CPW Nomination Process for Total Limitation of Elk Units

[cnelk]

FYI

Historically, CPW accepted public nominations for total limitation of elk units on a DAU-by-DAU basis. However, CPW is currently developing the 2025-2029 Big Game Season Structure (BGSS) framework, which is considering a statewide elk limitation of over-the-counter archery and rifle licenses. Therefore, DAU-level nominations will not be considered until after the 2025-2029 BGSS framework is finalized. To learn more about the 2025-2029 BGSS process and ways to be involved, please visit CPW’s Big Game Season Structure Engage CPW webpage.

 

[camelcluch]

Scary that only a little over 1000 residents hunter participated in the survey. Yet we complain about how things are going. We as hunters don’t even care enough to fill out the 2 minute survey.

 

[Jaquomo]

The CO Resident Hunter FB group has a survey going on this topic that has close to 5K respondents. But the key variable is trust, and many of us long time resident hunters have pretty much accepted that these surveys, public meetings, etc. are simply window dressing. CPW will generally do whatever they want, regardless of what resident hunters express.

In this case, eliminating OTC will cost CPW millions in NR revenue due to the 75-25% allocation requirement. In the past they have been pretty adamant (in the Sportsmans Roundtable meetings) that any changes must be revenue neutral. So eliminating OTC, and limiting NR participation, will create a serious conundrum, and will be real interesting to see how they weasel around if it really is adopted.

 

[rideold]

Eliminating OTC doesn't mean they'll get rid of tags. They can just switch to a draw only structure and set the tag limit high enough that folks will still get their tag and CPW will still get their money.

 

[cnelk]

Eliminating OTC doesn't mean they'll get rid of tags. They can just switch to a draw only structure and set the tag limit high enough that folks will still get their tag and CPW will still get their money.

But it could help reduce the PPs dilemma

 

[Jbehredt]

It will be mind blowing to see what they have to set the quotas at in some of the more popular otc units. Even more mind blowing to see guys apply to be 1 of 3000 lucky hunters stomping around the woods in “their” spot. We can still live in denial with OTC and pretend we aren’t all the butt of a joke. CPW is in a tight spot for sure .

 

[Hnthrdr]

This is long overdue at this point. I agree it may not solve the crowding issue at all since they will likely issue loads and loads of tags, but it may help a bit, should at least help with the pp conundrum… this does very little to help resident hunters though, which they continue to thumb in the eye…

It would be nice to see all the old, like circa 2010 otc units open for otc for residents only… spread pressure back out and let res have otc… you know like an added benefit for living here and paying out the nose for it….

 

[lyingflatlander]

I would bet my OTC tag that nonresident elk licenses will make a nice price jump as part of the solution when it is finalized.

 

[sagesniffer]

It will be mind blowing to see what they have to set the quotas at in some of the more popular otc units. Even more mind blowing to see guys apply to be 1 of 3000 lucky hunters stomping around the woods in “their” spot. We can still live in denial with OTC and pretend we aren’t all the butt of a joke. CPW is in a tight spot for sure .

This is true. They will eliminate the OTC, but will issue 3,000 to 4,000 bull tags for each unit.

 

[bz_711]

Removing OTC even if just swapping same # of tags to be draw could really help on the PP point creep. Maybe not much at first if you can draw these units as 2nd choice but as soon as guys start missing out 2nd choice you'll then be forced to use your PP. It will also help eliminate all the "I can always just go CO OTC if I don't draw another state" guys. Not 100% fix but a step in right direction.

As a NR I'm also not opposed to Residents still having some OTC options. Would be nice to see decent units get back to being 0, 1, or 2 PP to draw...and not like it is today where several have doubled PP required in recent years due to all the PP banked over the years by guys hunting OTC.