Diy elk public land

[Keb]

Well we got a public land bucks and turkey thread,

So why not an public land elk thread.

Me never hunted them, but would assume minus deer and turkey be the next most hunted aninmal

[ChuckC]

There is lots of public land out west.  Some of it is awesome country to be in.
CHuckC

[Bullchaser1]

Been chasing Bulls in Colorado last three years. Lots of public land and lots of fun!

[Arctic Hunter]

I've been trying to get a trip together for the last couple of years. I have no idea what I'm doing, but learning a little as I go. I'll be watching this thread.

[northener]

Like everthing in life,.....lot of variables

I have been to Colorado 9 times mostly for mule deer but plenty of elk in this area as well, so I will add my experiences.

Plenty of public land for the first timer to get they're feet wet and experience elk hunting. I am not a "hard core" elk hunter looking for a trophy or have to have a wilderness area all to myself to get total satisfaction, Ill leave that for the young and fit. We hunted the western slopes of Colorado, roads in and out drove to our campsite and hunted out of there. Sure we bumped into other hunters on occassion but as a whole we were left undisturbed. I would go as far to say if we were only hunting elk day-in day-out,our chances would be pretty good at getting one every trip out west.

I have not gone for a few years now, so guessing things might have changed a little, but would be real surprised if i went this year i would be disappointed.

[lablover]

Heading to Colorado this year, went to Wyoming in 13 and the mountains are addictive so I'm going back for a DIY. Only second time hunting elk first DIY but can't imagine it not being fun.

[deerhunter_w]

Love chasing elk in Colorado.  This year will make my 6th year.

[randy grider]

I have been three times to CO on DIY public land hunts. Its tough, I have never gotten a shot at one, and I say chances ae pretty slim of killing one. Having said that, I cant wait to go again. It is without a doubt the most beautifull country I have ever seen, and to see elk, pronghorn, mule deer, even at a distance, is a thrill like killing a big buck here at home in Kentucky. The thin mountain air, and steep slopes will kick your butt, a nights sleep on the ground up there is the best I ever had though. All I need is a couple partners to go with.

[Spookinelk]

Here is a link to a great resource for anyone wanting to research places to hunt in CO.

 http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/huntingatlas/

[Matty]

"Hunting" in CO is really not that hard we have lots of readily available OTC units. Finding lots of elk un pressured. Well that's a different story. If gas prices stay low through the fall I'm expecting to see a lot more out of state people. I'm always willing to help and lend advice if you are looking for it...

[screamin]

I've been hunting elk since 1998 although my last 8 years in Nv I only drew two tags. That resulted in two elk down.... be prepared, when an elk goes down the real work begins, imagine that you just shot a horse. So get in shape!

I live in Utah now so I can go every year with a cow/spike tag in hand and hopefully next year, I draw a bull tag, I'll have 7 points and that should do it. After that, I'll probably be 66 by the time I can draw another bull tag in Utah so I might start doing the Colorado thing. It really depends upon how long the ole hip holds out.

By the way, I hunt alone, not by choice but because everyone I know that hunts is to lazy to get off the atv and do some walking, much less make 3 or 4 trips to get an elk out on their backs.

[beendare]

I've been hunting elk on public ground with a bow for over 30 years in Utah, Az, Nm, Co, and Wyo.

In anything besides a limited draw unit the key is planning around hunter pressure.

It really screws me up for other species as i am just hooked on elk.