General WY vs OTC Colorado

[mboyett1976]

Wanted to get some opinions from you guys that have hunted both general units in Wy and OTC units in Colorado for elk. Are the hunts in the general units that much better than those OTC units. I'm looking for a quality hunt, which to me includes low hunting pressure and plenty of elk to hunt. I've done hunts in the back country as well as hunted from a comfortable camp with good truck access, so I'm flexible. Even though I've killed bigger, my goal is to shoot a 320+ bull. I am more interested in archery or ML hunts. I have had success in both OTC and draw units in Colorado, but have never hunted WY. I'm not asking for info on specific units (I'll take it if offered) but an overall opinion comparing the two.
Thanks

 

[Dark Mavis]

If you are looking for 320+ you better stick with WY. You are going to burn a lot more boot leather looking for bulls like that in CO.

 

[ttewes]

I agree with Dark...a 320+" bull is going to be a very fortunate find in a CO OTC unit. Not that they don't exist, but they are certainly not the norm. WY would be a better option, especially with at least a couple points.

 

[Hilltop]

I grew up hunting general units in Wyoming. I have also hunted Colorado and guided in both. 320" bulls are tough to find anywhere on public, especially in general or OTC areas. Considering that the general tag in Wyoming is now taking 1 to 2 points to draw, I believe a person would have a better hunt saving another point or two and hunting limited quota every 3-5 years in Wyoming and hunting OTC in Colorado on the years you don't draw. Just my 2 cents...

 

[RICMIC]

I was very, very, very fortunate to take a 320" bull in an OTC area in CO a few years ago. I didn't fully appreciate it until I had a lot more experience hunting the west. I have taken two 6x6 bulls in WY general areas since then, and did get a 306" in 2013. This was a guided hunt, and one of my group had a chance at a 340" bull on the first day. Things to consider in WY, are the ability to hunt in wilderness areas as a NR as these tend to be in the general areas, and they do not have a specific muzzle-loader season. You can use them, but have to hunt during the rifle season. I think Hilltop had some very good advice for you.

 

[HiMtnHnter]

Wanted to get some opinions from you guys that have hunted both general units in Wy and OTC units in Colorado for elk. Are the hunts in the general units that much better than those OTC units. I'm looking for a quality hunt, which to me includes low hunting pressure and plenty of elk to hunt. I've done hunts in the back country as well as hunted from a comfortable camp with good truck access, so I'm flexible. Even though I've killed bigger, my goal is to shoot a 320+ bull. I am more interested in archery or ML hunts. I have had success in both OTC and draw units in Colorado, but have never hunted WY. I'm not asking for info on specific units (I'll take it if offered) but an overall opinion comparing the two.
Thanks

For shear opportunity every year Colorado has it hands down, above and beyond any elk state. I've hunted both and don't believe you have any better shot at 320" bull in either state on average. Colorado has a lot more elk and the ability for the NR to access wilderness, not to mentioned guaranteed tags every year.