Deciding on Colorado vs Idaho for an OTC elk tag 2020? I’ve been fortunate enough to bowhunt both states for elk multiple times and have been successful in each (including 3 elk in my first 4 years). There are some big differences that make one or the other a better choice depending on your unique situation.
There’s a good reason everyone compares Colorado vs Idaho: they’re the only places as a nonresident that you can buy a reasonable elk tag over the counter (OTC). That means you don’t have to enter a draw and can just show up to hunt. While that works for both rifle and archery seasons, this article is primarily focused on bowhunting (even though most things apply to both). Here’s how it breaks down:
Note: this article is Part 02 in the Hunt Elk In 2020 series. If you like it, make sure to subscribe or check back so you don’t miss any new articles.
Getting a tag
While both states are technically OTC, the number of Idaho tags is capped for nonresidents while Colorado is unlimited. That means that there are 15,000 Idaho elk tags and when they sell out, you’re done. That doesn’t necessarily mean Idaho is better but it does mean you can’t just waltz into Walmart on September 1 like you can in Colorado. Idaho tags sold out in mid August in 2019 so you’ll likely need to make a decision before then.
Winner: Colorado. You can buy a tag anytime and almost anywhere (just don’t forget your hunter safety card).
Where you can hunt
Another important distinction is where you can hunt with each tag. Idaho requires that you choose a “zone” which is an area of 2-3 units (some are capped as well). Once again, Colorado is truly unlimited so you can hunt any unit that is open during the season. Practically, that’s not much of a difference since units are pretty large. I’m a believer that you’ll be more successful if you get to know one location really well. If you you’re an aggressive caller and like to see new country, that might not apply to you.
Winner: Colorado, but it’s not a big difference. Both options give you more terrain than you could ever hope to cover.
Cost & perks
The cost of both states is fairly similar: fully loaded, Colorado is $681.75 and Idaho is $601.50. However, each has different benefits. Idaho is structured as an annual hunting license ($154.75), an elk tag ($416.75), access-depredation fee ($10), and an archery permit ($20). It’s annoying, but to get that archery permit you do have to show that you’ve held an archery tag in another state or complete a course (rules here). Colorado might seem more expensive but you also get an annual fishing license (vs 3 days in Idaho) which is great for all us fly fishing nuts.
Winner: It’s a tie. Idaho is slightly cheaper overall (with cheaper add-ons too) but requires an archery permit. Colorado’s $90 premium is offset by an included annual fishing license.
Season length
Both states have relatively long archery seasons: For 2020, Colorado is Sept 2-30 and Idaho is generally Aug 30-Sept 30 (but rules differ in each zone). Practically, that’s not much of a difference: labor day is mid-month (Sept 7) in 2020 and most people only elk hunt for a week anyway.
The kicker is that some Idaho tags allow you to come back in Oct/Nov to hunt spikes or cows with a muzzleloader (or sometimes rifle) if you’re unsuccessful in archery. If you want a tag that truly applies to bulls in both seasons you’d need to draw in Montana or Wyoming, but those bonus seasons in Idaho are a nice perk for some.
Technically you can buy two tags in both states although only Idaho would allow you to buy two bull tags.
Winner: Idaho. Tiny bit longer season and the option to come back with a muzzleloader/rifle in a few zones.
Terrain
It would take a large book to walk through the specific terrain differences between the two states. Really it boils down to the unit you hunt, but here are some generalizations:
The biggest difference is timberline elevation: Since Colorado is further south, timberline is actually between 11,000 and 12,000 feet versus 9,000-10,000 feet in Idaho. Elk are usually up near timberline during archery season, so that difference does apply. There’s about 8% more oxygen at 9k vs 11k so you’ll feel it a little bit. Is that a bad thing? As always, it depends. If you’re in killer shape or altitude acclimated you can actually get up above plenty of guys in Colorado.
That additional elevation often means that Colorado has more green grass near timberline. That means slightly quieter conditions that can be ideal for stalking. Idaho also has several more open desert/sagebrush OTC units in the south if you’re looking for a more open hunt. Both states can be as rugged as you like. However, it seems like Idaho is all hills (even if they’re not as high) with very few “flattish” areas that hold elk. To be clear, there is no “flat” in elk hunting, but CO does seem to have more elk on mesas or basins that might not bust a lung.
Winner: It’s a draw. Higher altitude in CO balances with slightly harder terrain in ID. It’s more about your fitness, hunting style, and where you hunt within each state.
Elk behavior & pressure
You’re going to hear this from me more than once: being successful at OTC archery is more about avoiding people than finding perfect elk habitat. Both Idaho and Colorado have plenty of pressure these days. Colorado has more people but also has more elk, so the pressure on both is roughly proportional.
