This doesn’t mean you have no chance of getting one of these hunts if you don’t apply for them in the primary draw. All these hunts have tag quotas. If the tags are not exhausted in the primary draw, CPW will roll any remaining quota into the secondary draw. Remaining quota after that will then be rolled over to the leftover tag list, where they are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. Remember, all youth get preference in the secondary draw. This is a great chance to pick up some tags for your kids. Adults hoping to pick up tags in this draw will want to apply for a unit that had more tags available than the number of youth who applied the year prior to have an actual chance of drawing. Many don’t realize this and end up throwing an application down the drain.

Colorado offers a select few units that are specifically managed for trophy potential. Units like 1, 2, 201, and 10 are on the big-ticket hunts, but don’t expect to draw them. Drawing a tag here will cost you 29+ points, and that number is only rising with the ongoing point creep. While these areas can produce bulls in the 340” range, it’s still tough to consistently turn up giants. The next tier, units 40, 61, and 76, are a step down but still offer respectable trophy potential with bulls in the 320 to 330” class. These hunts typically require around 20 points to draw, making them an excellent choice if you’ve got some points in the bank.

For hunts that take 0 to 5 points, expect similar trophy quality across the board, regardless of weapon choice. What varies more is the landscape—public versus private land, the presence of wilderness areas, and the spread of elk populations. Once you hit the 10 to 20+ point range, there’s a better chance at a mature bull, but don’t be fooled; the higher point hunts aren’t always the best, especially if they’re popular or have prime season dates. Some units with lower point totals may offer just as much trophy potential, so don’t get stuck chasing after units with big reputations. Year after year, 320 to 330” class bulls get pulled out of both over-the-counter and easy-to-draw units. Realistically, you’ll most likely be chasing raghorns in those areas, but a mature bull can be found anywhere in the state at any time.

If you’re new to the game or don’t have decades of points built up, Colorado isn’t the place to chase trophy bulls. However, it is a top-tier opportunity state where you can regularly secure good elk tags and hunt more frequently. With the introduction of wolves and the uncertainties surrounding their impact on the elk population, the landscape may shift, but, for now, Colorado remains one of the best states for hunting elk. If you’re not fixated on inches and are looking for a great elk hunting experience, this is a state worth applying in.