texastrophies

A couple of items that aren't absolutely necessary, but are pretty nice to have is a range finder and a GPS. Distances out west can be hard to judge, especially for a flatlander, a good range finder with the greatest range you can get is very beneficial. GPS's can go from pretty simple and cheap to extreme. At a minimum, you need one that you are able to "mark" locations, i.e. camp, where you parked at, down game, etc. and then have a function to get you back to that location. Most of them will also show you tracks of where you went, and record your distance that you traveled which is interesting to review. I don't think it will be an issue where we are going to be, but you can also get cards that have land ownership to install on the GPS. This will allow you to tell where you are in regards to private land and public land at all times. Most of your newer Garmins are able to do this. Some of the other brands also.

As of right now, I have room for probably two or three people in my tent. I have 4 cots, you will need to provide sleeping bag, etc. Like Steve, I have a wood/coal burning stove, except I don't have the oven to go with mine.

You bring up a good point. To all those who are building points in Colorado for elk and plan on going on this hunt, you still need to apply by the April 3 deadline to get your point for this year. There is an option to just apply for the PP. You will still have to front the full fee, but you will get a refund after the draw.

Hey now, round is a shape.

If you are looking at the regs, page 29 list the info you are looking for I believe. Any hunt in unit 80/81 would be your A list tag, then you could get a B list tag, which includes numerous OTC archery tags, etc.

First, I see you are in Afghanistan, so I assume you are in the service, Thank You. Second, welcome to the forums. Third, the way I am reading the regs, if you draw a cow tag, you can not buy an OTC bull tag in this unit. Same goes with archery tags. Basically in this unit you are only allowed one elk. Stay tuned to this thread and we will update it periodically.

PDR A cow tag is not a gimme unless you have points. Last year there were 36 tags and 45 first choice applications. Those applying with 0 points had a 58% chance of drawing. Everyone with 1 point or more were 100% on the draw. No second choice tags.

PDR, If you think you will be hunting together, if one has a bull tag and the other has a cow tag, it could possibly work out pretty good. I don't think you can kill a cow on a bull tag. Not for sure what the odds are for drawing a cow tag, but if that is the way you want to go, apply for the cow, maybe even as a second choice with a PP for first choice and then if you don't get it, you still have the fall back as an OTC bull tag. I will try and see if I can find the odds for cow tags tomorrow.

William, I am going to defer to Steve on this question. I know he uses his a lot. I prefer to use binos to locate and then use the spotting scope if more zoom is needed. I will leave it at that.

Who is this Oden guy that gets referred to a few times in this thread? Don't recognize the name. Must be a coach or ball boy or something, cause I can't find him in the stat sheets either. :chair:

In case you aren't aware William, and anyone else who might be looking at bringing a youth, NR Youth tags are $103.75.

William, Deer tags are not OTC, you have to draw them. The application deadline is April 3. To be honest, when we were there, I saw three deer. I think we may have been too high for the deer at that time. Really don't know. John, Good thought, I will work on something.

Sorry to hear that but understand. Kind of feel sorry for Pete. You got yours and so it is no big deal for you, poor Pete is just left wanting an elk and won't get the chance.:saber:

First rifle is draw only. Most people may draw without any points, as I imagine the majority of the people going won't have any points built up, but there may be some that don't, by going in the second season, it is Over The County tags and any one who wants to come can. Also there is the opportunity for deer hunting in the second season that isn't there in the first season. The second reason, for me personally, I have 4 pref points built up and don't want to use them on a unit that can be had for 0 or 1 points. That may sound kind of selfish, but I have been buying points for 4 years and have a overall plan that includes a lot of western states and points in them. Third rifle is also over the counter tags, and would be a possiblility, but when I was there a few years ago, the owners of the Skyline Lodge where we stayed told us they usually close at the end of October, so they can get out. They have pictures of snow up to the second floor of the lodge and the only way in or out is with snowmobiles. I really would prefer not to leave my truck there for the winter. Call me selfish again, if you want.

Yes there is. Bull elk must have four points or more on one antler, or a brow tine of at least 5 inches long.

bump

CB is right, 10 years on points. You should still have yours from 2006. Steve & CB are right on about bow hunting, you can do it, but the odds are going to be stacked against you. You can buy your OTC tag up until midnight the day before the season starts from a local outlet. If you go to the www.platoroco.com you can see the rates for the cabins. I would suggest reserving one adhead of time if that is the route you want to go. If not I will have room in my tent for two or three people. It looks like the area Charlie suggested for a camp willl be pretty good, from google earth anyways, and that area is about 6 miles or so from the cabins. When I hunted there, we stayed in the cabins. One day during the middle of the day, we looked up on the hill opposite us (way up) and saw a bull and a couple of cows. So what I am saying is the cabins are right in the middle of hunting ground.

If you go to www.PlatoroCo.com you can find some info on the cabins, restaurant, store etc.

yep

35 POUNDS, max. 80% let-off

Charlie nailed it on the terrain. Definately 2nd season. Platoro Reservoir is at about 10,000 ft elevation. Some of the peaks go up over 12,000 ft. Plan on cold and snow. If you go to google earth and do a search for Platoro Reservoir you will be in the neighborhood and cna get a look at the terrain and cover. Also look at the pictures that have been placed on google earth for some more insight.

I hunted first season which was on the draw and it wasn't bad then. This will be over the counter so I am sure there is the possibility of more hunters, but looking at the past couple of years of draws, the first season has either had leftover tags or you were able to get them with a second choice, which kind of makes me think it may not be too bad during second season. Snapper, I wouldn't know what to do on a RT hunt without you and Pudd there. Hope you can make it. Charlie, you know we have some tents, but those cabins are pretty close and fairly reasonable also, so we might can do both.

Yes you can bring an ATV. You will have to get a Colorado OHV permit. $25.25. We will be hunting on public land, you can not, for the most part, drive an ATV off a designated road for any reason. When we were there before, just used the ATV to get to different areas and then walked. Yes you can use your bow during rifle season. You will still be required to wear 500 square inches of fluorescent orange above the waist and an orange cap/hat.

Yea, what he said!!!! So glad everything is gone and the healing is doing better than expected.

Click this link for information. http://www.realtree.com/forums/big-game-exotics/107902-forum-2012-colorado-elk-hunt.html#post1292904