So many online ammo websites, right?

Find out the best places to buy ammunition online from our own positive experiences and fails.

We’ll also cover recommended brands, types of bullets to buy, what is a “good” price, and unfortunately…restrictions based on your state.

And the current best deals for popular calibers.

October 2024 Update: Ammo prices are pretty stabilized for popular cartridges such as 9mm, .22LR, and 5.56/.223. However the Israel/Palestine conflict has added some extra demand. Also added Ammunition Depot into the mix.

AAC, Blazer, & PMC seem to be the most in-stock varieties.

THE QUICK LIST

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Best Places to Buy Ammo Online

1. Palmetto State Armory (PSA)

My go-to online place for buying BULK ammo is Palmetto State Armory.

They will usually be one of the best prices for cases (1,000) rounds of popular calibers…like .223/5.56, 9mm, and .45 ACP.

And they usually do a good job of keeping the essentials in stock…especially with AAC 9mm.

And sometimes you’ll even find free shipping for cases…otherwise, it may be about $20 to 30 bucks.

Their shipping used to be excruciating slow about ~5 years ago, but now with their in-house firearms selling like hotcakes…they’ve got their ammo shipping down as well.

• AR-15 Ammo (.223/5.56)
• 9mm Ammo
• All Ammo
• Daily Deals

What’s your take on PSA for ammo and guns?

2. Ammunition Depot

New on the list starting Summer 2024 is Ammunition Depot due to their free shipping over $149.

And just $5.99 for orders under.

You know when you’re buying ammo it’s pretty easy to go over $149.

And I know what you’re thinking…their prices must be higher to justify it. But amazingly they aren’t and can rival PSA prices for popular calibers.

My most recent order with them as been for 6 cent per round .22LR and as of right now their 9mm is 27 cents per round shipped.

They’ve been quick to ship and actual shipping time will depend on how far you are from Florida.

So if you’re buying a few boxes and love free shipping of popular calibers…check them out.

3. LuckyGunner

My go-to place to buy ammo online is Lucky Gunner for their selection, real-time inventory, and fast shipping, and shipping estimator. I’ve been a customer of theirs for over 6 years.

I find a lot of other retailers skimp in website tech or their shipping departments. There have been too many times where the following has happened:

• I find a great price, order, my credit card is charged, and then I get an email a couple days later that they are out of stock. Now I can either wait for a backorder or get a refund which ties up my credit card for a week.
• I order and it takes a week or two to ship out my order.
• I try to see my shipping costs and I have to create a login and enter all my details first.

LuckyGunner is great since they take care of the three problems above. You get to see their live inventory next to each product, they have a 110% guarantee that your stuff will be shipped the next business day, and you can easily calculate shipping without creating a login.

4. Bereli

My go-to for 9mm for the past few months. Bereli has some GREAT deals for some items such as their Blazer Brass 9mm with free shipping and tax only if you’re from Florida.

They’ve shipped out within 24 hours for all my orders but then it’s down to whatever ground transportation does.

Check out all their ammo deals.

5. True Shot Gun Club

A relative newcomer to the list…but in the most recent dark times of ammo (2020 onwards), True Shot Gun Club has been steadily stocking 9mm and more.

Their claim to fame is being the largest ammo dealer in Arizona and top 10 in the entire US. I’ve been ordering from them steadily this past year and it always arrives.

And often at the best price too.

6. Optics Planet

Optics Planet is one of my go-to optics and accessories shops. They now have a decent selection of popular ammo calibers.

They have all the major calibers in plinking ammo plus more speciality selections like self-defense hollow points and hunting loads.

Be sure to double-check that the ammo you’re looking at is in stock!

7. Brownells

Brownells is where I get most of my specialty tools and gun parts. They also have unparalleled customer service, reasonable shipping, and some good ammo deals.

They are caught up in all the website technology which I love, so you can add all the ammo to your cart, input your zip code, and see the shipping. Makes it much easier to compare across websites.

They stand behind their products and I’ve found it really easy to return stuff. However, I’m pretty sure you can’t return ammo for safety reasons. But for parts and tools, they are the best!

See their All Ammo In Stock section.

8. Cabela’s

Hunters and fishermen know and love their local Cabela’s and since their acquisition by Bass Pro, Cabela’s ammo prices have dropped even further!

Best of all, they almost always have the best hunting ammo you can find in almost every caliber you can think of.

Don’t forget to look at the Cabela’s branded gear also, everything from optics to rifle bags to jackets can be found with their brand name on it and so far I’ve never been disappointed with the quality or price!

9. Sportsman’s Guide

From power tools to guns and ammo, Sportsman’s Guide has almost everything under their roof – kind of like a Cabela’s and Harbor freight mixed into one!

While their standard deals are good, their deals with a Sportsmen’s Guide membership are even better! 10% off of gear and 5% off of guns and ammo, those savings can add up huge in a year of shooting.

Plus they offer ammo back-ordering.

Other Suggestions

These didn’t make our regular list but desperate times call for desperate measures and they might have some stuff left…

• Gorilla Ammunition (niche manufacturer with subsonic loads and 8.6 BLK)
• Sportsman’s Warehouse
• Kentucky Gun Company
• Cheaper Than Dirt (Extreme Price Gouging)

Why Buy Ammo Online?

A survey of gun owners conducted by the NSSF found that 53% of gun owners bought ammo online and that 86% of those cited lower prices and quantity discounts.

I’ve only bought ammo a couple of times at gun stores or the range because I forgot to bring my online bought ammo.

But every time I go, it’s not surprising to see prices 50% higher than what you’ll find online…even after factoring in shipping!

I’d like to also add in variety and tax savings.

Without the restraint of a physical location, online sellers can have tons of selection.

Some guns just like different ammo better than others. I like to order a couple of types to see what shoots best in a new gun, and then later put in a bulk order. Plus, our suggestions will likely be out of state for you…so no sales tax!

Recommended Ammo Brands

These are just my recommended ammo brands based on price, availability, and what worked in my guns.

I shoot a decent amount so I usually go for the budget brands. I haven’t had a problem with any of the below.

• AAC: Currently the most affordable (and available) for 9mm and 5.56. Good stuff that has always gone bang.
• PMC: Cheap and plentiful rounds that I have used in almost all my calibers. Made in South Korea.
• Federal/American Eagle: Also cheap and plentiful rounds made in the USA. I use them interchangeably but word on the street is that AE is Federal’s line that is sold online and in gunshops. Federal Champion is their budget line usually found at Walmart.
• Blazer: Another budget brand that sometimes seems too good to be true. Be aware that the super cheap one might be aluminum cased instead of regular brass. I’ve never tried aluminum casings in pistols since I wanted to keep my brass for eventual reloading, but my buddies and I have had no problems in handguns running Blazer Brass.
• Tula: My go-to AK round brand. Super cheap with polymer coated steel cases. Who cares…it’s an AK!
• Lake City: While US government-owned, Lake City also sells surplus ammo and brass through a lot of vendors. They also sell parts and supplies to other brands so it’s not uncommon to find ammo from Federal with brass or bullets made by Lake City. All of it is quality stuff!
• Others: I’ve also had good success with Sellier & Bellot, and Fiocchi, but they are normally a little higher in price. And if in doubt, just Google the brand and caliber to see if there’s any complains in online gun forums.

Recommended Ammo for Common Calibers

A quick overview of the different calibers and types of bullets out there so you’ll know all the useful acronyms such as FMJ for full metal jacket or JHP for jacket hollow point.

We’ll also have some suggestions for choosing a self-defense gun as well.

Even though we go through 18 calibers in the article above, you’ll probably only see/need a handful of the most common ones. So we’ll start with those first.

223/5.56 Ammo

The round of the super-popular AR-15.

Haven’t gotten one yet? Check out our Definitive Guide to the AR-15.

You can shoot .223 ammo in a 5.56 barrel, but since 5.56 may have higher pressures, you should not shoot them in a .223 barrel.

I always get my barrels in 5.56 so there is no problem. Ammo is around 25-40 cents each at the most standard 55 gr bullet.

You’ll also see some designations of XM and M followed by 193 or 855 for Federal & American Eagle.

XM means it was rejected from military use for some reason but still meets commercial specifications. M means it meets mil-spec. 193 means it is a 55-grain FMJ-BT (boat tail) while 855 is 62-grain FMJ-BT with a steel penetrator for added penetration against hardened targets.

We cover everything in even more detail in Best AR-15 Ammo for Self-Defense & Range. But here are some of our picks.

Our favorite XM193 and XM855 ammo!

And our favorite range plinking round goes to PMC Bronze since the brass is great for reloading and it’s a little softer shooting than the others (perfect for competition).

If you don’t care about reloading…Wolf Gold is the best bang-for-the-buck .223 ammo.

9mm Ammo

I’ve shot over 10,000 rounds of 9mm before I started reloading for competitions.

Price is around 30 cents a round. I prefer 124-grain instead of 115-grain which seems snappier in recoil, but I recommend trying out both to see which one you like better.

I also recommend sticking with brass cartridges instead of cheaper aluminum/steel.

We cover everything in Best 9mm Ammo for Self-Defense & Range. But here’s a couple of our favorites…

For general purpose self-defense…we like the 124-grain Federal HST.

And for those who like heavier bullets…

For plinking…go with AAC 9mm in either 115gr or 124gr.

I also really like CCI Blazer 9mm that is brass cased.

.45 ACP Ammo

I’ve shot over 2,500 rounds of 45 ACP and also go with my standard budget list of manufacturers. Price is around 40-50 cents a round.

There’s not too much variation in weight so I stick with the standard 230-grain.

The extensive list is at Best .45 ACP Ammo for Home Defense & Target Practice but here is our main pick.

For self-defense, the HST passed the FBI ballistics gelatin test with flying colors…dominating in penetration and expansion.

.22 LR Ammo

Reasonably priced .22 LR ammo is getting easier to find at <8 cents a round.

So what is out there (and in stock) is much more expensive.

We’ve compiled an extensive list in Best .22 LR Ammo for Accuracy, Plinking, & Hunting.

