I didn't see a topic on the first page, apologies if I missed it.

I have a group of guys wanting to go, but I have a few questions for those who have been applying longer than I have.

1. I applied with two other guys last year, and we did not draw but got a preference point. We have two others that want to go this year with no preference point. If we all apply as a group, will the two guys with no points decrease our odds? It'll be 64/65 Uncompahgre, been before but the out of state applications took a hit starting last year. My instinct is to apply as two separate groups. Those with points and those without.

2. I have a 16 year old, about to be 17. Last year for a youth tag for him, so I want to get him an either sex tag and I'll just get another PP. Again, my instinct is to apply for his individual and not with one of the above groups, so I don't decrease his last chance. But, if it would help the others in my group get to go….and someone has experience and knows it will, I don't mind putting him in a group.

I appreciate any input! If it's worth a call to CPW, I can do that too. Good luck to the other applicants!!

For those thinking about applying, the primary draw application opens on March 1st (if it opens on time), and final corrections by April 7. Draw results May 26-29.

https://cpw.widen.net/s/qh6nqttnnz/postdrawrecapreport_elk-25_05172025_0612

https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-elk/elk-statistics

That is the last year draw statistics. I think your idea of drawing separately is wise. Youth tend to get a little more preference, if I recall. Look at past year trends for the tag you want and it should tell you what you seek. What draw code are you after?

Hoyt Ag said:

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https://cpw.widen.net/s/qh6nqttnnz/postdrawrecapreport_elk-25_05172025_0612

https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-elk/elk-statistics

That is the last year draw statistics. I think your idea of drawing separately is wise. Youth tend to get a little more preference, if I recall. Look at past year trends for the tag you want and it should tell you what you seek. What draw code are you after?

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a little off topic but will you still be doing some guiding when/ if you take a job somewhere else? I have 5 preference points for muleys that I have built with an intention of hunting in your units of expertise

AgDad121619 said:

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Hoyt Ag said:

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https://cpw.widen.net/s/qh6nqttnnz/postdrawrecapreport_elk-25_05172025_0612

https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-elk/elk-statistics

That is the last year draw statistics. I think your idea of drawing separately is wise. Youth tend to get a little more preference, if I recall. Look at past year trends for the tag you want and it should tell you what you seek. What draw code are you after?

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a little off topic but will you still be doing some guiding when/ if you take a job somewhere else? I have 5 preference points for muleys that I have built with an intention of hunting in your units of expertise

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Probably not, depending where I land. This job hunting has been brutal, but I have given it to God and know something is going to come up. With that said, my girlfriends son is an excellent guide and would be just as good as a trip with me if you want to go that route. If you want to do a mulie DIY trip, draw Unit 11 and we will have a few Zoom calls and I can show you where to hunt and camp and such. I know 11, 12, 23, 24 very well for elk and deer. 22 essentially was burned up in the Lee fire last year and will take a while for recovery.

Hoyt Ag said:

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https://cpw.widen.net/s/qh6nqttnnz/postdrawrecapreport_elk-25_05172025_0612

https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-elk/elk-statistics

That is the last year draw statistics. I think your idea of drawing separately is wise. Youth tend to get a little more preference, if I recall. Look at past year trends for the tag you want and it should tell you what you seek. What draw code are you after?

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Thank you, Hoyt.
One of the guys in our group found the youth question in the FAQs, and confirmed the youth preference disappears if you put them in a group. So we will be applying for my son's tag solo. Same for the guys with preference points, it's the lowest points for the members in a group, so it would just hurt the guys with PP.

We are doing 1st rifle, unit 64/65, either sex. I'm up for good suggestions on other units that we would have a shot at. This will be out 3rd trip to Uncompahgre, so mostly going because we've seen Bulls there and have some familiarity. I went in a guided trip in unit 54 in 2019 and loved that area, but I think tags are harder to get. I'll check out last years draw odds/stats, thank you for that.

Hoyt, I don't post here a lot, just lurk. My company on the front range is supposed to be hiring around 1000 people between Engineering and Operations. Let me know if I can help.

Would love to chat and see what you have going on out there. Email is hoyt.ag.tx@gmail.com

magnumtmp said:

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Hoyt Ag said:

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https://cpw.widen.net/s/qh6nqttnnz/postdrawrecapreport_elk-25_05172025_0612

https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game/hunting-elk/elk-statistics

That is the last year draw statistics. I think your idea of drawing separately is wise. Youth tend to get a little more preference, if I recall. Look at past year trends for the tag you want and it should tell you what you seek. What draw code are you after?

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Thank you, Hoyt.
One of the guys in our group found the youth question in the FAQs, and confirmed the youth preference disappears if you put them in a group. So we will be applying for my son's tag solo. Same for the guys with preference points, it's the lowest points for the members in a group, so it would just hurt the guys with PP.

We are doing 1st rifle, unit 64/65, either sex. I'm up for good suggestions on other units that we would have a shot at. This will be out 3rd trip to Uncompahgre, so mostly going because we've seen Bulls there and have some familiarity. I went in a guided trip in unit 54 in 2019 and loved that area, but I think tags are harder to get. I'll check out last years draw odds/stats, thank you for that.

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You are in a good unit, probably best you stick with it since you have history with it. They got a ton of snow this week, which is good. Out here in Meeker, it is stick drier than normal. They are about to call the river and limit fishing or shut it down, which I fully support. EM011O1R is the tag I would look into for future hunts if you wanted to change it up. The Flat Tops provides a lot of opportunity, but you are going to put in the miles.

Just sent you an email Hoyt

Very much appreciated!

For about sixteen years I/we were drawn every year as a group. Once they eliminated the group draw it was hit or miss the draw. I have been unsuccessful the last three years with 3 points in the first draw and secondary. My son has been unsuccessful the last two years. This year if successful a tag for us will be nearly $1,000 and we are on private land. The elimination of hunting on private land also hurt.My friend the owner has a tad over 600 acres surrounded by six digit BLM & Wilderness land. He is at the end of a private road and is thinking about selling what he has owned since 1984.