Re: why is the deer drawing so tough here in CO
Next time put in for GMU 501 with GMU 50 as your second choice. GMU 50 has a GREAT area for hunting deer. Allow me to consult my maps and get back to you for the next time you draw. By putting in for 501 and not getting it, you gain points I believe (been a while since I ha to think about that stuff). 501 is a hard area to draw, but if you can draw it for Elk, it's freaking amazing out of the two. The walk in only area of 501 has some MONSTER bulls but you HAVE to get to the top of the ridge and then come down on them to really make it work. My recommendation is an extremely early infil to let the woods quiet down. Hunker on the ridge and listen for their movement. As I'm sure you know, if you get a constant bugle reply and it never moves- it's most likely another hunter.
50 has some big bulls as well but they're harder to get to as the majority of 50 is mostly flat/low level hills, thus- they concentrate in the higher elevations.
The only shitty thing about hunting 501 alone in the walkin only area is if you get one it's a hell of a workout getting them out. Just hunting the area is a workout. haha.
Also, 581 is over the counter or was last year. If you can get an OTC tag, consult the maps. It's largely divided up by private land and the Elk seem to know it. However, if you can head them off early morning while they make their way back from the water source you might run into them. Your worst enemy there is the private land, especially if the animal doesn't die quick and bounds into private land. Then it becomes a royal pain trying to contact the owner, even with DOW's help. Until the peak of the Rut hits, it's more of a sneak around to find them affair... or you could set a tree stand on a watering hole and hope you get a few thirsty stragglers. That's as much of a crap shoot as early Rut though.
If you get 501 or 50 for deer, hug the road that makes the border of the two GMU's. Deer seem to stay there in the afternoon and evening, waiting to go feed and water in the fields. As do the Elk.
Good luck, brother.
