Colorado Elk Hunting Tags: Taking advantage of OTC Elk Tags NOW
Justin Hunold
07/19/2024
Elk hunting in Colorado has long been a tradition cherished by hunters from all walks of life. The vast landscapes, the thrill of the chase, and the majesty of the elk draw sportsmen and women back year after year. However, significant changes for the 2025 season will transform how hunters acquire tags. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is shifting from the familiar Over The Counter (OTC) system to a draw-only system. This change has stirred up quite a conversation among the hunting community. Let's dive into what this transition means, how it will affect you, and how you can prepare for a successful hunt in 2025.
Understanding the Current OTC System
Many hunters in Colorado use over-the-counter (OTC) tags. With OTC tags, hunters can simply purchase a license without entering a draw. This system offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing for spontaneous hunting trips and accommodating various schedules.
The ease of access and the ability to plan last-minute hunts made OTC tags incredibly popular. Hunters could decide on a whim to head out into the wild, knowing they could pick up a tag. This system has been a staple in the hunting community, offering freedom and opportunity.
The Transition to Draw-Only Tags
In 2025, CPW is implementing a draw-only system for elk hunting tags. According to CPW, this change is designed to manage hunter numbers and elk populations better, ensuring a sustainable future for elk hunting in Colorado. The draw system will require hunters to apply for tags by specific deadlines, with selections made through a lottery.
This transition addresses overhunting in certain areas, balances the pressure on elk populations, and improves the overall hunting experience. With a draw system, CPW can control the number of hunters in a given area, reducing overcrowding and enhancing the quality of the hunt.
Key Details of the New Draw System:
- Application Process: Hunters must apply for tags within set deadlines.
- Lottery Selection: Tags are allocated through a lottery system.
- Requirements and Fees: Detailed on the CPW website.
Hunters must familiarize themselves with the new system, mark important dates on their calendars, and ensure they meet all requirements to participate successfully.
Impact on Hunters
The switch to draw-only tags brings a mixed bag of benefits and challenges. On one hand, the new system promises better management of elk populations and potentially more rewarding hunting experiences. On the other hand, it reduces the flexibility OTC tags offer, requiring hunters to plan well in advance.
Pros:
- Improved Management: Better control over hunter numbers and elk populations.
- Enhanced Experience: Potentially less crowded hunting areas.
Cons:
- Reduced Flexibility: No more last-minute hunts without a pre-planned tag.
- Planning Required: Hunters need to be more organized and timely.
Hunter's reactions are varied. Some welcome the change, appreciating the conservation efforts and the promise of better hunting experiences. Others are concerned about the reduced accessibility and the need to plan. Regardless of opinion, preparation and early application will be critical.
Access to Private Land
Private land has always played a significant role in elk hunting, offering exclusive opportunities and often less pressured environments. Infinite Outdoors USA is an invaluable resource for hunters seeking access to private land. The app connects hunters with landowners, providing detailed information and booking options.
Benefits of Infinite Outdoors USA:
- Access to Exclusive Land: Hunters can find and book hunting opportunities on private land.
- Detailed Information: The app provides comprehensive details about each hunting area.
- Ease of Use: Simplifies the process of finding and securing hunting spots.
Infinite Outdoors USA is a game-changer for hunters looking to escape the crowds and find prime hunting locations.
Top Over-the-Counter Properties
Bull Creek - Elk Hunt
Bull Creek is a DIY elk hunting property near Yampa, Colorado, in GMU 231. This property is made up of nearly 1,800 acres and borders both BLM and Routt National Forest land. This area of Colorado is known for having large elk herds, and Bull Creek is no different. On this property, you will find wooded ridge lines, thick timber, hay fields, and multiple water sources – all plenty of reasons to keep elk around! Hunters, please familiarize yourself with all rules and regulations before beginning your hunt. All hunters must be active hunters of Infinite Outdoors to access this property legally.
Shults Ranch Cow Camp
Cow Camp is located in GMU 22, in what is known as high desert terrain. Here, the typical piñon pines, sage, and oak brush define the high desert. Directly across a small valley, hunters will find thick dark timber that elk are known to utilize. Several water sources are also available, in the form of a small stream and a reservoir on top of the property. Elk use the reservoir for drinking and wallowing.
Walsh Ranch
Walsh Ranch is ideal for elk hunting opportunities. From a biological perspective, it offers a reliable habitat, with agriculture fields across from it that provide consistent food sources. Elk will utilize the property and the BLM areas attached to the ranch to sleep at night. Rut activity will pick up in September before dropping in October. Elk can be seen in more abundance during feeding hours in the early mornings and evenings.
