There is a very good chance that I will be moving to CO mid to end of August. Is there any decent OTC big game opportunities on public land out there? I am primarily a meat hunter so getting a trophy animal is not a priority. Also, are their any units that offer a better chance to tag out? I am not afraid of a long hike in the mountains. My family has grown accustomed to the land providing for the table so any information would be greatly appreciated.

The job is in Denver, but a few hours of travel is not an issue

There is plenty of public land elk hunting in NW Colorado and over-the-counter tags available offering a reasonable chance for successful hunting.

I think it takes 6 months before you are considered a Resident. Looks to me that you will be a little short of that, so it would be a Non-Resident.

I have not looked at CO Regs in several years, but Cow Elk meat hunt may take some of the sting out of the out of state/Non Resident license fee.

yes, I will be paying non res fees for the first year. Makes me wish I was still a student out there.