Best state for hunting between Idaho and Colorado?

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Colorado wins on trophy quality, but ID is the place if you are looking for solitude. There are areas of the Frank Church and Selway that don't see a hunter for years at a time.

[Drhorsepower]

No I'm from nevada and agree with you on great hunting in ca but not the best! And not the best location to bingo other states. I put in for ca every year! An underestimated state I think.

[sjsmallfield]

No I'm from nevada and agree with you on great hunting in ca but not the best! And not the best location to bingo other states. I put in for ca every year! An underestimated state I think.

I was actually asking jndeer if he was from CO but I found out he was from CA. Also I would agree that CA is underestimated for hunting. Still, every year I seem to see more and more guys in the woods each fall. What zones do you put in for in CA?

[A3dhunter]

I grew up out west in Cali. and I hunted in D5 and D6 growing up every year, spent plenty of time above Jackson, Ca summer camping. Even took a few dips in the ol' aquaduct up there after it comes out of Salt Springs Reservoir.

I can say, the hunting in California never compared to the hunting in Colorado.
I would say the fishing is a different story, but that's about it.


One of my problems with Colorado is with all the pressure on OTC land, it's getting to where you see a hunter or 10 in every drainage.
Since I've never hunted Idaho, I don't know how hard it is for residents to get decent elk and mule deer tags compared to Colorado.

[hoytnut]

Another vote for CO. Although I live in Utah, I'm only twenty miles from the Colorado border and have enjoyed what that great state has to offer as far as bowhunting opportunities.

[hardcore09]

Ive never hunted CO but im from Idaho and if you know where ur going there is some great OTC areas that will produce elk every year, we went 4-4 on good mature bulls this year, but i imagine CO wins on overall population and trophy quality.

[JNDEER]

I was actually asking jndeer if he was from CO but I found out he was from CA. Also I would agree that CA is underestimated for hunting. Still, every year I seem to see more and more guys in the woods each fall. What zones do you put in for in CA?

Nope, never hunted CO (yet).

I love hunting CA. Where else can you chase a blacktail in 100+ degree temps in velvet in July?? Nothing better, IMO.

[AvidHunterAbe]

As much as we all want to "keep everyone out" (this is not the modo for the whole state, very friendly people here) in reality CO is a much better choice. We have everything from WT out east, BIG muleys all over the state, opportunities for big elk, a decent amount of 80"+ Prong horn, decent moose if you can ever get a tag, and opportunities for book animals in all species mentioned. Also, if you're a hunting freak that likes to hunt everything on a regular basis like some of us, then I will tell you our pheasant numbers are on the rise for the past two season in a big way. Not to mention 250+ ducks and 300+ geese a year is easily do-able with the right drive and enough people skills to get you on lots of private land.

[T43]

As an Idaho native who was able to hunt white tail, mule deer, antelope, elk, bear, lion, wolves (2 tags), turkey, ducks, geese, grouse and various varmints for under $200 without worrying about a draw I would have to say... Colorado . We need NR $$$ to keep our costs down!