[cagoodwn]

This september will be my first time to hunt elk. I'm going with my cousin in Colorado but I'm not sure what area. We are going sept. 14-20th. I can't decide how much money I want to spend on a tag. An out of state cow tag cost around $250 and a bull tag $500. If this was your first trip what would you do? Should a take a shot at the first legal animal or wait? Just my luck if I purchase a cow tag then I'll be within bow range of a nice bull! Anyways, any thoughts and opinions are appreciated.

Oh yeah, I'm shooting 29in draw at 70lbs, Gold tip 5575 with 100gr Muzzy...will this get the job done with a well placed shot?

Thanks, Chad

 

[cagoodwn]

No elk hunters out there?

 

[Cosmowvu]

I believe if you hunt a GMU where you can buy over the counter tags the 500.00 tags are either sex. So my opinion is go for the either sex tag and that way you are covered either way. last year I hunted GMU 35 and bought an over the counter either sex tag and was lucky enough to harvest a 5x4 bull on the second day of my trip. I also had 3 or 4 cows within 40 yards and a huge 6x6 that was bugling like crazy at 80 yards. Not bad for a first Elk hunt huh.

I will be out there again September 10th through the 16th. Good luck to you.
Elk hunting is great.

 

[Tracker12]

If you can afford it by all means by the either sex tag. If cost is an issue then buy the cow tag and enjoy yourself. There is nothing wrong with shooting a cow and it is a trophy just the same.

 

[cagoodwn]

Thanks for the replies

I do believe the $500 tag is either sex so I guess that's the way to go. I will be satisfied if I take a cow. Any animal with a bow is a trophy.

 

[USMCarcher26]

I went to Gunnison

I went to Gunnison Colorado (Not sure what unit that is) a few years ago and Hunted the 2nd rifle season. I hunted the Gunnison National Forest and Saw way more Mule Deer than Elk about 100:1 and I always said if I ever went back I would get the combo. If you can do it. I did a self guided and again if I went out west to that again I would fork over the extra money for a guide service. Good Luck.