Research

[Ikeepitcold]

Now that the hunting season is winding down what is the first few things you start your research on for the 2018 season?

I like to see the stats from this years hunts from Game & Fish.

I take a few weekends out to coyote hunt in areas I want to hunt big game and see what?s around in the winter range.

I go back on social media posts on groups I?m a member in and see what guys have posted for general ideas on animals taken in different areas.

 

[mustang8]

I tend to make a wish list of hunting destination possibilities, then I get lost in stats and finally, make myself more confused on what to try and do for the following season.

 

[mallardsx2]

I research as much as I can but most of my time is taking care of stuff I broke this hunting season.....

They just dont make stuff to last any more.

 

[JimP]

My research for 2018 started back in 2015. You can't go by just one or two years of statistics no matter what you are hunting. About the only thing that you can tell by the statistics is how many points it is going to take to draw the tag that you want in the area that you are planning on hunting. That is in states that use a point system and even then that sometimes fails you.

 

[ScottR]

My research for 2018 started back in 2015. You can't go by just one or two years of statistics no matter what you are hunting. About the only thing that you can tell by the statistics is how many points it is going to take to draw the tag that you want in the area that you are planning on hunting. That is in states that use a point system and even then that sometimes fails you.

This is one of the philosophies behind the book and the three year trends in the MRS. Three years in the book and then current year from the journals on the table and you have 4 years worth of information to look at.

 

[mallardsx2]

I know that the trends I have been looking at is that it seems that most units in Colorado seem to have a lowering success rate by the year.

Has anyone else noticed this or is it just the luck of the draw with what units I am looking at?

 

[Winchester]

My research for 2018 started back in 2015. You can't go by just one or two years of statistics no matter what you are hunting. About the only thing that you can tell by the statistics is how many points it is going to take to draw the tag that you want in the area that you are planning on hunting. That is in states that use a point system and even then that sometimes fails you.

Definitely good advice.
Even starting a few years out it's often still tricky to figure out what might work the best.

 

[ScottR]

I know that the trends I have been looking at is that it seems that most units in Colorado seem to have a lowering success rate by the year.

Has anyone else noticed this or is it just the luck of the draw with what units I am looking at?

Colorado can be top notch. Some friends of mine who are meat hunters are changing units again due to this.

 

[QuazyQuinton]

Unfortunately my research seems to be centered around, "How much is it going to cost?" so far this year.

QQ

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Cost can always be a big part of research.

 

[tdub24]

Here in NV I have running spreadsheets for each species dating back to 2012 or so, some further back. I compile numbers as far as odds, to the best I can determine, point class of antlered animals, and the chances with my bonus point numbers. Bonus point status is definitely not close to actual odds, but surprising some species for whatever reason have folks with low number bonus points receive tags more so than other species.

I don't care for the point system when applying in other states so I typically apply for ID and NM since they do not have a point system. States with point systems I typically try to research general or over the counter tags and make the best informed decision.

My research typically starts in October or November, depending on when my last drill rig finishes up.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Very cool. I wish I would do the same.

 

[Slugz]

Me personally.....I'm not buying any of those success rate #s that Colorado puts out. I know too many people who whack one or two elk a year and never fill out that survey. That's why I support a full check after a kill...... at least then we could get good metrics/data for actual or near close herd health and size.

I'm lucky and spend Sept in one GMU and Nov in another. July is spent scouting both to ensure nothing has changed. If the July trip is normal then all is good. I'm not a horn hunter at all so it works well for us. We then have a few back ups we can switch to off the leftover if needed due to schedule change or weather issues.

Our research starts with looking at the big game book to see what tags they cut or added. I think that also paints a real clear picture of herd health vs objective size

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I tend to hunt the same units I have had success in. I do branch out to new units when I feel there are good prospects.

This year I hunted a new unit for elk and we got blanked, not because the research was bad, it was just one of those weather years you can't predict (that's another story). I am always looking for new prospects and when we were spreading out our hunting area for elk, came across a portion of the unit that looks great for deer. Saw lots of sign and one decent buck. It will take me a couple of years to have enough point to draw the season I want, so I'll be scouting it a lot...luckily it is pretty close to home.

I do lots of scouting as I am retired and don't have a lot of restrictions on my time. Hard to beat optics and boots on the ground.....and a good sxs.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I do the same CC

I stick to the same units so I can see the trends first hand. I spend a lot of time in my favorite unit even if I don’t get to hunt it learning new spots to scout and keep up on the quality of deer each year.