Anybody actually draw their second choice in Colorado? In an effort to preserve points, I'm thinking about apply for a high point area for first choice and applying for an area that usually takes 2 points to draw for my second choice. I can't find anywhere in Eastmans where they talk about this specifically. Is there any chance I'll actually be able to draw my second choice?
Second choice in Colorado?
- Thread starter Stinky1
- Start date
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Yes, I've drawn my 2nd choice several times. Last year I put in for M/L elk, 1st choice was E/S, 2nd was a bull & 3rd a cow. I drew the 3rd choice and still got the pt.
The 3rd choice that you drew; would that choice have normally required a couple points to draw, or is it commonly a leftover or fairly easy tag to draw? I'm wondering if a guy even has a chance to draw the second choice when the stats say that you need 2 points to draw in the zone you're applying for? Maybe you answered my question but I'd like more clarification.
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
You can look on the division of wildlife web site and see which units had tags that were drawn by second or third choices in previous years. It does no good to put a second choice for a unit that consistently has more first choice applicants than their are tags. I've drawn second choice tags several times. I know your referring to elk but I shot a really big antelope buck last year with a second choice archery tag.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
If you notice the second & third choices were for different tags. In the unit I like to M/L hunt elk, the E/S tags usually go first, then the bull and then the cow tags. Sometime there are leftover cow tags too.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
TooFarEast
New Member
I actually drew a bull muzzleloader tag last year on a 2nd choice and couldn't believe it. My 1st choice was a 1st rifle tag that I had a 50/50 chance with 0 points. I put down a 3rd choice that I knew I could draw. And my 2nd choice tag selection was placed on whim thinking that if a couple less people applied for 1st choice or they added tags to the quota that there was a slight chance a tag could go to 2nd choice. I figured I would be the only one crazy enough to think I could draw a bull muzzleloader tag on 2nd choice so I figured I wouldn't have much competition in the 2nd choice round. Sure enough, I drew it. Also, I am a non-resident.
It was nice to get a point and this tag also, but turned out I couldn't make the trip because of work and had to turn the tag in for a refund. So I never go to use it.
It was nice to get a point and this tag also, but turned out I couldn't make the trip because of work and had to turn the tag in for a refund. So I never go to use it.
In God We Trust
Very Active Member
You can't draw a unit that takes any points as a second or third choice tag. You can put in for a trophy unit and then try to draw a unit that takes zero points as a second and third choice.
superdave
New Member
In your second and subsequent choices you have to get in line behind every applicant who listed that unit as their first choice, regardless of how many points they have. Can you draw it? Yes, but only if it goes undersubscribed by all the first choices, which makes the chances very slim if it historically has taken 2 points to draw. The good news is, only your first choice burns points. So in the unbelievably rare chance it happens, it won't cost you any points.
Old Hunter
Banned
Just in case you don't know. I can't quite tell by your post. Points only come into play as a 1st choice. It doesn't matter if you have 20 points going into a 2nd choice. They won't matter. 2nd choices are a random pick. As are 3rd and 4th choices. It's all luck.
You have two choices if you want to hunt with good odds for a 2nd choice. Take a cow as a 2nd choice, or hunt a bull in an OTC unit. Actually, the OTC is a sure thing, and the cow is close if you pick the right unit.
You have two choices if you want to hunt with good odds for a 2nd choice. Take a cow as a 2nd choice, or hunt a bull in an OTC unit. Actually, the OTC is a sure thing, and the cow is close if you pick the right unit.