Wolves. Idaho has them and Colorado doesn’t. I’ve heard stories of close encounters from reputable sources but so far there haven’t been any documented attacks on humans in Idaho. However, the wolves have certainly had a very negative effect on elk herds. The majority of the impact is in north/central Idaho so take a look at the Idaho Big Game Book for more info. Wolves are a real factor in most OTC units, so just be aware that if they move into a valley it’s time to leave.
From my experience the rut is a bit earlier in Idaho vs Colorado since it’s a bit further north. There are no guarantees on rut timing but if you have to go earlier or later in the season that can be a factor.
Winner: Depends on what you care about. Pressure for both is similar but Idaho has wolves and a slightly earlier rut.
The draw
Wait, isn’t this an article about OTC tags? Well it’s important to mention that it’s really cheap to enter the draw in both Colorado and Idaho if you’re already planning on buying a tag. It will only cost a small application fee ($4-9) to apply for elk controlled/limited hunts, so it’s something you should do if possible.
Colorado uses a preference point system so it will take a few years to be sure you’ll get a tag (if you can ever beat point creep). Idaho does a straight draw which means you have the same odds as everyone else each year. Which is better all depends on how long you’re going to hunt in the state.
Winner: Advantage Idaho. If you want to bank points for other species, Colorado wins, but the straight draw gives you better odds (unless you started applying in the 90s).
Distance & connections
Honestly, the single most important thing is whichever state is closest. The differences between them are so small that it really isn’t worth an extra half day of driving to get to one or the other. You’ll do far better spending that extra time hunting. If you’re flying, just see which is cheaper/easier.
The equation changes when you know someone that has insider knowledge or a place for you to use. Knowledge or experience of elk habits in an area can literally save you weeks of gathering that info yourself (although that’s a fun part of the process). Likewise, somewhere to retreat to midweek and take a shower, clean your gear, and eat a good meal is a big perk.
Winner: Wherever is closest unless you’ve got friends that have experience (or live) near a specific area.
Gear requirements
If you’re used to mechanical broadheads you won’t be able to use them in Idaho. I’m a strong proponent of fixed blades for elk for lots of reasons (more on that later), but if you’re heart set on using a mech you’ll need to go to CO.
The max letoff (on your bow) is different in each state as well: Colorado is 80% max while Idaho has a 85% max. Many new bows come at 85% or 90% these days, so it is something to be aware of. Yes, that’s not easy to enforce but I have heard of people getting tickets (and it’s a pretty simple decision for wardens when your bow model only comes in 85%).
Finally, the poundage minimum is 35lbs in Colorado and 40lbs in Idaho. I doubt that’s a factor for 99% of you, but hey. And yes, my wife hunts elk with 42lbs and does just fine (but that’s another post entirely).
Winner: Split. Have to use a mechanical broadhead? You have to go to CO. Want 85% letoff? You need to go to ID. Only pulling 35lbs? Go to CO (and please contact me first on the right setup!)
Changes for 2020
Idaho remained largely the same for 2020, but there have been some bigger changes in Colorado:
- Most of the SW units moved from OTC to draw units. Is that bad? We don’t really know yet… it’s likely they’ll take only a point or two to draw, but stay tuned.
- OTC tags are largely split into bull or cow tags now (they used to be either sex)
Summary: Should you hunt elk in Colorado or Idaho?
As I said above, the answer to the Colorado vs Idaho question depends on your personal situation. Start with distance: the differences between the two are so small I’d never drive (or fly) past one state to get to the other unless you have a good reason. You’d be be far better off using that extra half day to hunt.
Idaho gives you a $90 cheaper tag, a chance to go back with rifle (on some tags), lower altitude, better draw odds, lower timberline (~9k), but it has wolves, slightly more rugged terrain, and mechanical broadheads are illegal (if that matters to you). Colorado has a tag that’s truly unlimited in availability and units, includes an annual fishing license, tends to be a bit greener (which works slightly better for stalking), has some “mellower” terrain, doesn’t have wolves, allows mechanical broadheads, but timberline is high at 11k feet. The choice is yours.
Here’s some straight talk: When it comes to picking states and units, most people think that picking the “right” one magically changes their odds of success. That’s dead wrong. I strongly believe success depends on where you go within a unit (or state), how hard you work, and the knowledge you have. If you’re here, you’re already ahead of the curve. Stay tuned for Part 03 and Part 04 of the Hunt Elk in 2020 series which dive into different hunting methods and how to choose the best unit in each state.