Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: JSMOFFITT03 on May 09, 2011, 12:43:00 PM
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hey guys, How many of you out there are DIY back country hunters?....
In the planning stages for a DIY back country Elk hunt this year in CO, just wanted to pick some brains.....
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I do a grouse hunting trip every year in CO (DIY). Its the only way to go. I'm trying to get the funds for a DIY elk hunt this year. LOTS of public ground. There's just no place like the rocky's in September! Good luck!
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Well... depending upon your definition... I think I am. Went on my first DIY Backpack Elk hunt last year. No other hunt compares (IMO). Planning and preparing now for this September.
It didn't hurt that I took my first elk, a young bull, on that first DIY hunt. It was a hunt organized here at tradgang and the new found hunting "buddies" really added to the experience. 7 other guys I had never met and not one bad experience had.
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I been out to CO 2X on DIY hunts. I am 0 for 2 on elk. Those mountains are awesome! Both hunts were in wilderness areas, rented a couple llamas in '08.
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Originally posted by fnshtr:
Well... depending upon your definition... I think I am. Went on my first DIY Backpack Elk hunt last year. No other hunt compares (IMO). Planning and preparing now for this September.
It didn't hurt that I took my first elk, a young bull, on that first DIY hunt. It was a hunt organized here at tradgang and the new found hunting "buddies" really added to the experience. 7 other guys I had never met and not one bad experience had.
That’s great to hear you had a successful hunt, especially being that it was a DIY and the first one at that… Isn’t it nice when all things come together as planned?!?....
I personally have never hunted in CO, My hunting partner has hunted in the Vail area before(not sure of the exact GMU), last year he had some issues with hikers out sightseeing, nothing major but he said it seemed to be crowded… We have been doing some research and plan on going up to the steam boat area(again not sure of the exact GMU). Seems to be some decent country and from the research it also seems to have a good elk populations (I think that’s typical of all NW CO..)
We plan on going in September towards the latter half closer to the rut
Any advice on that area or others? Or advice in general for hunting elk DIY style?
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General advice?
Be in the best shape possible. Have great boots that are broken in. Have a great pack that can handle the loads and that is comfortable.
Have some solid bushcraft skills, including orienteering, first aid and the gutless method of breaking an elk down. Know elk habits, and habitats. Know some basic cow talk.
Practice shooting uphill/downhill, and know how incline/decline influences the kill zone on an elk in relation to bone structure.
Oh yeah. Did i mention be in the best shape possible?
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I'm in for 2011! Get in shape, running is great if you body will handle it. I ran a 5K this weekend with my 6 year old son.
Mountain biking is another great way to get in shape.
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YEP but i use horses...any thing i can help with just pm or email me.
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Ditto on being in shape,can't start too soon with cardio-vascular excercises as well as strengthening your legs. 9,000-10,000 ft elevation will take a lot out of you....quickly.
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When I was a wheelie bow shooter I read "Backcountry Bowhunting: A Guide to the Wild Side" by Cameron Haines, and while he is a wheelie bow hunter this book is mostly about how to do the DIY bowhunt. Oh yeah and Durp, he does recommend horses.
Pack light, be in shape and have a plan.
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As far as places to go. Up around Steam Boat is a great place. Also there is a town just west of Steam Boat called Hayden I believe. North of Hayden is a combination of public and private land. Around 20 miles north you'll run into California Park. Thats where I grouse hunt and last year I saw over 100 elk in that area. I was wishing I had my bow and a elk tag instead of a shotgun and my dog :knothead:
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I have done it several times with a core group of guys and we have taken several different hunters with us over the years. Good advice so far about getting in shape. It's amazing how little oxygen they keep in that air at elevations higher than one is used to.
Good equipment that is light weight is a good goal. Once you carry something on your back all day it seems a lot heavier than when you pick it up at home and think "that's not too heavy."
For clothing think layers. You can wake up to heavy frost or snow and end up with 80* in the afternoon in September. Lots more good info can be found from any number of good folks right here. Keep asking questions and you will most likely get good answers. If you have more questions and want to PM feel free.
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I failed to mention in my post that it was actually my fourth elk bowhunt... just my first DIY wilderness pack in hunt. Never connected on my other hunts.
It is a GREAT EXPERIENCE (whether you connect or not).
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Solo in AK and CO for 7+ days. Going back to CO again this fall and can't wait. I love the challenge of preparing and surviving alone out in remote wilderness.
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Sure wish I could...
