3 of us drew Colorado area 44 MZL deer tags this year, but I have some concern about the extreme drought over much of central CO, and specifically in Eagle County. There are no fires close, though the Willow Fire by Leadville has some potential to spread. I spent almost two weeks in this unit about 10 years ago when I last drew this tag, and a hot dry summer only ended on the monsoons that started on the last day. Speaking to bow hunters while I was there, they told me that the deer were active and plentyfull until the weather changed, then if almost shut down.
We are able to turn in our tags, but that must be done 30 days before the start of the season, and you can either get a refund, or save your points. For myself, I would be inclined to wait until August 7th or so, and take the refund if things don't change. I would not return to CO to hunt, as it would be years before I could draw the tag and I am experiencing some mobility issues that comes with becoming an old fart. I have a elk hunt in WY next year that will be a redo of 2022 when I spend close to 6 weeks hunting, and scored on 2 elk.
My buds used far more points than I did, and wouldn't want to give the points away on a turn in, but one of them would bitch for years about pissing away $500 for nothing..
Thoughts????
We are able to turn in our tags, but that must be done 30 days before the start of the season, and you can either get a refund, or save your points. For myself, I would be inclined to wait until August 7th or so, and take the refund if things don't change. I would not return to CO to hunt, as it would be years before I could draw the tag and I am experiencing some mobility issues that comes with becoming an old fart. I have a elk hunt in WY next year that will be a redo of 2022 when I spend close to 6 weeks hunting, and scored on 2 elk.
My buds used far more points than I did, and wouldn't want to give the points away on a turn in, but one of them would bitch for years about pissing away $500 for nothing..
Thoughts????
