Colorado Elk Help 4 Non-Res PLEASE

[don kauss]

looking seriously at trying for Elk in CO., but finding the regs confusing...can someone explain (to a dummy) the basics, and maybe even a good area to check out or focus on...looking at over-the-counter mostly...do-it-myself...Thanks in advance for any help!

[pumatrax]

if it's over the counter ; it's easy...come out , buy a license and you can hunt any area that is not a "specified" GMU or game management unit...

[pumatrax]

you do have to have a hunter safety card...

[Big Sneaky]

Colorado has over the counter units(OTC) and draw units.  In their regs in the Elk section it will list all of the units that are draw under Archery Elk.  If you don't have the brochure in hand you can always print off what you need.  In the regs they have a map that shows all the units and their numbers.  You could then take and mark out all of the draw units.  Then you can look at all the OTC units without getting confused.  

Then it is time to start looking at maps.  Finding places that are hard to access for other hunters.  Some good hunting not too far off of some roads that others may drive by.  I prefer wilderness areas just for the fact that there is no 4-wheelers allowed.  Lots of good country in CO but finding a honey-hole in OTC could take  a while.  

Also try doing a search on here and you will find lots of elk hunting info.

[don kauss]

Thanks guys...anyone willing to recommend an area that's not over-run?...I am not afraid to get out in back country...

[4Blade]

Don,  Here is a great place start.

 http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/SuggestedHuntingAreas/

The beetle infestation is complicating all hunting in CO.

Mark

[don kauss]

i will check it over, THANKS Mark!

[Whip]

Don, CO is the most popular elk hunting state for a reason - it has a pile of elk!  That also translates into being pretty overrun with hunters on public land in virtually every decent over the counter unit.  If you aren't afraid of a backcountry hunt you can leave 90% of them behind and enjoy a good hunt in lots of great units.  

It seems to me there are a number of ways to leave the pressure behind.  Hire a guy with horses (expensive), pack yourself in at least a couple of miles(lots of hard work), find some private ground(difficult and/or expensive), or find smaller areas that are overlooked by most people(easier done by locals who have the advantage of knowing the area).  

If you're looking to keep expenses low and don't mind the work, the pack in option is great.  Just make sure that your plan also includes being fully prepared to get an animal out in a timely manner if you are successful.   Elk are BIG animals, and you will likely be in some TOUGH terrain.  Best bet is to have someone with horses lined up well ahead of time to help with the chore.  I know that your AK experience gives you a good idea of what to expect in that department, but other people reading this need to take it into account.

[don kauss]

Thanks Joe...maybe we can talk a little more on the 20th, and/or the 27th...?

[fnshtr]

Don,

Did you see this thread...

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=084456

Wayne

[don kauss]

thanks Wayne...i did see that...thanks for the heads up!