:campfire:
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Done this many times. I've found that the miles from the road doesn't equal good elk densities as much as does getting away from people. I've hunted several areas way back in, but near a trail, and now try to study pockets that might be only a mile or two off the road, but have tough access. As said above, go light as the pounds on your back and arms will keep you in camp when you should be moving around. One problem with later in the season is the muzzleloads will be out in force. Any time in Sept. in CO is a great time to be there.
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Me. This year will be my 6th hunt. I've been to CO, UT, and ID. All great hunts but I have yet to get my first elk.
Here are some pics of my tarp setup from 2008.
2008 Elk Hunt (http://sticknstring.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=9685178)
(http://sticknstring.webs.com/photos/Elk-Hunt-2008/tarp4.jpg)
Here's Idaho 2006 Pics.
2006 Elk Hunt (http://sticknstring.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=11182527)
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Mr. Scifres, Elk or no elk, your set up is great. Your pictures are excellent also.
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Thanks for the responses... Im pumped, Between my new hobby of building bows and planning/preping for my hunt next fall my wife is pissed..LOL
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Hey, that green tarp looks familiar!
(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l249/MF_2006/camp2-1.jpg)
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Love those pictures,it seems that I live 50 weeks every year just thinking about those two weeks in Sept.
Tim
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I have gone into the wilderness several times in colorado. As said above you need good skills,common sense and great cardio. Take your time, rest the first few days and your trip will be much better. I have never used horses but wished for them. All in all with a few friends you will work for a good long day packing one out. Bone out the meat,use game bags hung high and in the shade and the meat will be fine. Have a good trip
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One thing very important to know about Colorado- it is the responsibilty of the hunter to make SURE you are not on private property. If hte area you hunt is pocketed with private ground, study your maps carefully, and if need be check with the locals.
Even if its an accidental trespass, the law is tough, and the fines stiff. Not to mention the locals do not take too kindly of it, regardless of your excuse.
They do not have any requirements to post their property, and just because its not posted doesnt make any difference.
That said, so landowners will try to claim part of surround NAtional Forest lands as theirs, and attempt to force you off. If you are sure you are on NF land, you have every right to be there, even if the rancher has guide permits for the same area. Some will tell you they have the hunting rights to the NF area around the ranch. All that means is they can legaly guide hunters, but doesnt mean its not still available as public hunting land.
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My last elk hunt in Colorado was up in the Black Canyon country. I was a smoker and had to use oxygen to keep the headaches away. 20-some years later I am a nonsmoker and in way better shape. Ditto-ditto on conditioning. I just gave up running for good and now am hiking every other day up steep hills for four miles.
But all that said, I would strongly suggest checking out a drop camp from a good outfitter (in Washington it's the Washington Outfitters and Guide Association; in Oregon it's the Oregon Guides and Packers Association) and take plenty of game bags, plenty of rope and some pullies to hang the quarters.
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I backcountry Colorado as a non-resident. I'll be heading back this Sept - PM me if you want some info.
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Get in the best shape of your life, the altitude will kill you. Buy the best and lightest gear you can afford. DO NOT overpack, layer your clothes and only bring one extra underwear and socks. Pratice,do some shake down cruises near home.
Enjoy and charish the time spent in Gods country.
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Originally posted by Autumnarcher:
... it is the responsibilty of the hunter to make SURE you are not on private property...
...That said, so landowners will try to claim part of surround NAtional Forest lands as theirs, and attempt to force you off. If you are sure you are on NF land, you have every right to be there,...
A couple of excellent points. And try to be open minded at first- not all landowners are jerks. They appreciate politeness,even if they are not going to let you on the property. Not always easy with some people...
I would look into a good, light water filter. I save weight carrying one over walking out of camp loaded with a days supply and I don't like tablets. On hot days pushing to cover ground you can/should drink a LOT of water.
Joshua
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Not quite a DIY, but this fall I will be going with just me and one other guy, but we are backpacking in and living it out for several days. I can't wait! There is something about being alone in the wilderness that makes me feel alive.
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Great info guys. thanks for the tips, when i get closer ill post my gear list
Ulysseys- PM sent....
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It is the best hunting I have ever done on my own. Once your back there and the packing is over then the fun starts. Do it with some good guys and you will never forget the time of your life. Widow
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Back in the 80's went into The Bitterroot Wilderness Area for about 3 wks. Went with some guys I worked with in Ga. and we rented 10 horses for a mo. and bought all the gear we needed. Wall tents, stove, cots, pack saddles, etc.....everything.
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I would recommend having plenty of water in your pack. Last year I hunted with a 64oz. water bag but am adding a second one this year. I got tired of having to go for water. My wife is sewing in a second pocket in my pack so that I can fill both at once.
