Headed back to New Mexico for elk archery this year so I'll be adding to my preference points in Colorado in lieu of applying for a tag. Fortunately my dad started helping me put in at age 13 and after this year I'll have 20 for both elk and deer. Have a pretty good feel for what I want to do with elk, likely wait a few more years for 61 archery (meanwhile hoping they change the system in a way that allows that number of points to give me at least a shot at drawing the NW corner in 2, 10, or 201). Either way, I plan to go DIY as I've been lucky enough to kill several good bulls and won't be bummed if I eat a tag trying to DIY in a "once in a lifetime" unit.

Deer is another story. Have taken a few, but nothing over 180 and want to put myself in position for a decent chance at a 180-200 when I decide to burn the points. Prefer to go rifle on deer and will likely solicit an outfitter's assistance. Trying to decide between eastern plains, the infamous 44, or something in the NW corner that would also allow me to gauge whether or not it's worth it to wait it out for the elk.

Has anyone recently burnt this range of points on deer that might be willing to weigh in with suggestions? I feel like the best play in Colorado is to build up 3-4 points and burn them, rinse, repeat, so I'm interested in using my points sooner rather than later to start building again and making trips every 4-5 years before I get too old to give it a go. At the same time, I want to make sure I'm smart about it and make the best, most informed decision when I do choose to spend them.

Thanks for the input.

Yes your latter thought... you should be burning through points for deer not banking them up too much. Colorado is a state where you need to be hunting constantly not intermittently...

Just my $.02.

Arrowed a 185 4x4 in velvet 2016

Thanks luis, and based on the deer I've seen while elk hunting the state I definitely agree. Have seen monsters come out of units that require just a point or two, so that's going to be my play once I use these up. Would rather learn a unit I can go back to multiple times than invest so many years of waiting for points again. Especially with the volatility associated with winter kills and other factors that change the quality of these units from time to time.

Probably looking at using the deer points next year or in 2022 unless I learn something that convinces me it's worth it to keep waiting.

What the H?

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3086714/last#last

You fellas need to get in on this thread.

New at this so how do you get points for both? Can You apply for both with the same $85 small game license that is required now?

AgDad121619 said:

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New at this so how do you get points for both? Can You apply for both with the same $85 small game license that is required now?

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Yes. Application fee is $7 per species per draw for residents and $9 for non residents.

Yes, you need the Small game license and I think it's another $3 per species.

Yeah. 9$. Used to be $3.

While the northwest part of the state produces some big elk, I'm not sure it would be where I would burn 20 points for deer.
The Eagle area, 44 produces some great deer, but I've heard that it is tough country to hunt. Lots of oak brush. Gunnison over to Montrose grow some great deer.

Keep in mind, the seasons are quite a bit later in 2021 than in 2022. In 2021, the 3rd season will be about the same time as 4th last year.

61 is a fun hunt. There are lots of bulls. Not a lot of huge bulls.
Edit for spelling.

You should look at Fort Carson pinion canyon area. Great area with a lot of mulies. I drew the unit several years ago with 10 points. I think it is taking closer to 19 or 20 points to draw now. Another good area is unit 54 for mulies. Since you have 20 points you could probably draw the 3 season and possibly the 4 season. The 4th season has a limited number of licenses for out of state hunters.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input, looking forward to doing some more research and figuring out how to spend these points.

I'd apply for one of the rare above timberline early season rifle hunts.

Maverick06 said:

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I'd apply for one of the rare above timberline early season rifle hunts.

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Those are cool and all on pubic land

This for mule deer! Extremely good odds of killing a 180 plus, I've seen several 180-200 plus every year archery hunting.

No advice for that once in a lifetime Elk tag. I'm doing what you stated in end of your post and burning every few years in same unit for elk and Muleys.

Basically there are no deer units worth 20 points anymore, mule deer hunting in Colorado has really started to taper off. The above mentioned units are all good units , but the odds of a big Muley are pretty low, the genetics are there , but the numbers are down. 66 3rd or 4th rifle might be a good unit. Good luck. I hunted 61 in 2018 . Happy to give you my thoughts if you draw it.
John

AV8ORAG84 said:

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Basically there are no deer units worth 20 points anymore, mule deer hunting in Colorado has really started to taper off. The above mentioned units are all good units , but the odds of a big Muley are pretty low, the genetics are there , but the numbers are down. 66 3rd or 4th rifle might be a good unit. Good luck. I hunted 61 in 2018 . Happy to give you my thoughts if you draw it.
John

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61 for archery in 2018 was the worst anyone has ever seen. Of course, that is when my buddy pulled it.

My wife hunted it 2017 first rifle, and I heard more bugles first rifle 2017 than all of archery 2018. Buddy killed a small bull with his stick bow the last week. This year another guy I knew drew, it was great. Bulls called in every time he went out. Lost a giant to a bad shot.

Interesting, thanks guys. Gave me some good things to think about for muleys and reinforced some thoughts on Colorado in general. Unless things change I'll probably stick it out for 61 archery elk, with other hunt planning in the works, etc. probably still 3-4 years out from being able to burn those points. When I do I'll come back for some input. Leaning pretty hard toward using the mule deer points in 2021, pending impacts of 2020 winter and additional research. Will report back with what I decide to do and hopefully with some successful draw results next year.

I have 13 Muley points and am deciding on where I will try to draw, I have a bow, but I am more of a rifle guy.