But…the CCI at 40-grain is my go-to for .22 LR in my Ruger 10/22.

• CCI – 40 gr (Likely in stock but expensive)
• Federal Automatch Target – 325 Rounds – 40 gr
• Sellier & Bellot – 500 Rounds – 38 gr

7.62×39 Ammo

The good ole AK-47 rounds. My rule is to go with ammo from countries that used the AK but to watch out for corrosive ammunition (which is pretty good shooting stuff, you just need to put more effort in cleaning afterward).

You also need to check with your shooting range rules to see if they allow magnetic (bi-metal) or non-brass ammunition such as Wolf/Tula.

If they don’t, you will have to go with more expensive brands or corrosive ammunition. The general weight is around 122-grain and costs from 25 to 35 cents each. Brass cartridges will be more.

• Tula – Assorted – 122 gr FMJ (Magnetic + Steel, my favorite if the range doesn’t care)
• Wolf – Assorted – 123gr FMJ (Magnetic + Steel, WPA Polyformance is the cheapest)
• PMC – 20 Rounds – 123 gr FMJ (Non-Magnetic + Brass, if the range cares)

7.62×39 Self Defense Ammo

• Sellier & Bellot – 20 Rounds – 123 gr SP
• Hornady SST – 50 Rounds – 123 gr SST

.308/7.62x51mm Ammo

Another of those rounds that are almost identical but with some differences in pressure and dimensions.

Unless you really know what you are doing, keep using the round intended for your rifle.

Since most 308/7.62x51mm ammo will be in long-range (sniper) rifles, we’ll also include some Match ammo.

Most commercial ammo will be around 147-grains and around 60 to 70 cents each while match ammo is around 168-grains and $1.50 per round. I went almost straight into reloading to get the max accuracy out of my guns so take my suggestions with a grain of salt.

All .308/7.62 ammo (Lucky, Brownells).

.308 Ammo

• PMC – 20 Rounds – 147 gr FMJ-BT (Shot my first hundred with this)
• Fiocchi – 20 Rounds – 150 gr FMJ-BT
• Federal Match King – 20 Rounds – 168 HP-BT (For precision shooting)

7.62x51mm Ammo

• Federal – 20 Rounds – 149 gr FMJ XM80C
• Federal – 20 Rounds – 168 gr Open Tip Match (For precision shooting)

308/7.62x51mm Self Defense

• Federal Power Shok – 20 Rounds – 150 gr SP

Shotgun Ammo

The shotgun is unique since there are so many different types of ammunition.

We’ll cover basic target birdshot (#8-#9 is great for clay shooting), buckshot, and slugs. Remember for birdshot, the larger the #, the smaller the pellets. And that 00 (double-aught) buckshot is great for self-defense while slugs are one solid piece of lead.

2-3/4 inch refers to the length of the shell which will fit almost all 12ga shotguns. The problem arises from 3 inch magnum shells.

Prices will vary from 25 cents for target shots to around 50 cents — $1 for buckshot and slugs. I’ve shot tons of Fiocchi and Estate birdshot, and love the Winchester Military Buckshot.

Check out the full list at Best Shotgun Ammo for Home Defense & Range Shooting. But here are some of our picks:

Want to see more of our favorite ammo, guns, and gear? Check out Editor’s Picks.

You can find mouthwateringly delicious king crab at almost every top-rated seafood restaurant. Still, dishes containing king crab tend to cost $50 or more! But Alaskan king crabs populations are thriving, so why are king crabs so expensive?

Harvesting king crabs is dangerous, which is the primary reason why they’re expensive. Anglers who fish for king crabs tend to earn higher-than-average annual salaries due to the hazards of fishing for king crabs. Also, king crabs live in remote, cold waters. Reaching these areas can be costly.

Let’s explore the many reasons king crabs are more expensive than other types of seafood. When you’re familiar with the costs that influence a king crab’s price, you might have a new appreciation for the effort it takes to get this crab from the ocean to your plate.

Here Are the Top 10 Reasons Why King Crabs Are So Expensive:

1. Harvesting king crabs is dangerous
2. Some harvesting locations are more desirable
3. King crabs live in remote environments
4. All king crabs are wild
5. Fresh king crab is only available during specific seasons
6. Transporting fresh king crab is expensive
7. King crab tastes like high-quality lobster
8. Quotas prevent overfishing and limit supply
9. People prefer large king crab legs
10. There are several king crab dishes

10. There Are Several King Crab Dishes

Unlike some types of expensive seafood, like high-cost sea urchins, king crab is used in various dishes.

Steamed king crab legs are a popular way to enjoy king crab. But king crab leg meat is also used to make crab cakes, crab rolls, and savory seafood soups.

Because king crab is used to create many tasty dishes, there’s a higher demand for king crab meat, raising prices. It’s also worth noting that king crab legs come in different sizes. And the bigger the portion, the higher the price.

9. People Prefer Large King Crab Legs

Generally, king crab legs fall into one of several size categories:

• Jumbo
• Giant
• Colossal
• Super Colossal

The largest size, Super Colossal, is the most expensive. That’s because larger crab legs contain more meat!

So, while a pound of Jumbo king crab legs might cost about $20, a pound of Super Colossal legs typically retails for $100. Seafood lovers who enjoy steamed crab legs tend to gravitate toward the larger sizes, increasing the demand (and the price) for these heftier portions.

While king crabs aren’t endangered, the supply of fresh king crab is extremely limited. After all, many countries adhere to strict fishing quotas to prevent overfishing.

8. Quotas Prevent Overfishing and Limit Supply

The three countries with the highest king crab output are the United States, Norway, and Canada. These countries have strict harvesting quotas to prevent anglers from overfishing, keeping king crab population numbers high.

While this practice is an excellent way to ensure that wild king crab populations continue to thrive, it also means that demand for king crab always outpaces supply, resulting in higher prices.

Additionally, anglers cannot harvest king crabs below a specific weight limit. For example, legally harvested king crabs must weigh more than seven pounds. This rule keeps juvenile king crabs in the water, encouraging further population growth over time.

But diners love the savory taste of king crab legs. Their taste is often compared to the flavor of a high-quality lobster, making them a popular choice among seafood lovers around the world. This desirable flavor profile is another reason why king crabs are so expensive.

7. King Crab Tastes Like High-Quality Lobster

Many of the world’s most expensive foods have outrageously high price tags because they’re delicious! King crab is no exception, with a complex flavor profile that can please even the most particular palates.

King crab legs are slightly sweet, so they feature a balance of natural saltiness and unique sugariness. They’re also full of tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. As a result, these crab legs are often compared to the highest-quality lobster meats.

But while lobster populations suffer from overfishing, leading to severe shortages, king crabs are protected by several fishing regulations and laws. This difference in fishing practices has altered public opinion, leading to a higher demand for king crab and lower demand for lobster.

As the law of supply and demand dictates, any high-demand good will enjoy a price boost. But the increased call for king crab is just one of the many reasons this seafood is so pricey. Transportation issues also affect prices.

6. Transporting Fresh King Crab Is Expensive

The finest seafood restaurants only order live crustaceans and fresh fish. By avoiding frozen ingredients, world-class chefs can ensure that every meal that leaves their kitchen is of the best possible quality. But this need for fresh ingredients comes at a high cost.

Transporting live seafood can be exceptionally challenging. Not only do countries have strict rules about shipping and handling live animals, especially those from other regions of the world, but keeping aquatic creatures alive and healthy as they travel across the globe can be tricky.

A king crab needs a cold saltwater tank to survive. They also have high-maintenance diets, as adults are primarily carnivorous. Consequently, in-transit live king crabs need a regular diet of fish, clams, snails, or small crabs.

Keeping a king crab’s tank cold and clean during transit requires plenty of planning, a refrigeration unit, and extra care. These requirements significantly increase the price of a live king crab, especially during the off-peak seasons.

King crabs are only harvested during the fall and early winter months, and keeping them alive for an extended period during spring and summer can quickly add hundreds of dollars to a live crab’s price tag.

5. Fresh King Crab Is Only Available During Specific Seasons

Frozen king crab legs are slightly more affordable than fresh ones, but not by much. That’s because the annual haul of king crab is limited.

Anglers can only harvest these crustaceans during the fall and early winter. Whatever they catch during this time must last for the remainder of the off-peak season. This limited availability significantly affects the price of a king crab.

The best time of the year to invest in king crab legs is during the late winter and early spring season. In January and February, the harvest of king crabs is at its highest level and is incredibly fresh.

After this point, the supply begins to run low. As a result, prices tend to hit their highest point during the summer and fall, often increasing by 60%.

But, you may be wondering, “Why don’t aquaculturists build farms to keep the king crab supply constant throughout the year?” After all, there are plenty of seafood farms around the world, many of which produce fish, shellfish, and crustaceans all year long.

4. All King Crabs Are Wild

Unfortunately, you can’t farm king crabs. These creatures live in deep ocean environments and can take decades to reach a harvestable size. They also require plenty of space to roam around and reproduce.

Consequently, all king crabs that make it to the dinner table come from wild populations. As you might suspect, wild-caught seafood is almost always pricier than farmed versions.

King crabs will remain a wild-caught delicacy until fish farming techniques and technology improve. And because these crabs live in remote, freezing waters deep beneath the ocean’s surface, harvesting them is a constant challenge.

3. King Crabs Live in Remote Environments

Like some of the world’s most expensive mushrooms, king crabs live in remote environments that can be challenging to access. Anglers harvest Alaskan king crabs from the Gulf of Alaska, Bristol Bay, and Norton Sound. Ice floes are common in these areas, and they can destroy fishing vessels.

Fishing locations are often hundreds of miles away from the nearest coastline or shipyard. As a result, anglers working on fishing vessels may work 20-hour days and spend weeks or months harvesting crabs, with virtually no days off.

Additionally, Alaskan king crabs often live about 600 feet beneath the ocean’s surface. Reaching these areas requires advanced fishing equipment. If this equipment breaks while anglers are out on the water, crews might be unable to harvest any crabs for the season, raising the overall price for king crabs.

