Can I get OTC tags for N.M. or Col.

[CA48]

I hunted white tails in Texas for the last ten years and loved it and will always have the opportunity do so. I got lucky enough to go to Colorado a few years ago north of Meeker. I got to do a lot of glassing for Elk, Mule Deer, and pronghorns. I got the chance to take a elk while I was there and have wanted to go back ever since. I would like to know if I can get an OTC tag for Colorado or N.M. for really anything Mule deer, Elk, Black bear, female or male, trophy or low quality at this point I don't care I just want to get out this season and go hunting and backpacking with spending a fortune. Any input is appreciated.

[ATH]

CO has OTC tags in quite a few units. The Meeker area is one of the more popular areas for this, I believe. Check the state website; it is probably one of the best for out-of-state hunters in terms of resources and information. All you seek is available 5 minutes from your google search.

[silvertip-co]

Yes. 544.00 non-res bull, I think cow is 324.00

[CA48]

Thanks found it there is a lot of OTC units much more than I thought there would be. Here is another question are there any that have decent Elk numbers that aren't covered in hunters or are large enough in size that i could hike away from the roads?

[CA48]

Maybe it would be easier to help me if I put things into this perspective. If you guys had the choice with an OTC tag where would you go in Western Colorado and why would you want to go there over other units.

[ATH]

Originally Posted by CA48

Maybe it would be easier to help me if I put things into this perspective. If you guys had the choice with an OTC tag where would you go in Western Colorado and why would you want to go there over other units.

I've not hunted there but did a lot of research last year as I considered applying this year (and did apply for a preference point). If you look at the website, you can find success rates for all units. You will find that success rates in the OTC units are decent, there are a lot of elk (at least compared to the area of MT I am used to hunting). The bigger problem is knowing WHERE in the unit to go, the elk move and by 2nd season they may be headed for the comparative safety of their winter grounds on private land. Where elk were one week in good numbers, there may not be any the next. This is what is hard to judge.

If you look them up there are management plans for each unit. Some are managed for hunting opportunity (ie more elk to take but smaller bulls) while some are managed more as trophy areas (limited hunting opportunity but mature bulls). Not surprisingly, the OTC units are more about a chance to get an elk but most of them will not be big bulls.

[CA48]

Thanks for the information and advise this helps a lot. I will check out their website and do a little research.