Colorado Elk hunting Question

[J. Holden]

Fot those that have knowledge, I'm trying to plan a public land elk hunt into Colorado in a year or two.  I have a place to stay near Pike National Forest.  Specifically looking at GMU 501.  I'm wondering if any of you have experience with this area and what your thoughts are.  Thanks!

-Jeremy  

[ChuckC]

Try to determine if it is an area that allows motorized vehicles (quads) or not first.  That might help guide you as to your strategy.

I don't know that area.  I hunt another that is located west of Aspen by a bit.

Is this your first elk hunt ?   First time hunting the mountains ? I am guessing this is the first time in that area.

Have you set foot on the place or just map / aerial photo scouting at this point ?

ChuckC

[J. Holden]

Chuck,

This would be my first elk hunt.  I have a co-worker who's been out there, his parents reside there, and he has seen the elk.  He's somewhat familiar with the area.  Inside Pike there is a "wilderness" area that I'm told is protected from vehicles.  But, I know how well some listen to rules.  If a tag is not sold over the counter for a certain GMU does a non-resident need points?  And if so how does one aquire those points?  I tried looking at CO web site and it's not the easiest to navigate.  Thanks for repsonding too.

-Jeremy

[kadbow]

It took a minimum of one preference point to draw a 501 archery tag this year.  That means a minimum of two years before you can hunt it.  You get points by applying for a license or a point.  You have to apply in the spring.  I have never hunted 501.  Looks like you have some time to figure out the DOW website, which if you want to hunt CO you will need to do.  Spend a little time looking around the website and reading the big game brochure, it is not too terrible once you get into it a bit.

[Pete McMiller]

Jeremy,

I'm not familiar with that area either but here are a few things.  First off if an area is off limits to vehicles and they catch anyone in there in a vehicle the fine is steep.  Basically if it's "no vehicles" you likely won't see any.  Secondly, get a copy of the Colorado Big Game Brochure/regs.  Many of your questions will be answered there.  Their web site might be cumbersome but just about everything is there if you look hard enough for it.  If a GMU is a draw area you need to apply before something like April 1st but check to be sure.  Not sure how the points work as we have never done that but, if I remember correctly, it's all in the regs.

Lastly, get good topo maps of the area and study them.  Be aware of what is steep and what is really, really steep.

Colorado has the largest elk herd in the country so there are elk in almost all areas.  Of course some areas are better than others - check out the previous years harvest data (on line) and you will see how areas stack up to each other.  An archery success rate of 15-20% is fairly average.

There is no substitute for researching an area and even then, you might get out there and find it different than you expected.  The first year I went ('93) we got out there and discovered to our horror that it was overrun with sheep - YUCK.  We still got one bull for the two of us.  Roll with the punches and you will be fine.

[J. Holden]

Thanks so much for the help gentlemen.  I think I did see that I'd need one preference point for the area of 501.  I was unaware though that I'd have to wait a year to use it.  Looks like I need to apply next spring!  Thanks again guys.

-Jeremy