But traveling back to shore for a quick repair is out of the question. The time and energy it would take to sail into harvesting locations, return to land, and sail back out again would negatively impact a vessel’s haul.

Thanks to the restricted time limit allocated for harvesting these crabs, anglers are stuck in the remote environments where king crabs live until the end of the harvest season. The fishing vessels and equipment required to transport a crew to these faraway fishing spots are costly, and this expense is eventually added to the initial cost of a king crab.

While consumers could choose to purchase king crabs from other, less remote locations, the demand for Alaskan king crabs is far higher than the demand for Norwegian king crabs. For better or worse, some harvesting locations are more desirable than others.

2. Some Harvesting Locations Are More Desirable

The Gulf of Alaska may be the oldest known king crab habitat. While these crabs have proliferated in the Murmansk Fjord in Norway, they’ve only lived there since the 1960s. On the other hand, Alaskan king crabs have been thriving off the coast of Alaska for hundreds, potentially thousands of years.

They’re also the only domestic source of king crab in the United States. For these reasons, many diners prefer Alaskan king crabs over Norwegian king crabs. Besides, North American restaurants can spend slightly less on king crabs harvested from the ocean surrounding Alaska, which is a significant benefit.

However, because Alaskan king crabs are preferable, there’s a higher demand for them. And, as we’ve mentioned before, higher demand almost always means higher prices.

Still, fishing for Alaskan king crabs isn’t a walk in the park. Many people have died trying to harvest these delicious crustaceans. The inherent danger of harvesting king crabs might be the primary reason these crabs are so expensive.

1. Harvesting King Crabs Is Dangerous

Though supply and demand are some of the most significant factors influencing king crab prices, harvesting challenges might be even more influential. In particular, anglers who harvest king crabs tend to face life-threatening hazards.

Remember, Alaskan king crabs, one of the most popular types of king crabs, live in freezing waters off the coast of remote areas. As a result, anglers who sail into these areas to harvest king crabs can suffer from hypothermia after prolonged exposure to icy winds and low temperatures.

Storms and strong winds can also make this job dangerous. For example, when ice-cold waves pound the decks of a fishing vessel, the anglers aboard the ship are often drenched to the bone.

If they cannot dry off and get warm quickly, their heart rate can slow to a dangerous level, potentially resulting in death.

These turbulent waves can also wash anglers overboard into deep, unforgiving waters. When visibility is poor, it’s almost impossible for crew members to rescue anglers. Sadly, drowning risks are quite high for those who decide to fish for king crabs.

But low temperatures and rough waves aren’t the only dangers anglers face when harvesting king crabs. Heavy equipment, falling ice, and capsized fishing vessels are also potentially fatal risks that anglers encounter.

Fortunately, these brave anglers are compensated for the dangers they face. The average annual salary of someone who fishes for Alaskan king crabs is more than $314,000. But this higher-than-average salary also means that consumers tend to pay higher prices for Alaskan king crabs.

How Much Do King Crabs Cost?

The price for a pound of king crab legs varies depending on harvesting location, leg size, and season. That said, the average cost for a pound of king crab legs ranges between $60 and $75.

Whole king crabs are far more expensive. A live Alaskan king crab can cost $675 for those living in the continental United States.

But they can cost $1,000 or more when transported to international destinations, making them one of the most expensive types of seafood.

Why Are King Crabs So Expensive?

So, why are king crabs so expensive? First, catching these hefty crustaceans is incredibly dangerous. King crab anglers often put their lives on the line to harvest them.

Of course, king crab anglers also enjoy exceptional salaries to compensate for the job hazards. Anglers who harvest Alaskan king crabs earn an average salary of about $314,000. Consumers help pay this salary each time they purchase expensive king crab legs.

Are you interested in learning more about the world’s most expensive foods? If so, check out these related articles now!

When most hunters think about going out of state for a hunt, their minds turn to getting drawn for elk or mule deer out west. The truth is there are a lot of great out-of-state hunts in the east for whitetail that can offer chances at good deer, without worrying about draws, with some really affordable tags.

If this year has you wanting to get away, but you missed the window to get drawn, here are some over-the-counter options that might not be as far away or expensive, but still get you out of the house and in some new areas, with a chance at a trophy.

WISCONSIN

Wisconsin leads the list for a couple reasons. First, the quality of deer in Wisconsin is incredible. No doubt you’ve heard the tales of Buffalo County, but there are great hunting opportunities to be had throughout the state.

Second, it’s affordable. Non-resident hunters can get in the field legally for around $160, which is super affordable. Never hunted Wisconsin before? You can give it a try even cheaper. Wisconsin has a program for first-time license buyers in the state that basically knocks 50% off your tag. It doesn’t get much better than that does it?

Bonus for non-resident hunters in Wisconsin; lots of public ground. About 18% of Wisconsin ground is public, so you can put boots on the ground and start hunting pretty much right away. A lot of that public ground is further north where the hunting can be a little harder than in the more agriculture-laden southern part of the state, but there are still deer to be had.

You will want to be mindful of CWD zones and any regulations that go along with those, but if you are looking for public-land hunting in a state where a true monster buck can be had, Wisconsin is it, and that’s why it tops the list. For more details and to stay legal in the Badger state visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/.

OHIO

Ohio isn’t a secret when it comes to big deer. What might be a secret is just how affordable it is for hunters who come from out of state to hunt there.

Non-resident hunters need to purchase a hunting license for $125, and then your buck tag will run you $24. So, for just under $150, you are up and running the state of Ohio. The Ohio tag and license structure is also one of, if not the, most logical licensing systems in the country as far as I’m concerned. You purchased your buck or doe tag and it’s good for any season. Go to the Buckeye state for archery, but don’t seal the deal? You can return with your tag still in hand for their firearms season and still be legal. It’s straightforward, it’s legal, and frankly MOST states could take a page from the Ohio regulation book in this regard.

If there’s a downside, it’s the lack of public hunting ground. Just 4.2% of Ohio is public, so there isn’t no public ground, but you won’t have the options of some other states. That said, a little scouting, a little hard work, and maybe a few phone calls can get you on some ground that may well hold the deer of a lifetime.

The Ohio DNR website is currently being redesigned, but keep checking for details.

INDIANA

While it isn’t mentioned with the same reverence as other states on this list, or in deer hunting in general, don’t sleep on the Hoosier state. Those paying attention have seen the quality of deer Indiana has been turning out with increasing numbers for the last decade, and while the herd management has lagged behind some other states, and still has some substantial holes, big deer abound here.

The biggest problem in Indiana has been their unwillingness to streamline and simplify that licensing process that in many ways is still a holdover from before Indiana went to the one-buck rule more than two decades ago. Simplest thing to do? Just buy the deer license bundle. It covers all weapons seasons, and allows you to take a buck and two does, or three does, for just $295 as a non-resident. Buy the bundle and don’t take a deer during archery? Come back for the general firearms or muzzleloaders seasons with a tag that’s still good. Archery opens October 1, and both the general firearms and muzzleloader season are two full weeks spanning three weekends. Plenty of time to get in the woods.

Indiana was a slug gun state for a long time, then went to pistol cartridge rifles, and in the last few years has opened up to a host of other rifle options, but there are still limitations, so be sure to double check the regulations to make sure you’re legal, especially if you end up on public grounds. Tags and weapons have additional restrictions on public land that could cause you issues if you aren’t paying attention. Certain doe tags aren’t valid on public land, and the same goes for rifle calibers.

Much like Ohio, less than 5% of the state is public ground, so you may have to work to find spots to hunt, but they are there, and the chances of a big deer being there are pretty good.

Find out about deer hunting in Indiana by visiting https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2344.htm.

Wherever you choose to hunt this fall, even if you don’t go out of state, stay safe and good luck!

Are you in need of tips on how to preserve a deer tail for your next project?

If you are looking to use it as a lure or any craft project, then our step by step guide will help you out. Discover this easy DIY guide to clean and preserve that precious deer tail. Beginning from the carcass and up to the slab, we’ll teach you everything you need to know.

Let’s get started!

How To Preserve A Deer Tail

Just a heads up – the tips on how to preserve a deer tail that you are about to read is focused more on the simple preservation of this material.

It does not involve tanning; instead, this is the step that you will start with before you tan the deer tail. By preserving the tail, you can get the fur perfectly set. Hence, you can prevent bugs from developing into the material.

Another reason why you would want to learn how to preserve a deer tail is to keep the material intact. Otherwise, it is most likely to get torn over time.

Are you all set to preserve that deer tail? Let’s get started with these tips:

1. Remove the tail.

Naturally you want to first remove the tail off the deer. Cut the tail off depending on the length that you prefer. Some folks snip it at the base of the deer’s buttocks but you can decide on how long you exactly want it to be.

For this step, you will need a pair of utility knife, pliers or razor. Be sure to get the bone out of the tail, or that hard portion. You can do this by slicing it right down the middle.

2. Start the cut.

Next step, you will now have to make your cut. With the tail no longer intact the bum of your deer, lay it flatly on a clean surface.

Keep the bottom portion up with the hairs separated. Then, cut precisely right along the entire length of the tail or over the bone.

You will want to make sure that the hair is parted while you cut to the top. This will help to prevent losing much of the fur or causing some damage to the tail’s overall appearance.

Once you have opened the tail, pick the bone out using your pliers. You need to be very careful with cutting the fat right from the bone’s base portion.

As you hold the hide down, gently pull the tail right off. In some cases, cutting the fat that sticks to the bone may be necessary. Do this as gently and as firmly as possible until the bone is completely out.

3. Clean the hide.

At this point, you are now ready to wash and clean the hide. You only need to use some dish soap diluted in warm water.

Fill up a basin with warm water and mild detergent. Next, submerge the tail carefully and rinse off blood or dirt that may be stuck in it.

Rub it gently with soap but be careful not to tear any piece. When you are done soaping it, you need to rinse it with lukewarm water until there is no more soap left on it.

4. Dry the tail thoroughly.

After you have cleaned the tail, it’s now time to dry it all off.

Lay it on a wax paper and grab your hair dryer to gently dry out the hair and skin. Be sure that it is completely dry.

