really need some advise on colorado elk!

[stick flipper]

I have been searching past threads and I have found that the area I was going to hunt this sept. for elk in colorado seems to be a bad choice. I was advised by a friend to go to gmu 62. After I have read about gmu 62 it seems it gets alot of hunting pressure and ATV use??? Is this correct? This will be my first trip to colorado. I am not asking for anyones special place to go, but what unit would you suggest for a guy who wants to be away from the crowds? any advise or info. would be greatly appreciated.

thank you,   Chris

[John Scifres]

I recommend the areas in the White River National Forest near the Flattops Wilderness area.  There are a couple over the counter areas.  I believe GMU 25 is one of them.  You will still have pressure but there are a lot of elk.  Get away from the roads.  Do some scouting.  Be realistic, get in shape, and don't expect to kill an elk your first time out there.  Learn an area that has elk and stick to it.  

If I wanted to get away from the crowds, I would not hunt a decent OTC area in CO.  I'd invest in some scouting trips in a unit that requires a couple preference points and wait for the draw to roll my way.

If you want to get away from ATVs, find a wilderness area.  At least that way you only have to deal with folks on horses or those who can hike as far as you can.

[kadbow]

62 gets a lot of pressure, so does the flat tops.

[hit some miss some]

Chris, I don't want to steal your thread, but I would like get some input about unit 66. I've heard it's great for deer, but what's the elk hunting like?
Brian

[rtherber]

Unit #66-67 went to a draw area requiring at least a preference point or two. That happened about 4-5 yrs. ago. and I've heard the quality has improved in both areas. You might look at gmuresearch.com for stats for that unit.

[Steertalker]

Stick flipper,

I think it all depends on what kind of hunt you want to do.  If you want easy access and to be able to hunt from a truck, unit 62 is probably as good as any(would not be my choice).  On the other hand, if you are backpacking in, that is another story.  Crowdog has given you some good advice....the Durange area is a good area.  

I personally would not recommend hunting elk from out of a pickup.  I'm kind of a loner and selfish when it comes to elk hunting....I don't want to see or hear another human being while I am elk hunting.  In my experience, the only way to do that is to have an outfitter pack you in.  I promise you it will increase your odds ten fold!!!

Feel free to PM me if you want some specific areas.

Brett

[adeeden]

I would also reccomend the area around Durango, specifically unit 77 near pegosa springs. I hunted it last year for 10 days and never seen another soul! I did pack in aways from the road though. Its an OTC area as well. If your wanting any details PM me.

[hit some miss some]

Sorry, I meant unit 65. Duh!! I put in for a point in 66. I've got an open unit tag. We're planning to go to 65.
Brian

[rtherber]

hit some miss some-----I have a friend that has doggedly stayed with Unit #65 thru feast and famine and refuses to try another area. He usually connects with a legal bull each season but hasn't the last two years. He had an outfitter move his camp into the park he had shot a bull in the previous year. And this last season he said he only heard a few bugles and went home emptyhanded. IT WAS A little wetter than normal last season though. BUT I'm certain he'll be going right back there this year. He was there around the Labor Day holiday time period.

[SOS]

Had good luck in 81 several years ago with compound.  Like others said earlier, look for wilderness areas.  You don't have to go far to get away from most.  Pack in a light camp and go in a few miles.  Look for areas away from any main pack trails and hiking trails.  You can find good pockets.  Look on the Colorado website.  They have some maps that show hi density summer range, that's what you need to look for during early bow season.  Found bugling doesn't start good until the third week or sometimes later in September.  Muzzleloader season seems a week earlier than in the late 90's.  Set your sights on any legal elk - cow or bull, but maybe the elk spirits will smile on you with a whopper.  A few can be found in an OTC unit.  Steve

[stick flipper]

thank you guys for helping me out. I do have another question though. How is the hunting in the white river nat'l forest area?


thanks, chris

[mark land]

Hunted 62 for many years, but pressure and atv's finally ran us off.  There was some great hunting in there, but way too many idiots now.  Went to Rifle/Silt area and found some good hunting, but it too started to get a little crowded as well.  There are some good areas, but unfortunately, if it has good access, it will have lot's of pressure.  Your best bet is to locate an area that has limited access and plan on roughing it and you should find elk in just about any area now, the herds have really expanded over most of the state and the only limitations are how far you are willing to go in and get away from the crowds.  Good luck!  Mark