Colorodo elk hunting advice needed in a hurry! lol

[trad_admirer]

Anybody hunt elk in Colorodo?  Specifically the White River National Forest?  I've never hunted elk, and i have 2 days to get ready.  LOL.. crazy i know..  But this was a surprise B-day/Going away present from my wife and friends.  And i can't really worry about tiny details like planning or anything.  haha..   So, any advice i can get would be much appreciated!

[L82HUNT]

I hunt the Gunnision, which is very close depending on what part of White River your talking about.  The White River is HUGE.

 I will be leaving Monday for 3 weeeks, for a solo DIY hunt.  I will be still hunting in the morning, and hunting over water or wallow in the evening.  Chances are there wont be alot of bugling this earlier, but at night they will be singing.

   Best advice I can give you. Keep moving until you find elk. Carry a sidearm, there is a good bear pop in the area.  Drink more water then you think you need, then drink some more. I really like the powder Gatorade you put in water.  Chapstick is worth its weight in gold.

     Have fun this is a part of the White I pass thru on my way to my huntin spot.

[Bucksnort101]

Always carry your Compass!!! Even if you just plan on hunting a wallow just off a shhotoff trail from the main logging road. Don't ask how I learned this lesson, but I'll never leave cmp without my pack again, even if I only think I'm going to be gone a short time.
What is the nearest town you will be hunting by? I would suggest stopping into the nearest Sporting Goods store and buying a map of the area and asking for suggestions from the staff. They should be pretty helpful. Second the water thing, and make sure you carry some energy bars, snacks, emergency blankets, a signal mirror and other assorted survival items as you never know what may happen.

[foxchef]

L82hunt is right. That area is freakin huge! 3 or 4 million acres, pretty steep and absolutely gorgeous. Fishings great too.  Like everyone else said; drink tons of water and move slowly the first few days. Altitude sickness is no joke. Listen to Bucksnort101's advice also, you can't be too prepared. Be careful and have a great time!

[trad_admirer]

Thank you very much fellas!  That's the good stuff i needed to know!  I'm not sure which part, my buddy told me a few towns but i forgot the names..  i was so pumped!  lol..  I'll get a few more details and let you know.  Thanks again guys.

And that looks AWESOME L82HUNT..  Don't get sights like that every day here in Tennessee!

[trad_admirer]

All i know right now is Coffee Pot Spring Campground..  Does that help?

[kadbow]

You will be on the SE side of the Flat Tops.  Good numbers of elk but also good numbers of hunters.  If you can find areas away from the hunters/hikers you should find elk.  Pretty country.  Enjoy your trip.

[Gaff]

and dont forget your camera!!! lol..
and good luck

gaff

[SCATTERSHOT]

If it's the same Coffee Pot Spring, you'll be northwest of Eagle, out of the small town of Dotsero. good road access to most areas, but hike in to get away from other hunters. great country, fairly flat once you get up there, but take it easy for the first few days to acclimate yourself to the high altitude, and bring plenty of water.

if you find yourself getting headaches, an antacid like Tums will help, believe it or not.

The days will be warm, but nights are chilly, so dress in layers.

Good stores in Eagle for last minute stuff or to re-suppply.

good luck!

[trad_admirer]

Thanks a lot guys.  I found out that my wife and buddy have talked to Fred Eichler and got a few pointers from him.  Sounds a lot like what i'm hearing from everyone on here.  thanks a bunch, and hopefully i'll get some great pics and my first big game animal with my longbow.  

[L82HUNT]

Originally posted by SCATTERSHOT:

if you find yourself getting headaches, an antacid like Tums will help, believe it or not.

 

Very true, I start taking 2 a day, four days before I go out. I also start taking one asprin every mornig I wake up before I go to.  Otherwise your head may feel like this  

[kctreeman]

stop at silt,CO at Tim's Tools for any last minute gear or tags. Good guy and store. Hunted East and west divide Creek quite a bit south of I-70.Lots of quiet elk. LImit your calling, no bugles. Also lots of ATV roads and traffic but never seemed to be a problem. Hunt Uncle Bobs mountain from the top down. No chance of getting lost nice easy hunt, did it many times. watch for black bearalways see a bunch of those.

[fisherick]

Sounds like your hunting OTC in GMU34 just above Glenwood Springs. Internet scouted it last year, try the western side neer Canyon creek, Flatiron mountain. Good luck and drop me a line on your return.

[Bucksnort101]

Your not too far from where I'll be at the end of Sept. GMU33 on the north side of the town of Rifle, Co.  Lots of hunters, but also pretty good numbers of Elk, nothing too huge for Bulls, but I don't care, I'll be happy with whatever I can get with on my first Elk hunt with Traditional gear.
Good luck.

[trad_admirer]

I don't care either Bucksnort.  lol..  I'll be tickled to death just to see an elk (and not be eaten by a bear)..  We actually changed our flight to Wednesday instead of Saturday so i'll have a few more days to prepare.  

But i'm so pumped!  I'm happy just knowing i'll get to see the Rockies, and have a chance at my dream animal.  

Tradgang really is the best place on the internet!

[SCATTERSHOT]

Well, let us know how you did!

[LoneWolf73]

I had alot success seeing animals by hunting river/creek draws coming out of the mountains, up one side till it gets nasty and down the other side to the valleys. Walk the Elk trails slowly , never know when they will be bedded off the side.
They are quiet animals keep your eyes open, they will even come in behind you quickly so watch your back trail. Buy a poncho to stay dry in quick changing weather, can also use it to keep meat clean while skinning if you get one, lots of other uses. Have fun, enjoy the experience.