You may also use some paper towels to further dry it. Sometimes, there’s some moisture left on the skin after using a hair dryer, so paper towels or some dry cloth would come in handy.

In case some fat remains intact, simply scrape this portion off with a serrated knife. But be very gentle and careful since you would not want to cut the skin.

6. Add borax to the tail.

You may be wondering why you need to use borax to the tail. Well, for the simple reason of protecting it from bacteria that might develop on the skin.

Since borax is antibacterial, it helps to apply it on the tail to fully preserve and protect it from damage.

With the tail laying flat and cut open, coat the inner portion with a thin layer of your borax. You may apply as much as necessary, which will coat the flesh that’s fully exposed.

But if you are preparing the deer tail for tanning, you may want to use non-iodized salt instead of borax. Apply a thick layer of non-iodized salt on the flesh until it is fully coated. Let it dry ad add a bit more salt as needed for this salt curing process.

An additional tip when preparing the material for tanning is by making sure all membrane and fat are removed. When you leave even the slightest hint of fat on the skin, this will give the tan an odd color while reducing pliability.

Let the tail coated with borax sit for a few days in a dry and cool place. You need to be certain that the skin is absolutely dry before you use it for your desired purpose.

Alternate Technique On How To Preserve A Deer Tail

Perhaps it doesn’t really matter as much without you if the tail is flexible or pliable. In this case, you may go for the dehydrator technique.

A food dehydrator is just what you need to really dry the material out. But at the same time, it will completely dry the flesh out, which may not be ideal for some people.

You can simply leave the tail in a food dehydrator for a few days. This will completely dry the material, yet you will no longer be able to reform it to the way you want without causing the hide to break.

What To Do With Preserved Deer Tail

Now that you have completed the process of preserving deer tail, you may be curious to find out what exactly you can do with it.

Well, if you are an angler, you can certainly use the deer tail on jigs. This is a fine material that is strong and durable, which is perfect for jigs to use on fishing.

But if you are not into angling, you can also use the hair of deer as a paintbrush. You will love the durability and steadiness of the tail and the brush works for your ceramic glaze.

And lastly, you can make small purses or dice bags for the tail. Just put the parts together and add a smooth lining or just leave it as is – leathery and all.

No matter what you decide to do with your preserved deer tail, it is sure to be a great project to work on with amazing results!

Final Thoughts

Preserving deer tail may initially seem to be a complex and intimidating process.

But by checking out our quick guide on how to preserve a deer tail, now you understand that it is actually quite simple and basic.

With only a few tools and some know-hows that we have just shared with you, the entire process should go as seamlessly as possible.

We hope this post has been helpful, and now, you are ready to start preserving deer tail for your next DIY project!

Underwater cameras have been used in commercial fishing for decades, primarily as a means of providing visual confirmation for sonar data or environmental observations. However, these commercial units were large, heavy, expensive, and very limited in their capabilities. Since most open water, especially ocean water, is opaque due to suspended particles and living organisms, the ability of cameras to provide useful information is limited. Underwater cameras were used by the commercial fishing industry to confirm the presence of underwater obstacles that would wreck ships or foul nets.

The advent of small, inexpensive digital cameras in the late 90s made it possible for sport fishermen to begin purchasing and using such cameras. Smaller and with simpler options than those on the large commercial units, these underwater cameras have evolved to be inexpensive, easy to deploy, and capable of functioning without being continuously connected to a boat’s power system or on-shore power source.

Underwater Cameras for Ice Fishing

While they have become popular with lake and littoral fishermen who want to observe underwater hazards and fish populations to better understand their favorite fishing spot, underwater cameras have proven to be the most useful to ice fishermen. Since ice fishermen must put time and effort into each hole they drill and each line they drop, knowing exactly what is below before they drop their lines is crucial. The use of underwater cameras is especially useful in that the cameras are designed with the ability to fit into holes much smaller than is required for fishing. This means that small “test holes” can be drilled to see if an area is worth fishing before fishermen drop their lines. Ice fishermen can also see much further underwater than those who are fishing in active waters, since the lack of wave action and cold water combine to make the water extremely clear, enabling cameras with lights to show off a very large area and even highlight fish as they wait out the winter.

Underwater cameras are becoming a necessary piece of equipment for any serious ice fisherman, especially those who want to optimize their catch. Such cameras can also prevent a fisherman from spending hours out on the ice dropping lines where there are no fish, as well as alert them to the presence of obstacles and hazards that would snag and ruin their lines. They are easy to carry and can be set up in seconds, enabling fishermen to quickly drill a test hole, take a look around, and then either expand or abandon the hole based on what he sees.

What’s Important in an Underwater Camera

This doesn’t mean that all underwater cameras are made equal, nor that fishermen can rely on getting a good one without learning anything about them. Many units are too cheap or too simple to be useful or are ill suited to the extreme weather conditions inherent in ice fishing. So what should you look for? The first thing would be insulation of some sort for the unit itself and especially the battery. LiPo batteries that get too cold can have water condense inside of them, causing them to short out and catch fire, so it’s important to keep them reasonably warm. Fortunately, they produce their own heat when running, so as long as the camera has insulation around the battery, it will function properly at cold temperatures.

Second, the line and camera must be insulated with cold-tolerant materials which will not become brittle when exposed to below freezing temperatures. Natural rubber needs to be thus avoided, and all of the waterproofing on the unit needs to be made of silicone or other similar synthetic materials. Third, the camera needs to have a large camera aperture and large pixel resolution. Be aware too that water largely blocks infrared light, and so infra-red cameras won’t be able to see as far as those which focus on visible light, especially in the blue end of the spectrum. Lastly, the camera needs to have an IP68 rating. This means that the camera has been developed specifically to be immersed in the water below one meter (a little more than a yard) and will not fail if thus immersed.

Which Underwater Camera to Choose

Fortunately, there are several affordable cameras on the market which meet all of these requirements.

1. Marcum VS485C

The Marcum VS485C is a top-of-the-line unit specifically intended for ice fishing, as is indicated by its insulated carrying bag and handle. Even the sun shield is optimized for dealing with the glare that comes off of white snow, which is an excellent feature that helps the 7″ screen to be very visible even on cloudless winter days. The system uses large, easy-to-press buttons instead of a touch screen, and has been engineered with winter gloves in mind. The 800×480 resolution picture is adequate for the task at hand, and the screen is made by Sony, and thus subject to Sony’s stringent quality standards. The camera is also produced by Sony and has the necessary IP68 rating.

In addition to a wide-spectrum light, which has sufficient power to cut through all but the cloudiest lakes, the Marcum VS485C has multiple fin stabilizers to prevent both horizontal and vertical movement. Since most units only have one vertical fin to prevent spinning, instead relying on tension from the camera line to prevent vertical motion, the Marcum VS485C offers a much more stable picture than other units. The 50-foot cable is specifically engineered to be cold-water resistant and can transmit in both color and black-and-white. It’s this last feature that is of most use to ice fishermen since, in the low light of frozen lakes, the increased contrast of black-and-white transmissions can make clear what would otherwise be difficult to distinguish. Additionally, it has “Darkwater” LED lighting options, in addition to the broad-spectrum option, which provides better illumination in deep water. This is achieved by broadcasting more light in the blue spectrum, then interpreting it in black-and-white, to produce as high a contrast image as possible.

2. Vexilar FS800 Fish Scout

The Vexilar FS800 Fish Scout is a high-end unit specifically engineered for cold weather, although it is also intended to be smaller, lighter and more portable than other units. Like most high-end units it is built around Sony technology, with both the screen and camera being Sony commercial units. It can function at up to -22F, meaning that it should be more than adequate for most ice-fishing situations, although it may be necessary to operate it within a shelter on the coldest days. The screen displays in 480 x 234 pixels, which is adequate for the 7″ screen, although some fishermen may find it to be a bit low to capture some details if the light is good enough to illuminate them. The installed light on the camera has a broad spectrum beam, suitable for cutting through the murkiest water. The camera has only one stabilization fin, but the wide, flat design is intended to keep it from tilting or twisting horizontally and has ballast to help it remain properly aligned.

The 50-foot cable is more than adequate for most lakes, since depth below 50 feet is usually too opaque, even with artificial light, to be seen through. The a-SI TFT active matrix display is bright and accurate, although with only 420 lines of resolution some details may be obscured. Still, in the low-light environment inherent in ice fishing, much of the detail will be lost simply by not having enough light, even with artificial lights mounted on the unit. The Sony Super HAD CCD can see in light as dim as .01 Lux, enabling it to function even in very dark waters. Additionally, with a battery that can function for up to nine hours on a charge, the Vexilar FS800 Fish Scout is ideal for ice fishermen who want to wander far from shore or shelter in search of good fishing spots, since it will remain warm, functioning, and charged the entire time. It also has large buttons, ideal for operating when wearing gloves.

3. Aqua-Vu AV715c

The Aqua-Vu AV715c is primarily focused for use in warm water. However, it is capable of functioning in ice fishing conditions, especially when used in a shelter. Due to having less insulation than other units, it is necessary to keep it insulated or at least powered on during cold weather operation, however, the camera can handle up to -22F, as can the cable, thus eliminating any worries about it being damaged by cold weather conditions. The onboard battery comes with battery management software designed to extend life as long as possible, enabling it to function for up to 12 hours under ideal conditions. The entire unit is waterproof and designed to withstand submersion, and in addition to its carrying case, it can fit perfectly into a standard five-gallon bucket, making it easy to pack and carry. The unit also has its own handle, and the cable winds around the base of the unit, helping to keep it tidy and prevent it from being damaged.

The Aqua-Vu AV715c has a standard RCA out. Therefore, if you have a TV in your shelter, you can display the image on a screen bigger and brighter than the provided 7″ screen, although it is more than adequate for most situations. The camera is capable of detecting light in a broad spectrum and has low-light sensing technology, as well as infrared technology, however, it is primarily intended for situations with some natural light. The stabilization fin doubles as a means of hanging the camera by different angles thanks to wire clips built into its sides. The system uses buttons rather than a touch screen, making it easy to operate when wearing gloves.

