the state, species, and a couple units might help,get you some better info.

 

[FredoTwoWheels]

Wow, very fast responses, thank you! I thought I made an introduction post to this forum last month when I signed, but I suppose I am mistaken, I will do that now.

As far as narrowing my search, I am really up to go anywhere and hunt anything, anything out of a tree stand is new to me and I just want to be out in nature. I did the one elk hunt in Durango, CO but was not successful and have never hunted mule deer before so I am just going to where the low hanging tag fruit is for now while I build points like suggested before. I wouldn't mind going back to Durango because I now am a bit more familiar with the area and I had actually stalked some deer on that elk hunt, but one of the CO Parks and Wildlife officers that I spoke with told me that it is not easy to get a deer tag as a nonresident. I am used to just walking into the town hall and buying a license for half the state (even as nonresident) I suppose I am hoping for something comparatively as easy, this whole system of draws, points, units and leftover tags different in each state kind of makes my head spin and wallet hurt, but I am trying.

 

[Work2hunt]

Lots of OTC tags for elk and deer in CO. Tag is good for that species in all the OTC units. You would be looking at 2nd or 3rd season. With some research you can also find LE tags that can be drawn with 0 pts or or as a left over.

 

[Bonecollector]

I know you did not ask about the antelope, but I'd highly recommend an antelope hunt for an beginners first trip.

 

[Hilltop]

I know you did not ask about the antelope, but I'd highly recommend an antelope hunt for an beginners first trip.

Agree completely- Best "first" trip out west IMO. Low stress and going home with meat while learning the ropes.