Flat Tops Wilderness Area-Colorado

[Burnsie]

Planning a pack in trip into this area for Fall 2009, any info/experience with this area would be appreciated. What is the process for getting an archery tag in this area. Is it a draw area, preference points, OTC??
Thanks,  Burnsie

[Jack Shanks]

I hunted there a couple of times but that was over twenty years ago. Doubt I would be much help to you now. One year I spent 21 days straight hunting elk there without coming out. Beautiful country, lots of dark timber for the elk to hide in.

[John Scifres]

It's been about 5 years since I tried but back then you'd get drawn with 1 preference point.  I think it is still about the same.  They let in a lot of hunters.  It's a busy place near the roads but if you get in the tough spots, you should find some elk that aren't running.  Choose your outfitter well.  Ask for references and recommendations from them and here on the TG.  There are a lot of elk but a lot of hunters.  I'd love to go back some day but Idaho is calling my name right now.

[kadbow]

Look here:

 http://wildlife.state.co.us/RulesRegs/RegulationsBrochures/BigGame.htm

[chsnelk03]

What GMU are you considering? Flattops WA is the 2nd largest WA in Co. and encompasses GMU's 12, 24, 25, 26, 33 and 34. GMU's 12, 24 and 33 ae LE areas and the application deadline was 2 Apr, so those are pretty much out. OTC licenses are available in 25, 26 and 34. I have never hunted this area personally, but have heard it gets very crowded, not only with hunter's but weekend recreationalists as well. I have been told by locals that there are a lot of blowdowns from the beetle infestation and in 2002 wildfires got about 23,000 acres. The CDOW website is a really good source of info as is the Colorado forum on bowsite.com.
Hope this helps some.

[Burnsie]

up

[sndmn11]

the draw units chsnelk stated will take one point usually.

[chsnelk03]

Hey Kyle, how you been?

[Wapiti Chaser]

The area near the roads is hunted very hard. If you get back in you can get away from the crowds. Be prepared to pack out your meat.

[BTH]

I've hunted the flattops. Get away from people and get back in the wilderness. The area I hunted had pretty heavy guided hunt activity with the mule trains going way back. We saw animals, mostly deer, just depends where the elk are moving. Be in shape for it. My bro and I thought we were ready, but we weren't. We acutally like the Sweetwater area better. More elk it seems. Or maybe we hit the herds as they were moving through and our timing was right.