4. Wosports Underwater Fishing Camera

The Wosports Underwater Fishing Camera is intended to be an all-purpose, entry-level model intended for use by those who want something that will be simple and get the job done while remaining as affordable as possible. As such, its components and insulation are not as robust as other models, but they are more than adequate for most ice-fishing situations. The camera has full IP68 waterproofing. However, the display and battery are only waterproof when the box is sealed and closed, meaning it’s a good idea to keep this unit away from the hole when in use. Nonetheless, with 50 feet of cable, this should not be a problem. The 7″ screen is very clear, displaying in a full 1000 lines, and has low-power usage, enabling the camera to run for up to eight hours on a charge. The push-button operation is possible with gloves, but small buttons mean it may be easier inside the shelter without gloves.

The camera provided is adequate for most lighting situations, especially with 12 LED lights included, but it lacks stabilization and fishermen will need to be dependent on tension from the camera wire to produce a steady image. Additionally, the camera has only one mounting point for the wire, on the rear, forcing some quick fishermen’s knots with the wire to hang it in a horizontal position. Interestingly, the unit also contains an SD Card Slot for recording directly on the device, enabling fishermen to easily record what they see for later viewing or uploading online. The camera has a slightly bowed 92-degree viewing angle, enabling fishermen to see more at the cost of having the image slightly distorted.

Georgia is a diverse state with a wide range of habitat types spread across its 159 counties. From the mountains of North Georgia to the swamps and coastal plain of South Georgia, that diversity yields differences in both the quantity and quality of deer from one region — and even one county — to the next.

Even the rut dates vary by county!

With that in mind, we decided to take a deep dive into Georgia’s deer harvest data by county to see which counties held the best opportunities to fill the freezer and which were more likely to give you a shot at that big buck you’re after. The results are interesting to say the least.

Best Georgia Counties for Big Bucks

Before we dive into which counties produce the biggest bucks, I first need to break down how we ultimately chose the counties we did.

For this particular article, we looked at GON’s big buck records for the past five seasons, looking at how many bucks 140 inches or better were taken in each county. The 140-inch designation was somewhat arbitrary, but we felt it was a good benchmark for what most would consider an exceptional buck here in Georgia.

Now, let’s take a look at the results.

Number of Bucks Killed Over 140 Inches by County

When sorting through the data, one thing was for sure. When it comes to shooting big bucks in Georgia, Worth County reigns king!

Over the last five seasons, hunters have taken 28 bucks in Worth County that measured 140-inches or better. That was nearly twice as many as its closest competitor!

Tift County was second on the list at 15 bucks over 140 inches, with six of those being harvested last season – the most of any county for the 2022-2024 season.

Dougherty and Fulton counties came in third and fourth place with 14 bucks each, and Macon County rounded out our top five with 13.

Morgan and Pulaski counties were next with 11 and 10 bucks respectively, but both only had one 140-inch or better buck killed there each of the last two seasons. Is that a sign they are going downhill as far as quality goes? It’s probably too early to say at this point.

Cook, Colquitt and Lee counties finish out the top 10 with 10, nine, and nine bucks over 140 inches respectively.

Keep in mind that these numbers are all based on bucks that were officially scored and reported to GON. Obviously there are plenty of bucks taken every season that never get officially scored or reported. But enough of them do to give us a good enough baseline to see county-level trends

Best Counties for Filling the Freezer

If you’re more interested in filling the freezer than a trip to the taxidermist, we have you covered there, too!

Fortunately for Georgia hunters, there are healthy deer numbers across most of the state. Most counties provide excellent opportunities to fill the freezer. The exception would be some of the northernmost counties where deer densities are low, and there are limited opportunities to harvest does.

For this part of the article, we looked at the state’s deer harvest data for the 2022-2024 season.

With that in mind, here are our top 10 Georgia counties for filling your freezer with venison:

Because some counties are much larger than others, it wouldn’t be fair to simply look at the total number of deer killed, so to level the playing field, we instead looked at the number of deer harvested in each county by square mile.

As you can see in the table, Hancock, Warren, Wilkes, Madison, and Gordon counties all saw harvests over 9 deer per square mile. Polk, Hall, Dade, Meriwether, and Oglethorpe weren’t far behind with harvests in the 8-9 deer per square mile range.

As far as overall total deer harvest, Hancock County reigned supreme at 4,584 deer harvested, including 1,435 bucks and 3,149 does.

10 Worst Counties for Deer Hunting

For our 10 worst counties list, we looked at both the deer harvest per square mile and the number of 140-inch or better bucks harvest over the last 5 seasons. The resulting “worst counties” are those with a relatively low harvest and few, if any, big bucks being killed.

Here’s what we came up with:

Even though Rabun produced a couple of 140-inch or better bucks over the last five years, it was the only county that yielded less than one deer per square mile. It had the third lowest total harvest behind Clayton and DeKalb counties, which have very limited hunting due to their urban setting.

With the exception of Brantley County, none of the remaining nine worst counties had a 140-inch or better buck taken, and all had harvests under two deer per square mile.

A Few Caveats

Now before you send that hate mail informing me how wrong my article is, let me issue this disclaimer: These lists are primarily for fun, and were created based on averages calculated at the county level.

You may have a hunting property in one of the counties we designated as “the worst” and have great success there. Or you may hunt one of our “best counties” and not have any luck at all. Deer numbers and quality can vary greatly, even across a small county, based on the habitat and hunting pressure found on individual properties within that county.

So don’t let anything in this report upset you or keep you from hunting an area where you’ve had success. This is just a simple guide to point you in the right direction if you’re trying to figure out where to deer hunt based on either quantity of deer or quality of bucks.

So go ahead and delete that hateful email and just go deer hunting! Prove us wrong.

We all know AR-type rifles have a military background. We know they’re also referred to as “Assault Rifles.” Now that the elephant is out of the room let’s move on to look at why the Daniel Defense Ambush Series should have a spot in your lineup this fall.

But first, why in God’s name would someone choose an AR for hunting?

AR rifles bring a lot to the table for hunters. For starters, the overall construction of the AR is metal (where it counts) so there’s nothing to swell or crack, and there won’t be a shift in harmonics between hot or cold weather. This design also makes the rifle relatively impervious to water—perfect for a nasty forecast. The stock can be quickly adjusted, accommodating the big and tall or smaller framed shooter such as a lady or youth hunter. With a flat-top design there’s loads of real estate for optics and eye relief so the rifle can literally grow with a developing shooter. Lastly, they’re very quick-handling allowing for fast follow-up shots. So how does the Daniel Defense Ambush rate as a purpose-built hunting rifle?

The Ambush model I received is the .308 variant. The initial stand-out was the bulk of the rifle (aka upper & lower), was hydro-dipped in Kryptek camo, one of my favorite and most versatile patterns. As soon as I picked up the rifle, I realized I wouldn’t need to worry about variations in terrain because I wouldn’t carry this gun far enough for there to be any real changes in environment. At 11 lbs. with optic you’ll realize you don’t want to take the Ambush for a long walk. Weight isn’t always a bad thing for hunting though and, when I’m on a still hunt, I actually prefer a heavier rifle. A hefty but good-shooting rig is great in a deer stand or in a coyote hide, and I knew the Ambush would shine on a predator hunt if it was accurate. Dry-firing showed off the trigger, sourced from the best, Geissele. The weight of the trigger wasn’t super light but the break was very clean and I was confident it would aid in the rifle’s accuracy.

To test the rifle I first mounted my Spartan Precision Javelin bipod. In the past I’ve used this bipod with great accuracy results, and I relied on it recently in Africa for it’s added stability and fast removal in the field. Next, I added my suppressor, mimicking my ideal coyote setup. So how did the Ambush perform on the range?

I was a bit surprised by how accurate the Ambush is with factory ammo. With the 155 gr. Hornady ELD Match ammo my first two 100 yd groups measured .792” and .872”. This is good accuracy for ANY rifle, but in a semi-auto capable of rapid-repeat shots this is downright impressive. The Hornady ELD-X Precision Hunter averaged nearly a one inch grouping. Another point worth mentioning is the rifle’s extremely mild recoil. The rifle’s weight and gas operation tame what would be a snappy cartridge into something I’d let my 8 year old shoot. On the range this is one of those rifles you just won’t want to stop shooting, and with the .308’s availability of cheap surplus ammo you can have a high volume range session without breaking the bank.

In summary, this AR is a worthy hunting rifle. As a deer rifle the Ambush is a great option for hunting from a stand or from a ground blind. As a predator rifle, a good shooter should have no problem putting multiple coyotes on the ground out to 500 yds. At moderate to intermediate distances paired coyotes often run for a short clip and then stop to look back in the direction of the shot when a hunter sends a round down range. With the Ambush, you should have the first dog on the ground and another pill on the way for the second guy when he stops to look back at his fate.

Fly fishing isn’t just fun to do- it’s fun to read about! There are many books about fly fishing out there. Some are narratives, while others are essential how-to guides that can help you get started, learn new skills, or troubleshoot mistakes. Here’s our list of the fly fishing books you need in your home library. We also have included links for where you can buy, rent, or download these books.

How-To Fly Fishing Books

These books provide guidance, instruction, and ideas for the modern fly fisher. Some of them are for general fly fishing; others are more technical or specialized. However you want to improve your fly fishing skills, there’s a guidebook out there for you.

The Essence of Flycasting by Mel Krieger

This classic fly fishing instructional text is one of the best books for learning the ins and outs of the sport. The Essence of Flycasting shows you in photographs and diagrams exactly how to perform the intricate movements needed to create the perfect cast.

Book Information:

• Length: 144 pages
• Year Published: 2001
• Buy on Amazon: The Essence of Flycasting

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide, Revised by Tom Rosenbauer

As a company, Orvis knows fly fishing better than almost anybody else. Their fly fishing guide is no exception to this rule. The author has been tying flies commercially since he was fourteen, and his four decades of fly fishing experience are distilled in these pages. A must have for any fly fishing enthusiast.

