OTC Elk Hunt (DIY)

[DKdc]

8leg- I have lived in Durango my entire life and pretty much exclusively hunt 74. You can get away from ATVS there pretty easily. ATVS do shut down the rut in some places just by the constant traffic going up and down the roads along with all the bugling from the road. I use the Osprey Xenith 105 pack pack. It is unreal how light they make a heavy load feel. I use to think a pack was a pack but I was wrong. I put a small light weight day pack inside for the day hunts. PM me for more details about specific areas if you want.
DK

[DWT]

Sure alot of people ready to bash colorado elk hunting and atvs, wonder how much first hand experience they really have. I have hunted colorado 19 seasons and killed 11 Elk. I have seen lots of atvs on the mountain roads but most of colorado is wilderness no atvs, foot or horseback only. If you see an atv 2 mi off the road call the dow they are riding ileagal and the dow and the forestry aint joking around when it comes to enforcement. I never saw an atv last year or another hunter in my immediate vicinity and we killed 2 elk out of 4 guys. On second thought your right go hunt Utah.

[BWallace10327]

The biggest problems I had in 74 were hikers and dog walkers, with plenty of off leash dogs.  I can't say what effect the noise has on elk, but I've seen lots of elk <1 mile from roads and I don't have a pre-atv or loud truck level to compare too.  If automobile noise was as bad as some make it seem there would be a lot fewer deer or elk vs car accidents on heavily trafficked highways.

[last arrow]

I've been going to unit 62 periodically since the mid 80s. Every time I've went except one,  someone in our party has killed elk.  Usually we are close to 50% successful for the party, and you can hunt mule deer and bear.  I like to go later in the season because there are less people and the elk are more active.  Also it can be downright hot in the early season - I don't like to hunt when temps are in the 80s.  Find a ridge that goes out from the divide road that easy hiking is blocked by a private ranch.  Go down in the canyon to go around the private property, come back up on top and you will likely get into undisturbed elk. Probably have to hike 3-4 miles with a lot of elevation change to be a mile in. You will be more likely to see cowboys on horses and cows than other hunters or ATVs once you get back in.  It will be tough getting the animal out though so be prepared to bone the animal out (learn the gutless method) and for some difficult packing if you don't find someone with a packhorse.

I also want to add that the private land is probably leased to hunters or outfitters and they do not care much for trespassers so get an up to date map of federal lands and know where you are.   On the other hand the cowboys you meet are generally really friendly and happy to help you out, especially if you have a beer or two to offer up.

[Bob Palmer]

Went for the first time this past fall...will never miss another season in the elk mountains again! It's amazing country and elk meat's awesome  

[Bullchaser1]

I've been diy elk hunting in southwest Colorado for quite a while. We have had some success in the past, but atv traffic got worse and worse, and so has the hunting. Your best chance is getting in shape and getting away from everyone else, which is easier said than done. If you do get on a bull, take advantage! You don't know how many bulls you'll find that want to play the game! Hunting pressure has been our biggest problem on our trips.

[Bullchaser1]

I've been diy elk hunting in southwest Colorado for quite a while. We have had some success in the past, but atv traffic got worse and worse, and so has the hunting. Your best chance is getting in shape and getting away from everyone else, which is easier said than done. If you do get on a bull, take advantage! You don't know how many bulls you'll find that want to play the game! Hunting pressure has been our biggest problem on our trips.

[DKdc]

Bullchaser1, what unit were you in?
DK

[Scott E]

The DIY Elk Blog Post

Part 1

  https://www.backcountryhunters.org/index.php/backcountry-blog/748-diy-elk-hunting-tips-part-1

Part 2
 https://www.backcountryhunters.org/index.php/backcountry-blog/749-diy-elk-hunting-tips-part-2

Part 3
 https://www.backcountryhunters.org/index.php/backcountry-blog/750-diy-elk-hunting-tips-part-3

I'll be doing a DIY Mule deer hunt if I draw the tag I want. If not I'll be heading to Arizona for an OTC hunt.

[Bullchaser1]

DK, we've been hunting in unit 73. Like I said we've seen some nice bulls and were lucky enough to tag a couple. Last year was the worst I've seen it for human activity. Still worth the 37 hour ride, sure is nice to get in those mountains!

[Bullchaser1]

DK, we've been hunting in unit 73. Like I said we've seen some nice bulls and were lucky enough to tag a couple. Last year was the worst I've seen it for human activity. Still worth the 37 hour ride, sure is nice to get in those mountains!

[Overspined]

When you go to CO  Un-Scouted be patient. Use google earth to look at cover where you like the looks of the terrain. Pick 4 good looking spots for a 8 day hunt and 7 or 8 for a longer DIY Hunt if you haven't been. Enjoy the challenge and burn boot leather. You'll start to cultivate areas with animals. I've been going for many years and see good numbers on and off through any given week. Weather can't be avoided.  

One tip, GET OFF THE TRAILS. I know a heavily traveled walking biking path where animals are often 100 yds away. They have become accustomed to the activity. Usually 1/2 mile or more in though.