Colorado Game Unit 71

okelkhunter · 01-31-2007, 06:31 PM

We are going on a drop camp elk hunt in Colorado Game Unit 71. Has anyone hunted the area and what was your experience and did you see many elk? We are going blackpowder.

madmax83192 · 01-31-2007, 07:25 PM

Well i found this hope it can help you out

Dolores "“ Dry Creek Basin - GMUs 70, 71, 711

Vehicle access is easy in these areas; consequently hunting pressure is heavy on public lands. Also, remember that travel in the Lizard Head Wilderness Area in GMU 71 is by foot and horseback only.

Deer are abundant in the area and overall hunting will be good. The chances of seeing a mature buck are rated from fair to good. In the early seasons deer are evenly distributed above 8,000 feet. They move lower quickly as hunting pressure increases, and generally from east to west. As the weather grows cold, deer will concentrate in Dry Creek Basin, Disappointment Valley and along the Dolores River. GMU 70 in Dry Creek Basin is recommended in the third season.

Elk are abundant and distributed widely throughout these units. Generally, GMU 71 is better early in the season; and GMU 711 is better as the season progresses. During the season the animals move from north to south and from higher elevations to lower elevations. Animals will move quickly into thick aspen and mountain shrub when hunting pressure become apparent. The opportunity to see a mature bull is only fair.

AmericanBwana · 02-03-2007, 06:50 PM

Well a quick check shows an average of 27% success, out of 415 hunters (for ML hunters in GMU 71 over the last 6 years). CDOW estimates there are over 15,000 elk in that herd.
Not bad odds.
Spend some time this summer practicing your elk calling. It'll pay off!
What outfitter is going to drop you off?
AB

elknut1 · 02-03-2007, 07:43 PM

Go to the bottom of AmericanBwanas post & click on his Site you'll see everything you want to know & more about unit 71 & all surrounding units! I've been on his Site, you'll be glad you did!

ElkNut1

SILVERTIP-CO · 02-06-2007, 09:00 PM

Hunted it lots, fished it too. Not much luck at either, but thats just me. Lots of elk. I called my first bull in ever... to 45'. Had to stand up so he wouldnt run over me. Havent kilt one yet, but thats just me. I like the unit better than miost for elk. Its a big pretty unit, I havent got it all explored yet. Good luck there. When I retire I may move there I like it so well.

Hunt high, shoot low.

huntquest · 02-09-2007, 01:16 PM

I live in unit 71, what do you need to know?