Book Information:

• Length: 408 pages
• Year Published: 2017
• Buy on Amazon: The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide – Revised

The Orvis Guide To Beginning Fly Fishing: 101 Tips for the Absolute Beginner by Tom Rosenbauer

If the instructions in The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide are overwhelming, this book will get you started. The advanced fly fisher probably knows everything in these pages, but everybody has to start somewhere. This book is ideal for beginners at any stage- whether you’ve learned a couple of casts or haven’t even bought your first rod and reel yet, this guide is practical and easy to understand.

Book Information:

• Length: 208 pages
• Year Published: 2009
• Buy on Amazon: The Orvis Guide to Beginning Fly Fishing

The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing by Kirk Deeter and Charlie Meyers

The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing is essentially a pocket guide to the sport of fly fishing, written by two veteran anglers who came together to demystify their passion. Featuring 240 tips that don’t require any advanced physics lessons or innate understanding of how fish think, this is a straightforward guide to the basics of fly fishing.

Book Information:

• Length: 224 pages
• Year Published: 2010
• Buy on Amazon: The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing

Tactical Fly Fishing: Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers by Devin Olsen

Most of us will never be professional fly fishers, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn a lot from the pros. Devin Olsen is a repeat medalist in global fly fishing competitions, and his techniques for winning are explained in this volume. He does a good job of taking what he knows and applying it to everyday situations, allowing anyone to fish more successfully on rivers, small streams, and still waters.

Book Information:

• Length: 224 pages
• Year Published: 2019
• Buy on Amazon: Tactical Fly Fishing – Lessons Learned from Competition for All Anglers

Fly-Fishing Advice from an Old-Timer: A Practical Guide to the Sport and its Language by Ed Quigley

Take some advice from a veteran of the sport and sit down with Ed Quigley’s book on fly fishing. Quigley’s straightforward explanation of the basics and detailed discussions of advanced topics are easy to understand, and his ingenious tips and compelling anecdotes from his own years of experience fly fishing streams from Labrador to Costa Rica and beyond make the book very enjoyable.

Book Information:

• Length: 352 pages
• Year Published: 2014
• Buy on Amazon: Fly-Fishing Advice from an Old-Timer – A Practical Guide to the Sport and Its Language

A Guide’s Guide to Fly-Fishing Mistakes: Common Problems and How To Correct Them by Sara Low

As a licensed fly fishing guide, Sara Low has seen it all. If it can go wrong on the water, she’s seen it- and has some good ideas about how to correct these problems. This book offers solutions for fly fishers on many topics, including approaching fish, fly selection, proper fly presentation, consistent and accurate casting, and techniques for hooking and landing of fish, as well as pointers for fishing in spring, summer, fall, and winter. This isn’t a book you’d typically sit down with and read cover to cover (although you can do that if you want); instead, it’s the book you pull out when you have a problem you want to fix. It’s an invaluable guide for any angler who wants to up their game.

Book Information:

• Length: 224 pages
• Year Published: 2016
• Buy on Amazon: A Guide’s Guide to Fly-Fishing Mistakes – Common Problems and How to Correct Them

Basic Fly Tying: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started by John Rounds

Fly tying is one of many challenging aspects of fly fishing, and this book is a great introduction to it. It features photographs and illustrated diagrams to help you get the knack of the basic fly components. It illustrates every phase of the tying process, from clamping the hook in the vise to executing the final whip finish, and everything in between. You’ll learn seven of the most effective and foundational patterns for nymphs, streamers, and dry flies.

Book Information:

• Length: 90 pages
• Year Published: 2002
• Buy on Amazon: Basic Fly Tying – All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started

Nonfiction Fly Fishing Books

The history and culture of fly fishing is a massive part of the sport’s development. Participating in it is part of the fun, too! The following books all have something to say about what it means to be a fly fisher. Whether they’re personal stories, histories, biographies, or anything else, everything in the following books will help you understand the sport we all love.

The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies by Ian Whitelaw

The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies recounts the history of a sport that dates back 2,000 years, focusing on milestone flies from the first feathered hook to contemporary patterns using cutting-edge materials. While it might seem impossible to choose only 50 flies among the countless fly patterns dating back two millennia, these flies represent the development of the very sport itself. They chart the spread from its modern origins on the chalk streams of England and Scottish rivers to every country in the world. Filled with profiles of the key people involved, tying tips, photographs and illustrations of the flies, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies is a fascinating look at the history of this fascinating sport.

Book Information:

• Length: 224 pages
• Year Published: 2015
• Buy on Amazon: The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies

The Unreasonable Virtue of Fly Fishing by Mark Kurlansky

Like all of Mark Kurlansky’s books, The Unreasonable Virtue of Fly Fishing is a deep dive into a subject the author finds fascinating. Kurlanksy’s observations aren’t just about the fly fishers, but about the fish themselves. He is deeply in love with the complexities of the sport and the battle between fish and fishermen, and his book is a combination of love letter and sport history. A very fun read!

Book Information:

• Length: 304 pages
• Year Published: 2021
• Buy on Amazon: The Unreasonable Virtue of Fly Fishing

Trout: An Illustrated History by James Prosek

If you want to catch a trout, you need to know as much as you can about it- how it looks, where it eats, what part of the water it likes, and much more about its behavior and evolutionary history. Prosek’s lavishly illustrated book features original watercolors alongside a fascinating natural history of the fish themselves.

Book Information:

• Length: 168 pages
• Year Published: 1996
• Buy on Amazon: Trout – An Illustrated History

Dumb Luck and the Kindess of Strangers by John Gierach

We recommend any and all of John Gierach’s fly fishing books, but we picked this one because it’s very approachable and is a great example of his prose. Fifteen books and countless articles and columns have made John Gierach probably the most prominent fishing writer in America, and his books encompass his love of the sport and the people who practice it.

Book Information:

• Length: 256 pages
• Year Published: 2020
• Buy on Amazon: Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers

The Longest Silence: A Life in Fishing by Thomas McGuane

This collection of 40 essays shows what dedication to a sport reveals about life. Both funny and reverent at the same time, each piece shares McGuane’s deep experience of wildlife and the outdoors and love for the sport he pursues. The book takes you around the world, from Florida tarpon to Icelandic salmon, and provides you with an intimate look at many varied lives who all share one thing: a love of fly fishing.

Book Information:

• Length: 384 pages
• Year Published: 2019 (most recent edition)
• Buy on Amazon: The Longest Silence

The Optimist: A Case for the Fly Fishing Life by David Coggins

There’s plenty of books about fly fishing and being a fly fisher, but fewer exist about the philosophy of fly fishing. This is one of those: an argument for the skills and sensibilities of fly anglers around the world. It’s a meditation on how fishing teaches focus, inner stillness, and a connection to the natural world, all while being couched in entertaining fishing stories. It shares a great perspective on how fly fishing and the attitudes it requires really can improve your life- but if you’re a fly fisher, you probably knew that already.

Book Information:

• Length: 256 pages
• Year Published: 2021
• Buy on Amazon: The Optimist – A Case for the Fly Fishing Life

Fly-Fishing the 41st by James Prosek

Fly fishing is practiced around the world. In Prosek’s case, this is literal. Fly-Fishing the 41st chronicles his adventures fishing around the 41st parallel- the same latitude, all the way from Connecticut to Mongolia, with stops in Greece, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, and many other exotic fishing locales. It’s a very interesting look at lesser-known fly-fishing destinations and the people who live there.

Book Information:

• Length: 336 pages
• Year Published: 2004
• Buy on Amazon: Fly-Fishing the 41st

Fly Fishing Novels and Fiction

Fly fishing is a great backdrop for fictional stories- it’s a wonderful way to let characters self-reflect, learn about themselves, and even grow a little bit. When you sit down with any of these tales, you’ll find yourself wishing that you could fish these fictional locales!

The River Why by David James Duncan

One of the classics of the unofficial fly fishing book canon, The River Why has been popular since its publication in 1983. The novel is a coming-of-age comedy about love, nature, and the quest for self-discovery, set in the Pacific Northwest and featuring one man’s quest for steelhead salmon. The story’s protagonist, Gus Orviston, seeks function in a remote cabin away from his dysfunctional family. For Gus, fly fishing isn’t just a physical experience; it’s a spiritual one as well, as his quest for self-knowledge tests him with unpredictable experiences.

Book Information:

• Length: 418 pages
• Year Published: 1983 (most recent edition 2013)
• Buy on Amazon: The River Why

A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean

Perhaps the best-known fly fishing story in history, A River Runs Through It is just as exciting a novella as it is a film. Maclean’s passion for fly-fishing, the natural world, and the interplay of life and art, created a classic of the American West. This new edition, with a foreword by Robert Redford, will introduce a fresh audience to Maclean’s beautiful prose and understated emotional insights.

Book Information:

• Length: 262 pages
• Year Published: 2017 (this edition)
• Buy on Amazon: A River Runs through It and Other Stories

Hemingway on Fishing by Ernest Hemingway, edited by Nick Lyons

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the author of The Old Man and the Sea was a passionate angler himself. From his Michigan childhood to his twilight years in Florida, Hemingway was never far from a river or ocean. Fly fishing was a constant feature of his life, and this book collects his short stories and articles that revolve around the pursuit of fulfillment on the open water.

Book Information:

• Length: 272 pages
• Year Published: 2002
• Buy on Amazon: Hemingway on Fishing

The Laughing Trout: A Novel of Fly Fishing in A Mad, Mad World of Love and Pandemonium by Jim Ure

If you’ve ever been on a group fishing trip, you know the mayhem and hilarity that often follow. This story is the story of a professional fishing guide who tricks his annoying game warden cousin- and by extension, most of the world. He watches as his little corner of the river descends into bedlam- but coming clean might mean wrecking his best chance at finding true love. What’s a fly fisher to do when the world descends on his river in search of a fish that doesn’t exist? In this case, he just has to laugh about it.

Book Information:

• Length: 215 pages
• Year Published: 2013
• Buy on Amazon: The Laughing Trout

The Reel Sisters by Michelle Cummings

The Reel Sisters is the story of five women who would otherwise never be friends, were it not for their devotion to fly fishing. It’s a powerful novel about how anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, can find themselves through fly fishing and learn a little bit more about how they work in the world each time they step into the river.