I found that I needed a lot more water at 9000 - 10500 feet elevation than I do back here at home (600 ft.). I used the tablets from Wal-mart plus I carried a filter bottle for quick drinks when needed.
Have fun.
Wayne
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I have been fortunate enough to do 9 DIY hunts in Colorado. The first trip was the only one in which I stayed at a cabin and most of the rest have been backpack trips into the backcountry. Backpacking requires a lot of attention to gear to ensure there is no duplication. Another great alternative is to find a local outfitter that will rent you a pack animal for the day. This will allow you to lead the pack animal with your gear back in to set up a spike camp away from the crowds. Once I drop off my gear I take the animal back out so that I do not have to contend with caring for a mule or horse while I am trying to hunt. It never hurts to make sure you have arrangements to get pack animals once you are successful to get your elk back to the trailhead. I have packed out elk quarters on my back and with the use of pack animals, there is no doubt that I prefer the use of pack animals for that task. Good luck on your trip.
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I have done both DIY hunts plus I have guided for elk. DIY hunts can be very rewarding but don't expect a whole lot of elk killing the first few years. It generaly takes several years to figure out a area. Its hard when traveling great distances to hunt in unfamilar country. Even when guideing we have to adjust to where the elk have moved to and it may take a day or so to find which drainage there in. Horses do make it easier for being more mobile but there is also a lot of complications with large animals. If you want to just kill an elk I say it would be cheaper money wise, more relaxing(its big country and can be very stressfull to some), and if you chose a good outfitter and get a good guide you will have better chance to get on some animals. If your going to go DIY plan on picking an area and hunting it for the next 4 to 5 years. Jumping around is generally bad but I am not saying to stay where there is no elk at the moment either. DIY hunst will be more money in the long run but if you are that kind of hunter and enjoy the chalanges its worth it. Just plan on multiple years to be sucessfull.
From what I have seen from a guide stand point is this. Elk are generaly in rough country when on public ground the easier to hunt the more people so rough and way back in is where the best hunting is at. Your physical condition will dictate how hard you can hunt. Do not try to fool yourself if you are not in good condition. It takes people in good condition a few days to acclimate to the thin air. Every one practices shooting up hill down hill what ever. Thats a big part. But for what ever reason when its crunch time and you have a bull in your lap screaming his head off guys fall apart. Do a mental boot camp if this where to happen what would I do? Why do you think the military has boot camp its not only physical its mentally preparing for combat. Even if you are a seasoned hunter you are going to have to talk yourself through it when Mr. Bull is takeing a leak on you. Study elk anatomy and I mean study it. If you can not tell me right now how the front leg bone sructure is set up, where the back of lungs come to etc etc you dont need to even be out there. This part should be on the top of the list even before practiceing it dont matter how well you shoot if you aim for the shoulder blade! It happens all the time. As far as I am concerned ONLY broadside shots should be taken. I know slightly quartering away is great for deer but elk have a big grass bag to stop arrows with. If you have any questions just ask I would be glad to help.
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Really not trying to be smart :D :campfire:
Dan
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Have any one of you guys hunted GMU 's 214 or 131 in CO? My buddies and I have narrowed our selection... Any insite?
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KSDan you are absolutely right.Best bunch of guys in the world to hang out with are Trad hunters.
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214's a pretty good area. We've hunted it 4 times now and are just now getting to know it well.
Be careful. We found that the California Park area is in a draw unit; NOT in the OTC. (According to the game warden we met.)
Be in good shape. Stay hydrated. Pack light. Try not to duplicate if on a party hunt.
The mountains all look good from Google Earth. Remember that when you're on one slope, you can't see the surrounding slopes because of the foliage. So keep in mind where you are and have a good GPS unit and compass.
Elk completely trust their instincts. No questioning time like a whitetail. If the wind swirls (and it does a lot) and you feel it on your neck, you're busted.
