Over The Counter Elk Tags: The best state?

[JohnCo]

I'm starting to look around for a state to hunt elk, and I need your expert opinions and experiences! Which state is the best to hunt elk with an OTC tag? Colorado? Idaho?

I understand a lot of guys put in for a point, and then buy an OTC elk or deer tag. I do have a bow, although I'd prefer rifle, and it's really confusing for a first-time out of state hunter to gather all the information he needs from various states. I've got a hundred different google tabs open right now, trying to put it all together... lol

What states have you guys experienced success and failure in? Which states do you suggest avoiding, and why?

Thanks in advance for your time!

 

[baco]

Colorado has the largest elk heard but it also has lots of hunters. My best suggestion is pick one and learn it. Ie it may take several years of hunting/scouting but once you find your honey hole it will be well earned. We usually hunt colorado on otc tags but have not the last several years due to other tags we have drawn. We only bowhunt and some years we are in the elk and otheres its a ghost town, but either way it is time well spent in gods country. Good luck to you

 

[Orygun]

There are a lot of guys here in OR that go to Idaho to elk hunt. Even with the wolves, cougars and bears crashing some of the herds they still have them. They say they just have to go deep into the timber for them. My state hates Non-residents. You can get an OTC bow tag and hunt most of the state still, and a lot of that public. We just not the numbers or size that other states have. The general Rocky Mtn season is limited to spikes and on the coast range you literally take your life in your hands on public lands. With your criteria I would also lean to Colorado.

 

[jerryt]

Colorado would be number one and Oregon #2 for me. They both have a crap load of Elk.

 

[Aught-SixGuy]

Colorado for sure! There are more than 300,000 elk throughout the state, with the majority in the western half. OTC tags, tons of public land, and more elk than Oregon and Utah combined, and I believe Idaho as well. That's where I go!

 

[JohnCo]

Many many thanks to each of you! It's nice to get some feedback from people who I know hunt out of state for elk. It'll give me somewhere to start!

 

[hunterdoug]

I've enjoyed the archery season in oregon haven't closed the deal so far but had some close encounters hunting the rosies, big animals, not the racks of the rockies. but I also have a couple of friends up there and that helps a ton.

 

[RoosterKiller]

I have hunted Idaho and utah. I would consider utah or Colorado. Utah has several options for the non-resident that works well. They have limited entry draws that are pretty easy to get as well as over the counter.But as with any hunting you need to pick an area and know it well then you can have success.
Good luck