Colorado Elk Unit 76

[bucknut]

Just wondering if anyone has been there since the fires.  Hunted there in 03 And wondering how much it has changed and what parts burned. Looks like I should draw this year if all goes well.  Any and all info on the area would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, JOHN

[catman1]

I hunt in unit 71 out of Rico, it's a ways west from you. Things are OK there.

[catman1]

I hunted unit 71 around Lake City 5 years ago, that's north of ya. I would think all would be cool. I got buddy's that work for Colo power and light as lineman and they are in the woods all the time, they would let me know anything if it's bad.

[motorhead7963]

I hunted that unit in 06 and 08 all is well unless there have been fires since then.

[bucknut]

Yes, They had a fire a couple years back. Just wondering if anyone knew if it was doing well or not. where to go or not to go for the best elk populations. Any help would be appreciated

[monterey]

Hunted 77 spring Turkey and saw a lot of elk that had wintered there north of the highway.

Hunted deer In 74 last Nov and there was good elk sign.

If you checked around you might be able to get an online map of the burn areas.  Burns are not always a bad thing.

[LKH]

I have enough points to draw 76 but not sure I should do so without a packer lined up.  Will be interested in how you do.

[bucknut]

Monterey,  I was really interested in how much they are using the burn area. Not thinking it was a bad thing.  Is it pulling more of the herd from surrounding areas? (Better food source) Hunted a burn area in 80 5 years or so after the burn and they were in there like fleas on a dogs back. Hard hunting though, blow downs and Aspen saplings on 6" centers.  A year or so ago I read a post of how it really opened things up and it was hard to get into bow range.  Just trying to get a feel for it, since I'm so far away and can't actually put feet on the ground.

[LKH]

I guided an area in WY this past year that had a controlled burn done.  The elk were really using it and the deer all seemed to have relocated to near the burn.

There were narrow canyons mixed with large open areas and in 5 days he had two close range shots.  I nicknamed him the Lumberjack and you can figure out why.

[monterey]

I never got far enough north while down there to be able to give you any first hand info on the burns.  

My observation of burns in general in Colorado is that how they bounce back and has a lot to do with soil conditions.  From what I did see there it looks like they bounce back pretty fast.