Book Information:

• Length: 412 pages
• Year Published: 2017
• Buy on Amazon: The Reel Sisters

Travers Corners: Classic Stories about Fly Fishing and a Small Montana Town by Scott Waldie

In the same spirit as Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, Scott Waldie’s Travers Corners takes you to a rural town where “nothing much has happened since Herbert Hoover stopped for gas.” What Travers Corners lacks in modern media and conveniences, it makes up for with the quality of the local fishing. You’ll fall in love with the cast of characters in this quirky little community- it’s just a shame they’re all fictional!

Book Information:

• Length: 151 pages
• Year Published: 2014
• Buy on Amazon: Travers Corners – Classic Stories about Fly Fishing and a Small Montana Town

Conclusion

This list is never complete. New content and books are coming out every year. If you’d like to see new additions to this list, contact us with your thoughts.

What are the Best Trout Streamers?

There are thousands of different types of streamer patterns available today. However, many of these flies will not catch fish when pursued with the most common methods used by practical fly fishers in trout streams across North America.

As a general rule the best trout streamers are:

• Autumn Splendor Streamer
• Slumpbuster with Cone Streamer
• Zonker-Grizzly Streamer
• Muddler Minnow Streamer
• Muddy Buddy Streamer

If you’re looking to add some variety to your trout-fishing arsenal – or perhaps want to put some additional “pluck” into your prey – here is a list of five great streamer patterns to use in local trout streams.

1. Autumn Splendor Streamer

The Autumn Splendor might be the most famous bugger design ever created, developed on the Roaring Fork by Tim Heng. One should not be fooled by the name because this bug catches fish all year round. It is based on a straightforward principle that works with most fish species from trout to bass and pikes, the basic idea of catching something.

The Autumn Splendor Streamer is a streamer that was originally tied in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado, but it has since gone viral from coast to coast! The Autumn Splendor is a more active and flamboyant version of the flash bugger that’s just as good for trout as it is for bass.

There are different ways to make this fly work, but most people use it as an indicator/strike indicator for fishing nymphs or wet flies downstream, where you fish it high in the water column on sinking lines and let it sink down on its own.

As far as colors go, darker colors definitely seem more attractive for fish in low light conditions, but that’s just one factor among many others that are equally important when you’re fishing streamers or buggers – it’s not just about color.

According to some anglers, another benefit of using a certain kind of flies is that they behave differently on the water, making it easier to target fish by reading their reaction and adjusting accordingly through matching their pace or speed. That’s why most fishers choose streamers over other types of flies – they can either mimic different species at once or behave like selective baits all on their own.

The Autumn Splendor isn’t the only one that’s high on demand among those who choose streamers as their go-to method of choice, you can find any number of different patterns.

2. Slump Buster with Cone

The Slumpbuster is one of the few new streamer patterns that are much more than a Wooly Bugger variant. To create a fish attracting jigging motion in the water and its matuka-style fur strip wing seductively breathes without fouling, the front end of this fly is heavily weighted.

The Slump Buster is an excellent choice if you’re looking to cast upstream and let it drift slowly towards you or do some jigging with it. In shallow water, use a floating line and strip it with short jabs. The head of this fly rises as it is stripped and goes between strips.

Slump Busters are meant to be fished on fast-moving rivers when fish feed near the surface, but when salmon appear in deeper areas, this bug could serve as an indicator fly for nymphs or bottom bugs too. Slumpbusters work best at depths where you need a stiff leader to get them down just a few feet from your weight upfront.

If you’re having difficulty landing a fish, try switching to a Slump Buster and casting, retrieving, and hanging on. It has the ability to move erratically through the water that excites fish.

• Use a floating line in shallow waters and strip it with short stomps.
• When you strip this fly, the head rises up and it dives down between strips.
• In deeper water, utilize a full sinking line; let it sink for a moment before stripping it erratically.

Olive or Black Slump Buster streamers are perfect for all fresh and saltwater fishing adventures. Unlike zonker strips of rabbit with their very long hair, these skin strips were short-haired, nicely mottled, and thin-skinned for easy wrapping.

There’s no doubt that this fly is a great choice if you want to fool a fish with a highly visible streamer at slower speeds. Slumpbusters are perfect for shallow water fishing but can be used in all kinds of conditions.

3. Zonker-Grizzly Streamer

A Zonker Fly’s slick profile will imitate a minnow or a leech. This snag-resistant fly is ideal for bottom fishing and is a great pattern to use with nymphing techniques.

One of the most popular patterns ever, the Zonker-Grizzly Streamer is a technical fly type – it has what’s known as a high-risk profile. Especially in clear water with light penetration, this is one of the best streamers out there because it functions beautifully on depths where you can’t measure your fly line or see your indicator.

The Zonker is a great streamer that is highly effective in both still and running water. It’s usually fished with longer leaders and heavy tippet, so it can get down quickly to fish feeding near the bottom or lie on top of it if you want it to mimic a crayfish or crawfish. The black Zonker is best in clear to slightly stained water, whereas brown is great for very dirty water.

The Grizzly Zonker is a beautiful minnow imitation. This traditional streamer has a lot of pulsating action while swimming and is ideal for big trout, bass, and various other species.

A zonker is a fly constructed from a piece of fur. Zonker strips are strips of hide that, when wet, soften and create a fly with bulk that pulsates when retrieved. It’s great for bigger flies, such as streamers and pike fly patterns.

The Zonker Streamer is one of several popular patterns often used by fly fishing guides for steelhead and salmon. It has an extended body section that makes it very easy to tie this fly onto any size hook. This pattern’s profile reminds predators of minnows that live near stream bottoms or slow-moving rivers or ponds, thus making them eat this fly instead of your regular dry flies.

4. Muddler Minnow Streamer

Developed by Charlie Fox, one of America’s most successful anglers at longtime, Muddler Minnow Streamer is a classic and among the best flies for large, aggressive fish like pike and musky. As you might guess from its name, it’s simply a streamer that resembles a minnow, but that doesn’t mean it will only work on trout – even though there are other patterns that work better for them.

This particular pattern can also be fished as an indicator fly for nymphs or wet flies downstream when you have a sinking line to cast with or attach it to a leader/tippet knot and drift it over the surface of the water.

One great thing about Muddler Minnow Streamers is their durability because they’re tied with deer hair instead of feathers, so they should last you a while and not tear apart too easily. Unless you break them against the rocks and logs, that is!

5. Muddy Buddy Streamer

Muddy Buddy streamers are an excellent and versatile option for any fly fisher and can be used in both fresh and salt waters. This particular fly has a weight-forward design which makes it useful when fishing deeper areas where you cannot see down to spot fish.

The Muddy Buddy Streamer comes in several colors and if imitation is what you seek, try out the black or olive muddy buddy streamer. These colors are ideal for fishing in murky water when visibility is limited.

The black color of this streamer is perfect for the area with the most silt in river water which is usually in the deepest part. Since this fly has a larger profile, it can be used as a comfortable choice when going for larger fish.

This fly is effective during the warm summer months when many saltwater species are feeding near the surface of the water. The best time to use this streamer is from early morning until late evening, but keep in mind that you should be aware of changing currents if fishing with this streamer.

When casting this streamer, you will want to try and keep your line as straight as possible which will help the streamer ride horizontally through the water column instead of floating vertically.

Muddy Buddy streamers are great if you’re looking for an option that can be fished in both still and running waters, sink at different depths, and imitate virtually any type of prey fish. Their weight-forward design makes them effective even when cast upstream into the current or used as an indicator fly for other nymphs or wet flies.

What Flies Do You Use for Fly Fishing?

When fly fishing, the type of fly used depends on the situation. For example, in the late summer, when the water is low and warm, mayflies, midges, and stoneflies are a good bet for catching trout. On cold winter days, midges, eggs, and worms are also effective flies to use.

What Is the Best Fly for Fly Fishing?

The best fly for fly fishing depends on the season. For example, when trout are feeding on nymphs and emerging insects in the early spring, an excellent fly to use is a stonefly. The best time of the day to fish is around the warmest part of the day for this type of situation.

In addition, when caddisflies start hatching in May and June, try using a fly that imitates them, such as Griffith’s Gnat or Pheasant Tail Nymph. On hot summer days when there isn’t much insect activity, you might want to use an attractor such as Royal Wolf or Elk Hair Caddis, which work well because they imitate aquatic food items such as crayfish and minnows.

What Flies Are in Season for Fly Fishing?

The flies in season vary greatly, but for the most part, the best time for fly fishing is from May through September. Fly fishing in the winter and spring months can also be successful, but the type of fly used will typically be different. For example, caddis and stoneflies aren’t commonly used in the winter months.

In addition to these essential flies, there are many other options that work well at certain times. During cold weather in winter, try using egg patterns or small nymphs such as Pheasant Tail Nymphs. When trout are near the bottom-feeding on crayfish in summer, use Woolly Buggers or Worm Patterns.

How Much Do Flies Cost for Fly Fishing?

In general, flies cost anywhere an average of $2 to $3. Flies typically cost more the larger they are, and those are made of materials such as peacock herl, marabou, and mink fur. Flies can also be bought in bulk to reduce their price per fly.

The cost of flies can vary a significant amount depending on the materials used. Some of the most expensive flies are made from.

What Are Fly Fishing Flies Used For?

Fly fishing flies are used to catch fish. Flies are typically used in trout fishing and come in various shapes and sizes that imitate insects. Flies will typically draw fish to the top of the water where your fly is or imitate things that fish feed on below the water.

Different patterns of flies are used based on the time of year, water conditions, and location. Flies come in all shapes and sizes with various materials used to construct them. Materials for fly construction can be very expensive with fur being one of the most expensive pieces.

Conclusion

Streamer patterns are also very good for fly fishing beginners because of their size and the fact that they can easily imitate a big baitfish which is one of the most common prey in rivers and lakes, but they’re mainly used to target large trout. This article discusses five great streamer patterns for trout fishing:

• Autumn Splendor Streamer
• Slumpbuster with Cone
• Zonker-Grizzly Streamer
• Muddler Minnow Streamer
• Muddy Buddy Streamer

Streamer patterns are among the most popular fly patterns for fly fishing. They are fantastic attractors and can be easily tied in a few minutes; they can imitate anything from baitfish to leeches, crawlers, nymphs, and more.