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Some day. Make sure you're in shape tha can put a damper on a hunt if you're sucking wind. As mentioned practice up and own hill angle shots. Perhaps stretch your range a few more yards, these aren't whitetails in the back lot. Best of luck to ya. :thumbsup: :archer2:
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I have been lucky enough to bow hunt elk on my own (sometimes with friends, but no guide)(all public land) for the last 16 years. I have killed around 14 elk and called in quite a few for friends (I have called in two bulls that scored over 385 gross that friends shot)(both times it was their first elk), a couple years I didn't get any and a couple years I got two (multi-state and additional cow/calf tags). My biggest bull has been a 333 out of AZ. I did kill a 307 bull in CO. A 285 6x6 in AZ, A wacky, big 3x6 in WY and all the rest have been 5x5's average for the unit I hunt in WY (one calf and a cow). My advice is to not only get in good cardio shape but, get those legs strong(lift weights). Get to the elevation at least 3 days before the hunt (more is better). Have fire in the tent. I like to be comfortable. On backpack trips I use a Kafiru tee pee with a stove. Plan to hunt the whole season. Be a sharp woodsman. Carry survival gear, map, compass and GPS. About 3 ways to build a fire. Some kind of rain gear and shelter (extra large trash bag can be shelter). I like a camelbac and find that I drink more water with it. On backpack trips I use a water filter. The better caller you are the better your odds of killing an elk. People kill elk without a bugle. I kill most of mine with my bugle and aggressive cow calling. If I can make him believe that I am breeding his cows right there on his mountain and they're likin' it, it seems to get 'em mad. Get in away from people and cover some ground. Good hunting. Almost, forgot. The first time you call a screaming bull to 15 yards, try to control your breathing because you will be hyperventilating and you won't be able to control your heart rate or shaking body. The tunnel vision makes picking a spot easier. Concentrate on not peeing your pants (or ware something that wicks moisture). I have found that after you kill a few elk, it's just as exciting as the first time. The adrenalin high should last until you get the meat out.
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I've backpacked for elk that last 20 years and haven't missed a year since turning 14. All the advice is good just remember ounces make pound and you would be suprised at what you can live without. I also second large amounts of water. I carry a 3 liter camelback and drink it all before the days over and am scrambling for more. However, water weighs alot and if your in country with lots of water sources then its no big deal. I do not carry a filter and just carry idoine tablets and powdered gatorade to cover taste and give me electrolytes. Remember to eat/snack/refuel often cuz your burning a crap load of calories. Rock on buddy and give them hell!!!
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Oh yeah, like mentioned before know how to quarter and BONE OUT the elk. I know a lot of buddies that still pack out the whole quarters. Bone and hide weighs alot!!!!!
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I don't know if this has been said or not,but when you are done with your first trip pull everything out of your pack.You will be surprised by how much stuff you took and did not use,Eliminate that stuff next time around,except for emergancy and rain gear
Tim
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I have a friend that worked and hunted in and around the Rockies for twenty + years and we are planning an elk hunt in the near future (1-2 years), I will keep this good information, and would like to thank those that have contributed.
Thanks
P.S. Almost forgot, Hawk, good choice on the Kifaru tipi and stove. I don't have the stove yet but will be taking my Sawtooth tipi with me.
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great info guys, thanks for the advice... keep it comin,
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I must admit that reading this thread makes me want to go; never have hunted out west but the desire is very much alive in me; just in case I don't get to go, I will always enjoy reading about the ones that do and just reading threads like this and seeing the pictures posted makes me feel like I get to go with you guys;
Thanks for sharing and look forward to many more stories; please don't feel too sorry for me as I greatly enjoy chasing the whitetails and turkeys all over the woods and back streams;
:campfire:
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I hunt out of a pack as much as often as I can. All my hunts have be DIY. Even on my evening hunts on the mountian I'm still set up to spend the nigh if I find action.
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love all the great info guys, i have been doin the diy backcountry thing for about seven years here in mt. and i learn something new everytime. i know elk seem to bugle more on high pressure weather days for some reason? and its best to wait out the middle of the day by a wallow, or just randomly cow calling in the dark timber, killed a few this way around noon. bring ducktape for the nasty blisters you WILL get. run hills in the off season. and i very highly recomend the kifaru tipi and stove also, just got back from three days in the woods bear hunting and it rained very hard the whole time. i was warm, dry and comfortable before and after each outing. saw three griz, 30 elk, two small blackys and there may or may not be a deflated wolf somewhere in montana :)
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A lot of great advice here. From my limited perspective in the back country with my home on my back, the biggest thing to consider is water. Know that there isn't a drop of surface water in Colorado that isn't suspect for Giardia. Get it and your trip is ruined. Know where the water sources are and how you are going to treat it to make it safe. If it's boiling, you'll need extra fuel for your stove. On a trip to the back country in '93 I had two stoves to boil water with me - a Colman single burner and a Svea. At 9500 ft. it took an hour to boil a gallon of water with the Colman and 20 minutes with the Svea. I know there are much better ways to treat water now days, check them out and pick one you have confidence in.
Have the best pack you can get. Fully adjustable with good hip pads. It's one of the most important pieces of gear you can have.
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I just bought the SteriPen Opti Adventurer on sale the other day. VERY nice, light, proven record over several years to kill all cryptos and viruses (a bonus).
I was researching filters and since the water in the areas I hike and hunt are fairly clear (not usually cloudy) I got the Pen.