Colorado is home to the largest populations of both elk and mule deer in the United States. It’s also the leading producer of Boone & Crockett qualifying muley bucks. The most viable way to hunt Colorado is by building the necessary preference points to draw a particular tag. April 6, 2021 is the deadline to apply in Colorado.
How The Draw Works In Colorado
Colorado operates on a true preference point system. Simply put, whoever applies with the most points will be awarded a tag. There is no random element which makes the draw very predictable each year.
Purchasing a – preference point only – is an option, you do not have to apply for an actual tag.
Elk
The vast majority of Colorado is what I consider an “opportunity elk hunt” where average sized elk are the norm. Trophy hunters must dial in and focus on only a handful of areas. In order to hunt these areas you must either have lots of preference points or look at utilizing an outfitter with rights to private ranches in easy draw areas, or a combination of the two strategies.
Mule Deer
Opportunities abound within the Centennial state to hunt mule deer. Expectations vs. reality, your actual hunt options will be dictated by the number of preference points you possess. If you currently possess points and wish to rifle hunt, I suggest drawing in the next two years. Season dates in 2021 and 2022 are later than ever and will only increase the chances of taking that dream buck. Those of you that cannot wait 13+ years to draw a great tag in Western, Colorado need to consider the Eastern Plains. Rifle tags can typically be drawn with less than five points but hunts with the best outfitters will be booked years in advance. Plains archery hunts are the real hidden gem when it comes to big bucks without the wait. Archery tags typically take minimal points to draw.
Whitetails
Yes, Colorado does have whitetails! Big whitetails! The rolling farm and ranchland that comprises the eastern side of the state is ideal whitetail habitat and not to be overlooked for trophy bucks. Spot and stalk is the primary hunting method for plains whitetail which only adds to the overall experience. This area is comprised of 99% private land which makes utilizing an outfitter nearly mandatory.
Application Strategy
Managing your Colorado elk and deer points in conjunction with personal expectations can be difficult when you have so many unit, weapon, and hunting seasons to choose from. Therefore, consulting with an expert is critical. If you are considering applying into the Colorado elk and/or deer draw give WTA TAGS a call (1-800-755-8247) or send us an email before you do. We will help you formulate an application strategy tailored to you.
Available Hunts For 2021
The hunts below are a small sampling of WTA’s Colorado elk and deer trips that have available spots in 2021. If these hunts do not meet your individual specifications, please call the WTA TAGS office to discuss personalizing one of the hunts below or examining additional options.
Elk
Unit 40
Rifle hunts are available for all seasons. A minimum of 16 preference points is required to draw.
Unit 40 is one of Colorado’s most consistent producers of 300+ inch bulls with multiple bulls over the 350 mark coming out of the unit each and every year. WTA works with two of the best outfitters in the unit, one offering a lodge-based hunt on private land and the other offering a traditional wall-tent camp on remote public ground that receives minimal hunting pressure.
Unit 61
Hunts are available in all seasons. Preference points are needed to draw, 24+ for archery, 25+ for muzzleloader, and 22+ for rifle.
Unit 61 offers a tremendous hunt for those of you looking to harvest 290-340 inch bulls. Overall, elk densities are high, which ensures an action-packed hunt amongst the picturesque beauty of the Uncompahgre Plateau.
Mule Deer
Units 55, 66, 67
Hunts are available for muzzleloader & 4th rifle seasons. Preference points are needed to draw, 13+ for muzzleloader and 21+ for rifle.
Hunt the famed Gunnison Basin of Colorado with the areas most reputable outfitter. This hunt offers realistic odds at 180+ bucks and is almost guaranteed to be action-packed.
Unit 21- Large Private Ranch
Hunts are available for archery season only, 4+ preference points will be required to draw.
This fifth-generation ranch is home to some of the finest archery deer hunting in Colorado. Bucks in the 170-190 class are the norm with shot opportunities averaging approximately 90%. Hunters that suffer from a mobility-impairment that prevents the use of standard archery equipment can apply for a crossbow accommodation upon successfully drawing a tag.
Eastern Plains Mule Deer
Archery hunts are available, 1+ preference point will be required to draw.
Eastern Colorado has firmly established itself as one of the West’s elite destinations for archery hunters in search of trophy mule deer. These hunts are strategically scheduled for mid-November which coincides with the peak of the rut and only increases your chances of success.
Whitetail Deer
Eastern Plains Whitetail Deer
Rifle availability – 2022 and beyond
Spot and stalk whitetails on large, private ranches, that have a long-standing track record of producing trophy bucks. Bucks ranging from 140-160″ are to be expected.