The most common questions I get from first time hunters and from out of state DIY elk hunters is about how to find the “best” hunting units.

I usually ask them what does “best” mean to them. I think most people mean easy. Some elk hunts can be easy, but don’t count on it.

Chances are, you should be able to find elk on every unit on National Forest lands, without any additional knowledge. But more information will always be helpful.

Of course the local hunters know when and where to find elk on units that have few elk, but non-residents will not, so choose a unit proven to have lots of elk during your hunting season.

For me, the best hunting unit has more to do with the quality of my outdoor camping, scouting and hunting experience, but I am also a numbers guy. So in this case, best will be a purely numeric analysis of Colorado’s elk harvest data for the three OTC hunts; 2nd Rifle, 3rd Rifle and Archery hunts.

You can research population estimates in the Herd Management Plans (DAU Reports – AKA Data Analysis Units) or you can see how many elk were harvested in the past and see the hunter success and the amount of hunting pressure.

If you are an out of state hunter, unless you have done lots of scouting before, I suggest you start researching units where at least 50 elk were harvested and also had better than average hunting success.

2021 Colorado OTC Elk Licenses

The OTC licenses are just that, sold over the counter and many of these OTC licenses are unlimited and will be on sale for 2020 starting in Early August (August 6 in 2020).

Colorado OTC Rifle Elk Hunts

Let’s start with the Over-the-counter (OTC) rifle hunts. The OTC rifle seasons are the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. In 2020, the 2nd rifle season will be Oct 24 – Nov. 1 and the 3rd rifle season will be Nov. 7 – 13.

These hunts are for Antlered Elk Only (Bull Elk) and are available in 93 hunt units (GMUs – Game Management Units) in Western Colorado. The latest available harvest data from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is from 2019 (see tables below).

Looking at past harvest data is important in choosing a hunting unit. The harvest data reported by CPW are available compiled in various ways and it is easy to see harvest numbers, hunting success and hunting pressure for each unit. But it is a little more difficult to separate results from OTC tags from other hunts that occur at the same times and places.

Limited Entry (LE) elk hunts for both antlered and antlerless elk do occur during the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. There is no overlap in space (units are separated; LE only in some, OTC only in others) for the bull elk hunts, but there is overlap in the units for the limited cow elk hunts.

By removing the number of hunters that participate in cow elk hunts from the total, I attempt to get more accurate estimates of OTC rifle hunters and harvest data, but have to make some assumptions because CPW does not provide separated data. Those assumptions are that all hunters (OTC Bull Elk and Limited Antlerless) hunt with the same effort (days hunted) and have the same success during the 2nd or 3rd rifle seasons. This is not perfect, but I think is better than leaving them clumped together.

In the past, I reported these numbers for each new season when harvest reports were available, but decided that a three year average would be more useful since the numbers of elk harvested jumps around. For instance, for 2nd Rifle, there are only 14 GMUs that were in the top 20 in both 2014 and 2018 and only 10 GMUs in the top 20 every year from 2014 to 2018. So there is some yearly variation and some GMUs have been trending up and some trending down.

Table 1 shows the top 24 units for the OTC 2nd Rifle Season. Data were averaged for the last three years of harvest data available (2017 – 2019). The left side of the table is ranked by total bull elk taken by OTC tag holders in OTC units during the 2nd rifle season. The right side of Table 1 is same data ranked by Hunter Success.

Table 1. Top 24 Colorado OTC Rifle Units – 2nd Rifle Season – 3 year Average 2017 – 2019

For total bull elk harvest, the top 24 OTC 2nd Rifle Season elk units ranged from an average of 61 to 184 elk harvested (left side Table 1). I included harvest data from 24 units instead of 20 because half (54%) of all Bull Elk Harvest (2nd Season OTC Rifle) came from 24 of the 92 hunt units and it also allowed me to include GMU 54 which ranked in the top 23 for Bull Elk harvest and for hunter success.

For hunter success (right side of Table 1), I limited units to those with an average of at least 25 bull elk over the three years, so some units had higher success than these units, but only had a few elk harvested. So, highest hunter success (with at least 25 bulls harvested) ranged from 31.3% to 12.6%. Total hunter success for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 in OTC 2nd rifle seasons was 13.2%, 13.4% and 14.3% respectively. The top 25 units ranked by hunter success accounted for 15% of all Bull Elk Harvested for the last three OTC 2nd rifle seasons.

Also notice that 13 GMUs are hi-lighted on both sides of the table, because these GMUs ranked in the top 24 for both total harvest and hunter success.

When compared to last year’s table (2015 – 2017 average), 23 of the GMUs are the same. GMU 14 was added and GMUs 28 and 24 dropped out (I used the Top 25 GMUs for Bull elk harvest last year.

When last year’s hunter success was compared, 18 of the GMUs are the same and 6 new GMUs were added, but I also changed the cutoff from 50 bull elk to 25 to be considered.

Five units (4, 13, 22, 85 and 421) were in the top units for both the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons for both total Bull Elk harvest and for hunter success.

Colorado Hunting Maps & Hunting Accessories

Table 2 (left side) shows the top 25 units ranked by total bull elk taken by OTC tag holders in the OTC units during the 3rd rifle season. The right side of Table 2 is ranked by Hunter Success.

Table 2. Top 25 Colorado OTC Rifle Units – 3rd Rifle Season – 3 year Average 2017 – 2019

For total bull elk harvest, the top 25 OTC 3rd Rifle Season elk units ranged from 163 to 55 bull elk (average harvest – left side Table 2). The top 25 units accounted for over half (54%) of all Bull Elk Harvest during the 3rd OTC Rifle Season(2017 – 2019), I included 25GMUs because the last two had 51 bull elk harvested and it would also include two additional units (units 5 & 551) that ranked for both total elk harvest and for hunter success.

For hunter success (right side of Table 1), GMUs had at least 29 bull elk harvest (3 year average). Remember, some units had higher success, but I only considered units that had at least 25 bull elk harvested. Hunter success (with at least 29 bull elk) ranged from 32.3% to 13.3%. Average hunter success for the 2017 – 2019 OTC 3rd rifle season was 14.9%. The top 25 units ranked by hunter success accounted for 49.5% of all Bull Elk Harvested for the OTC 3rd rifle season.

Notice the 18 hi-lighted units on both side of Table 2. These 18 units ranked in the top 25 for both total harvest and hunter success.

Colorado OTC Archery Elk Hunts

Now let’s look at the OTC Archery Hunts (Combined Either-sex and Antlered hunts). Table 3 shows GMUs ranked by total Elk Harvested (left side) and by Hunter Success (right side). There are two types of OTC Archery Elk Tags; Either Sex or Bull Elk Only. The 2021 OTC Archery season will be Sept. 2 – 30.

There are OTC Archery tags available for 122 Either Sex GMUs and 51 Antlerless Elk GMUs on public land. There is much overlap, but there are 124 total OTC Archery Elk GMUs on public land. There are also 7 additional private only units, but those data are not included. There are 49 units that offer either tag (Either Sex or Antlerless Only).

Table 3. Top 25 Colorado OTC Archery Units – 3 year Average 2017 – 2019

The top 25 units ranked by total elk harvest accounted for 70% of the total OTC Elk Archery harvest. The top 25 units ranked by hunter success (Table 3) accounted for 58.5% of the total OTC Elk Archery harvest.

I included a few extra GMUs in the table, because adding a few more allowed me to include 5 more GMUs that were in the top 25 for both total harvest and hunter success.

For total elk harvest (bulls, cows & calves combined), the top 25 OTC elk units ranged from 227 to 50 elk harvested.

For the top 25 units by hunter success, I limited units to those where at least 20 total elk were harvested. Some units had higher success, but only had a few elk harvested. So, highest hunter success (with at least 20 elk, ranged from 28.3% to 10.3%, compared to the overall average OTC Archery Success (2017 – 2019) of 10.1%.

Again, notice that after the latest update, 14 units are now hi-lighted on both sides of Table 3. These 14 GMUs ranked in the top 25 for both total harvest and hunter success.

For total elk harvested, the table changed over the last two years as Bull elk only tags have transitioned to Either Sex tags. In 2019 the Either sex tags were new and Bull Elk only still existed. Last year, the Bull Elk only tags were dropped.

High Hunter Density is not all Bad

Many days, I see other hunters at parking areas, and I hear them driving around on the roads, but I rarely see or hear hunters in the woods. I usually coordinate with other people I do see to make sure we don’t end up at the same place.

Also, if a unit has lots of hunters, that is usually a good indication that area has lots of access points to disperse the traffic. Of course, some areas can get very crowded, but with a few days to scout, you should be able to find less crowded areas.

Also, some hunters will go deep to find elk and they almost always bump elk (I know I bump elk that other people may get to see), those elk have to go somewhere and they might just run over you.

These tables are just to help you get started with the selection process. These are the units in Colorado where the most elk are harvested and those that have the highest hunter success. Spend a little time researching the combination of these factors and also consider the size of the units, the number of access points and the amount of hunting pressure they get.

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There is also an OTC Plains Rifle season in eastern Colorado. These units obviously don’t have as many elk or public land as the western units, but they do offer long hunting seasons and the opportunity to hunt either sex elk with an OTC tag. The total harvest in the plains units is relatively low and most elk are harvested by local hunters that know the country and know when elk can be found there.

If you are considering a hunt in the plains units, make sure you know where the public land is and that elk should be using those areas at the time you want to hunt. Many of these units do not have any elk harvested during the season.

I no longer rank the Plains Rifle units because CPW makes it impossible to find or to separate the data.

For More info on Hunting Elk with OTC tags in Colorado and to see units maps, read my post here or download the newest Colorado Big Game Brochure here.

So now when guys ask we what is the best hunt unit in Colorado for an OTC tag, I’m going to start by sending them to this page. Good luck on your hunt.