Archery Elk Hunting: Limited Unit vs. OTC

Here at Budge’s Wilderness Lodge, we are fortunate to hunt in a limited draw unit for archery elk. Every once in a while we hear someone say, “It’s too bad your hunters can’t buy an over-the-counter archery elk license.”

Sure, being in an over-the-counter (OTC) archery elk unit would be more convenient. As a business, it would make it easier for us to book hunts. But we wouldn’t trade our situation. Hunting in a limited license unit for archery elk is far superior to any OTC unit.

Here are a few reasons why our limited unit archery elk hunting is better:

1. The hunt quality is better in a limited archery elk unit.

The first and most important reason is the hunt quality. No, you can’t just buy an OTC license if you want to bow hunt elk here at Budge’s. But we will trade that convenience for an increase in hunt quality any day. On a bow hunt here, it’s quality over quantity.

Over-the-counter archery elk hunting has seen a massive increase in participation. Every year, it gets harder and harder to escape the crowds and find quality elk hunting in OTC archery units.

Hunting in a limited license unit means that our elk are less pressured, more vocal and there are fewer hunters competing in the field. It’s simply a better experience.

2. Nonresidents can draw with just one or two preference points.

Even though we’re in a limited license unit for archery elk, that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to draw a tag. In fact, nonresidents can draw an archery elk license here with just one or two preference points.

That means bow hunting for elk here at Budge’s requires you to begin planning a couple years in advance. But it is well worth the wait. You’ll experience a higher quality hunt than you would in an OTC archery elk unit.

And don’t forget that you can still hunt elk while you wait! Have your cake and eat it too. While you accumulate preference points, you can still purchase elk licenses for the first and second rifle seasons here at Budge’s.

3. Our Booking Process makes it easy.

If the Colorado big game application process seems intimidating, don’t let that stop you. We can handle the application and preference point process for you. No need to worry about hunt codes, application details, deadlines or how to use your preference points. We’ve got you covered.

Don’t wait until after the draw to book a hunt! Hunters who reserve a spot ahead of time have priority. If you contact us after the draw, we may not have openings. Plus, by reserving your spot now, you lock in the hunt at current prices, even if it takes a couple of years to draw.

To reserve your spot on a limited archery elk or muzzleloader hunt, you will need to fill out our booking form. A $500 deposit is required. When you draw, this deposit is applied toward the cost of your hunt. The deposit never expires – it will roll over until you draw your tag.

Click here to learn more and to reserve your spot.

What About Limited License Opportunities for Gun Hunters?

We have great options for gun hunters here at Budge’s Wilderness Lodge. If you’d like the experience of calling elk during the rut, look no further than the muzzleloader season. The Colorado muzzleloader season takes place during the second week of September, concurrent with the archery season. Essentially, this gives the hunter the experience of bow hunting elk – but the ability to do it with a firearm.

The opportunity to hunt elk during the rut with a gun is very limited. And as you can imagine, it takes more preference points to draw. In 2022, it took nonresident applicants four to five preference points to draw the muzzleloader elk tag in our area. However, it is well worth the wait! Our muzzleloader elk hunts have very high opportunity rates.

If you’d like to get started, click here to reserve your spot. We can handle the entire application process for you, making sure you draw the tag as soon as possible.

Contact Us With Questions

At Budge’s Wilderness Lodge, we are here to help you plan the ultimate Colorado wilderness adventure. Whether that’s an elk hunt, a fly fishing trip, or a horseback riding vacation with your family, please let us know how we can help!  

For hunting information, please take a few minutes to read through the details on our Hunting Page. If you’d like to inquire about availability or any other specifics, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call or text us at 970-536-1341. Or, you can send us an email.

We look forward to helping you plan a memorable adventure in Colorado’s Flat Tops Wilderness!