Colorado, 15 points on a 7 point unit?

[Ridge Runner]

Hello all, would it be a huge mistake to use 15 points on a 7 point unit in Colorado? I have been successful on several high country muzzleloader hunts on a unit that I could draw the early rifle with 7 non resident pts. I usually, with some work, see one or 2 mule deer pushing 170. I could draw the early hunt in 74 which takes 15 pts. but don't know anything about it. Looks like it has a little better access, which may be a better choice as my 60 year old uncle would be with me for this hunt. Or should we try for a 3rd or 4th season? What would you guys do? Hate to make a mistake with 15 pts.

 

[Slugz]

Tough one there......I think to simplify it you gotta decide whats more important.....fun hunt with others.....or maximize your points and go into an area that is closer to the teens points total needed. Other factors I'd add in.

1) Can you put in enough scouting time in the new area ?
2) No way would I hunt 2nd or 3rd here in my home state if I had point options like you.
3) Is the uncle hunting or just tagging along ? How many points does he have ?
4) 4th season rut hunt is an option also.....need to figure out where they are chasing the does at...usually significantly lower in elevation

 

[Ridge Runner]

Tough one there......I think to simplify it you gotta decide whats more important.....fun hunt with others.....or maximize your points and go into an area that is closer to the teens points total needed. Other factors I'd add in.

1) Can you put in enough scouting time in the new area ?
2) No way would I hunt 2nd or 3rd here in my home state if I had point options like you.
3) Is the uncle hunting or just tagging along ? How many points does he have ?
4) 4th season rut hunt is an option also.....need to figure out where they are chasing the does at...usually significantly lower in elevation

My uncle has 15 points also. He's been my lifelong partner in the outdoors, but has never been out west. 15 years ago I did not realize the effort these hunts would take when we started putting in. We would only have 2 days to scout. Even if we hunt the unit I'm familiar with, we'll have to do a drop camp to get my uncle where we need to go.

 

[dirtytough]

I would hunt 74 early. Being a week earlier then muzzy is a big advantage. Good luck

 

[Work2hunt]

I burnt about double the points required for a hunt a couple years ago. I dont regret it one bit even tho I came home empty handed. There is something to be said about hunting a unit you already know. But, I also enjoy hunting a new unit and learning it. Either way, I'm jealous, and wish I was burning the points.

 

[NDHunter]

Could you draw the muzzy tag again as a 2nd choice? Or have you been hunting with friends that have had the tag in the past?

 

[Ridge Runner]

Could you draw the muzzy tag again as a 2nd choice? Or have you been hunting with friends that have had the tag in the past?

I?ve drawn twice as second choice and hunted with my son when he drew first choice. The odds have been dropping for second choice muzzy tag down to about 12 % now. I have learned the area a little, and wish myself or my son would of had the rifle tag on a few of those hunts. Just not sure it?s worth the 15 points

 

[Steve O]

Save your points to hunt with your son in the unit you know. Take your Uncle and be his guide with his 15 points in the unit you know. I’d rather spend time with my old uncle and my son without my own tag. Then you will have 3 great hunts and know the unit even better.

 

[Catahoula12]

Steve O has a very valid point.... that would be a plan I would carry out. Nice suggestion Steve O....

 

[kesand72]

I burnt about double the points required for a hunt a couple years ago. I dont regret it one bit even tho I came home empty handed. There is something to be said about hunting a unit you already know. But, I also enjoy hunting a new unit and learning it. Either way, I'm jealous, and wish I was burning the points.

Plus 1 for hunting a unit you are familiar with!