North Camp
North Camp Elk comprises a diverse ecosystem offering essential resources for elk survival. Sage-covered hills, dense oak brush, and tall grasses provide cover and forage. Water sources like Middleton Creek and a pond serve hydration and wallowing needs. Positioned near Bald Mountain, this area is a crucial stopover for elk migration. With abundant resources, it sustains a healthy elk population year-round, contributing to the region's ecological balance.
The landscape of elk hunting in Colorado is changing, but hunters can continue to enjoy this
Using Infinite Outdoors to Make the Most of Colorado’s Last OTC Elk Hunt Season
With the transition to a draw-only system looming in 2025, Colorado's 2024 elk hunting season represents the last chance for hunters to take advantage of Over Counter (OTC) tags. This is a golden opportunity that shouldn’t be missed, and leveraging tools like Infinite Outdoors USA can make all the difference. Here's why accessing private land through Infinite Outdoors can enhance your final OTC elk hunt season and why you should jump on this opportunity.
Advantages of Accessing Private Land for an OTC Elk Hunt
One key advantage of using Infinite Outdoors to access private land is the quality of the hunting experience. Private lands typically experience less hunting pressure compared to public lands. Elk on private properties are less wary, having had fewer encounters with hunters. This can translate into better opportunities for a successful hunt, as the elk are likely to exhibit more natural behavior, making them easier to track and hunt.
Private lands often offer diverse and abundant habitats that support healthy elk populations. Infinite Outdoors gives you access to detailed information about each property, including topography, vegetation types, and water sources. This allows you to strategically plan your hunt, targeting areas where elk will most likely be found.
Furthermore, hunting on private land can offer solitude and exclusivity that is hard to come by on public lands. The reduced competition from other hunters increases your chances of a successful hunt and enhances the overall experience. Imagine having a prime piece of elk country all to yourself, where you can move quietly and methodically without worrying about other hunters disturbing your setup.
Seizing the Last OTC Season Opportunity
The 2024 season is your final chance to hunt elk in Colorado with the flexibility that OTC tags provide. Unlike the draw system, OTC tags allow you to hunt without the uncertainty of a lottery, enabling you to plan your hunt confidently. This is particularly advantageous for those who have yet to accumulate preference points or want to make the most of a spontaneous hunting trip.
Hunters should seize this opportunity for convenience and to experience the thrill of an OTC hunt one last time. The OTC system has long been celebrated for its accessibility and ease, allowing hunters from all walks of life to partake in Colorado’s rich hunting traditions. Don’t miss the chance to create lasting memories and to be a part of this tradition before the system changes.
Why Elk Hunt in Colorado OTC in 2024
Colorado has long been a premier destination for elk hunting, renowned for its vast landscapes, healthy elk populations, and the accessibility of its OTC tags. In 2024, the allure of these factors is magnified by the impending shift to a draw-only system. For many hunters, this season represents the last vestige of a more straightforward, accessible hunting experience in one of the country's most scenic and elk-rich states.
Hunting elk OTC in Colorado allows you to take advantage of the state's varied and expansive terrain, from the rugged Rocky Mountains to the serene river valleys. Each region offers unique challenges and rewards, and the ability to choose your hunting grounds without the constraints of a draw adds a layer of freedom and excitement to the hunt.
In summary, Colorado's 2024 OTC elk hunting season is a unique and fleeting opportunity. By utilizing Infinite Outdoors to access private lands, hunters can significantly enhance their chances of a successful and enjoyable hunt. Don’t let this final season of OTC tags pass by without making the most of it – plan your hunt, secure your tags, and embark on a Colorado elk hunting adventure you'll remember for years.
Additional Tips for Hunters:
- Gear Recommendations: Ensure you have the right gear for your hunt. This includes appropriate clothing, optics, and other essential equipment.
- Scouting: Invest time in scouting your hunting area before the season. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and elk movement patterns.
- Strategies for Hunting Pressured Elk:
- Hunt Early or Late: Pressured elk are more active during dawn and dusk.
- Go Deeper: Venture further into remote areas where elk are less likely to encounter hunters.
- Stay Silent and Patient: Pressured elk are wary. Move quietly and be patient.
First-time applicants should familiarize themselves with the drawing process and consider leveraging Infinite Outdoors USA for private land access to increase their chances of a successful hunt.
Conclusion
The transition from OTC to draw-only tags marks a significant shift in Colorado's elk-hunting landscape. By staying informed and proactive, hunters can successfully navigate these changes. Start planning to ensure a rewarding and sustainable hunting experience in 2025 and beyond.