For the past two columns I've been discussing where to go for trophy animals and how to find those trophy areas. But what if you don't want to take all the time to apply for applications and wait a few years to get drawn for a trophy area? You just want to take a good elk or deer hunting trip with a chance at a animal. Where do you begin?

Well, if it's elk you're looking for, Colorado has the largest elk population of any state. The fees for non-resident hunters are also one of the least expensive. License prices are $250 for a non-resident elk license. $150 for a deer license. There is also a 25c charge for statewide search and rescue and a $3.00 application free for all applications in Colorado. If you aren't drawn, your license money is refunded to you with the exception of the $3.25. Colorado knows they have a good thing going with over a quarter-million hunters coming into their state and dropping dollars. As other states raise their fees and Colorado's elk numbers continue to grow, so will the number of hunters. That's good news for Colorado's economy.

Colorado's deer herd is droppng as it is all over the West. But Colorado still has good deer populations in the extreme northwest and north-central areas and on the eastern plains. Beginning in 1999 all deer licenses will be on a drawing basis. there will be no over-the-counter deer licenses available. Archery elk and deer seasons run concurrent throughout the month of September.

Utah, one the other hand, has the two most premier mule deer hunting areas in the world. The Paunsaugunt and Elk Ridge. But there are growing numbers of mule deer statewide. After a huge downturn in deer pupulations in the early 90's, Utah has spent a lot of time and effort bringing their mule herds back. State game officials are working hard to get a good buck to doe ratio statewide with a good pupulation of mature animals. Things are looking up for the deer herd in Utah. It may be one of your best bets.

Utah's elk population is growing, too. There's a good chance for non-residents to draw out in some of these areas and have a good chance at a trophy animal. Utah is only going to get better for mature bulls in the future by making a lot of the state spike-only with a few select licenses for "any bull" on a drawing basis.

I talked with "Joe in IL" on the "Live Chat" the other night and he said, "John, bottom line, are there places where I can come out to Colorado or Utah and just have a good hunt with a chance at an animal." My answer was "sure there are." It may not be a huge 6x6 elk or 4x4 mulie, but the chance to hunt in some of the most beautiful country in the world is woth a lot in itself.

Now, let's look at some of the better over-the-counter license areas.

Beginning with Colorado:

• For elk in the southwestern part of the state backcountry hunters (those who want to really strike out with their packs on the backs) can find good success in units 53, 54, 55, and 551. Good opportunites also exsist in units 80 and 81.
• Those who prefer to drive to a spot and set up camp should consider units 52, 62, 65, 70, 71, 73, 521, and 711.
• For applying for deer in southwestern Colorado you should consider units 52, 53, 54, 55, 62, 63, 64, 65, 70, 73, 521, 711, and 741. All of these units have good access with the exception of 741 which has quite a bit of private land.
• For elk in northwestern Colorado take a look at areas 11, 211, 13, 231, 26, 25, 34, 35, and 444.
• For mule deer in northwestern Colorado, look at the same areas as for elk.

• For mule deer I would look at the northern region. The mulies are beginning to make an excellent comeback, and next year the hunting should be terriffic if they don't get major storms this winter.
• For Utah elk, well, unless you want to shoot spikes or get drawn for one for a mature elk license. I wouldn't put Utah at the top of my list for elk hunting.
• If you want information on any of the areas I have mentioned, e-mail me through this column. I try to answer every e-mail I get.

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