Who knows about Mt Zirkel Wilderness

[jtwalsh62]

Has anyone been in and hunted the Zirkel Wilderness  What can you tell me about it

[VTer]

We were there back in the late 90's, 99 I believe. That summer was the year of the big blowdown. Miles and miles of downed trees. We thought, "how bad could it be". Easterners are definately not used to that kind of natural phenomonon. Anyways, we didn't see many elk but they were around as well as mule deer. We were east of Clark on FR400. Lost Dog creek and Big and Little Agnes mountains were the area we hunted.

[MAT]

I used to hunt that area a lot (zone 5), but only been into the actual wilderness once.  From what I know the area was hard hit by the bark beatle.  When I drove thru there 2 years ago I was shocked by all the dead timber.  You might want to call and see what the conditions are.  I hunted near Yellowstone with lots of standing dead timber and it was pretty scary with any kind of wind.  And ugly.

[Mike Theis]

Hiked it from Buffalo Pass all the way to Seed House to scout it. Hunted it before the blowdown occurred. East of the divide you should be safe. Although the approach from that side is limited. The beetles appear to be making this area very hazardous right now. Talk to the forest people about your plans. Now is a good time of year to reach them in the office. Be careful and good luck.

PM me for some links to some info on the area. Or Google "Routt Blowdown" Can't post outside links here directly.

[VTer]

A couple pics from that trip. A view shot and me cooking a grouse I shot.

[fireman_3311]

Wife and I got married at Big Creek Lake!!

[eagleone]

definately contact colorado dow- they closed as large portion of it last year so they could log off some of the beetle killed trees

[Ron+dog]

as far as i know most of the closed areas are open agian but the damn beetle kill is terrible its a beutiful place but im afraid it may not be very much longer
fireman3311, thats awesome man, in the outdoor or where ?

[Orion]

Didn't go into the wilderness, but hunted just north of it a few years, most recent was two years ago.  I agree with Rondog re the beetle kill.  I estimate that 70% of the forest is dead or dying. A lot more of it will be coming down in the next few years, either through logging or storms.  More through storms and wind, I'm guessing.  They can't keep up with it logging.  My hunting partner and I pack in a few miles.  The last time there, it was difficult to find a safe place to set up a tent.  Dead trees wherever one looked.