This year, for the 2024 season, there have been several changes put in place for the Colorado OTC elk seasons. This includes archery and rifle seasons. Reflecting upon the 2022/23 winter kill in the northwestern part of the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife have modified the Colorado OTC elk units and regulations to reflect some levels of herd protection.
Directly from the CPW site, some northwestern units have changed to private land only for rifle. This effects second and third rifle seasons and includes the following GMUs: 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 131, 211, 214, 231, 301, and 441. Looking to prepare for your rifle season? Check out our packing list.
Winter kill and “other” factors
These closures of the units are reflections on the harsh winter that the area experienced in 2022, with record amounts of snow falling in some areas. One additional thing to note is that one of the Colorado wolf releases happened outside of Kremmling, CO in the Radium area of GMU 15, adjacent to the affected units. Another release of five additional wolves occurred in Summit County. I don’t have further clarity as to the location of that release, however the critters roam a lot. CPW has been publishing backdated maps of wolf activities to keep people informed.
Last season CPW identified GMUs/DAUs with significant winter kill. They dramatically decreased the season length to lessen the impact of hunters on top of the winter kill. You’ll find the map I snagged from Colorado Outdoors Online to be pretty close to the closures listed above.
Archery OTC Elk Unchanged
For those that prefer stick and string, Colorado OTC elk tags for archery do not appear to have changed for the 2024/25 season. That map is below.
As always, make sure to check the Colorado Big Game Hunting brochure before heading out into the field. The online version linked from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website will be the most up to date as the season progresses. They usually post updates post draw to reflect sportsman’s meetings and herd estimates.
