CO draw
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: 808bowhunter
03-Mar-25
With CO going to a draw instead of OTC, have they set any quota for units? Will some of the old OTC units be able to draw as second choice and not take your points? I have a bunch of points but am on the line of drawing my first choice unit. Was thinking to put in for a second choice just in case
From: LUNG$HOT
03-Mar-25
Not sure yet 808. I’m definitely watching to see what they do for tag allocations in the former OTC units. For the first year or two I’m guessing a pretty liberal number until they see where the dust settles. I’m guessing non residents will be able to draw several units as second choice just not sure which ones yet.
From: wildwilderness
03-Mar-25
I would guess the same. Pretty confident NR archery for former OTC units will be available 2nd choice. And most likely leftovers for at least the next few years.
2028 will be an unknown with more changes.
From: PushCoArcher
03-Mar-25
Nobody truly knows yet. But I bet plenty of those tags go second choice worth a shot. Also probably see plenty of them in the secondary draw and reissue list so just because you don't snag it as a second choice not necessarily out of the game.
From: 808bowhunter
03-Mar-25
I talked with CO fish and game and they confirmed that. They don’t know quotas and won’t know for awhile. They assumed most if not all old otc would draw second choice
From: Jaquomo
03-Mar-25
This is their secret plan to reduce crowding during archery season by increasing NR hunters.
From: cnelk
03-Mar-25
Anyone that’s payed attention to previous years Leftovers and Undersubscribed tags shouldnt have a problem with a 2nd Choice
From: Aspen Ghost
03-Mar-25
Seems like it would be foolish to burn points on an OTC unit. They'll be available in secondary draw and as leftovers after that.
But it will sucker some former exclusively OTC hunters to spend the extra to participate in the draw and buy qualifying licenses. So more money for CPW! If they are clever they will apply for PP 1st choice and their unit 2nd choice and so Colorado will get even more playing the point game! Just what it needs!
From: cnelk
03-Mar-25
Can’t wait for 2028 when PPs will affect more than just the 1st Choice.
From: Tracker
03-Mar-25
I would say that most old OTC units will be able to be drawn on second choice for at least the 1st year or two until DNR can see how the numbers work out.
From: SoDakSooner
04-Mar-25
We're in the same boat 808. Right on the fringe of first choice, so will probably put the unit we have hunted OTC as a second choice just so we can hunt.
From: Cheesehead Mike
04-Mar-25
Sure is nice to have already drawn an Arizona tag and I can sit back and watch the drama unfold. I know, I suck! ;-)
From: LUNG$HOT
04-Mar-25
Agree with Brad, 2028 can’t come fast enough.
From: CK
04-Mar-25
Second choice won't burn points in 28'.
From: 808bowhunter
04-Mar-25
Yes but hopefully they cap unit quotas so there won’t be overcrowding and then you can’t draw as 2nd choice. The whole point of this change is to stop point banking and overcrowding. I think it’s a good move but I know high point holders will be trying to dump points before the ‘28 changes
From: Stix
05-Mar-25
Ck, If you look at the new draw requlations starting 2028, all choices will deduct preference points.
I hope I am wrong but that's the way I read it. Someone please correct me if I misread.
From: stealthycat
05-Mar-25
if there will be fewer non-res hunters, what will off-set the revenue loss ?
From: Jethro
05-Mar-25
CPW meetings begin today. Doesn’t look like losing points for choices 2-4 made it through. Pic is from their meeting agenda.
From: Stick
11-Mar-25
Question....did they change the law about PPs?...If I as a non resident bring a new hunter out there and we put in for a 1-2 PP unit, cause he has no points...do I still lose all of my 23 pps, or do they just take the number away for that unit.....I am sure I know the answer, but I am one of the faithful Colo. Elk chasers that has got myself too old too hunt alone and no one to go into 76 that I know. Might have to go it alone next year ..God Willing..with an outfitter.
From: Stick
11-Mar-25
Sorry forgot another question...if I take him and put in for a unit I know I cannot draw...and put down an old OTC unit and draw second choice...do I lose my points?
From: Cheesehead Mike
11-Mar-25
Stick, question number 1: yes if you put in for a 1-2 point unit you will draw and lose all 23 points. Don't do that and waste your points.
Question number 2: they currently do not take your points if you draw a second choice. That may change in 2028 and that's partly what the discussion on this thread is about.
From: PushCoArcher
11-Mar-25
Also in Colorado they don't point average they go off the lowest point holders total. So if you apply with a guy that has zero that's what you go in with. If by some accident/miracle you drew a first tag like Mike said you lose your points.
From: Stick
12-Mar-25
Thanks fellows, I love Colo. I lived there years ago, but had to move since I was a military career guy....guest I may never collect on these points since I will be 75 this August...it was a nice ride...
From: FORESTBOWS
13-Mar-25
Unit 40 stick. Mike Lawson
From: Treeline
13-Mar-25
I second Forest! Do unit 40 with Mike Lawson.
From: Jethro
13-Mar-25
Stick if you’re able to do a hunt, just don’t want to do it alone, draw your good tag, hire an outfitter, and bring the new guy along for help (no tag of his own). Bet he’ll learn something.
In 2023 I met a 4 generation family hunting elk together. Great grandfather was 81.
From: Quinn @work
13-Mar-25
Stick,
I agree with Forrest and Treeline. Haven't hunted with Mike but have only heard good things about his operation. I have hunted 40 and it's a great hunt. It's the best hunt in CO for your point amount.
You probably wouldn't be able to draw this year with 23 op's but I doubt Mike has any openings anyway. I would book with him for 2026 and hope you can draw. If not you should be able to draw in 2027.
Good luck. You spent 24 years applying, go with the best hunt you can get.
From: Stick
13-Mar-25
Definitely ideas to think about....thanks fellows.
From: FORESTBOWS
15-Mar-25
The bull i took in 40
From: Aspen Ghost
15-Mar-25
Unit 40 would be a great hunt. 2021 took 14 NR points and 2022 took 15 NR points. Then it blew up and 2023 took 19 points and 2024 took 24 NR points. The trend looks pretty bad for your chances for many years if you have 23 current points. But, who knows, maybe it was a temporary surge and will level off again and then you'll have a shot in a few years. Maybe. Or maybe 2025 will keep in the trend of the last couple years and take 28-29 points.
I know if I had 28-29 points (like 491 people do) I'd be using them fast because everyone in that point range will never draw a "better" unit. And after 2028 the wheels really fall off of the point game for high draw point units.
From: Stick
15-Mar-25
Isn't 40 mostly private land and then you need to go with an outfitter, where it is BLM or NF land.
From: FORESTBOWS
15-Mar-25
Yes
From: Treeline
17-Mar-25
I second Forest! Do unit 40 with Mike Lawson.
From: Stick
17-Mar-25
Everyone is right with their suggestions, however this year unit 40 will take 25-26 pts. to draw...at my age...I will never catch it....but after we talked about this last week, a fine young man from Oklahoma private texted me and offered to assist me in unit 76 next year if I could draw...so I might spend the hundred, get my 24th PP, and if I can draw still get a chance to hunt 76.... God is Great, and you fellows on here a great also. Mike
From: Stix
17-Mar-25
Colorado is a perfect example of what happens when you have a state run by fags, dikes, tranny's, and fairy's......
That's the non DEI explanation and I don't care.
