Help in hunting gmu 24 in Colorado

[redlane]

I'm going to be hunting gmu 24 in Colorado this year for the 3rd rifle season for elk. Any info that anyone has would help out. I'm also looking for anyone to hunt along with in the area. I don't need to be guided, but to be shown where to camp and hunt(roads, area, etc). I have all what i need to stay in the mtns. I'm trying to find a new hunting area in Colorado. I may also be willing to trade some hunts to. I have about 850 acres of private property in sw Ohio (warren co) with Big whitetails on it.

[BuckAlley]

I've never hunted 24, but have hunted 25 & 26 for elk during archery. I will tell you 24 is in the heart of The White River National Forest. Its known for having a large population of Elk in Colorado. Alot of the area is forever wild, which means it can only be accessed by foot or horseback. The roads leading into it are like rough dirt logging roads. You'll need a 4x4, and being the 3rd season I suggest having tire chains as you could likely have snow. I've hunted in Sept, and had up to foot snow. Its some very beautiful mtn country. Truly Gods country. Be sure to bring a camera & video recorder. Been there 2x's, and going back again this Sept. I love it there!!!!!!!

[redlane]

Iv got both. I hunted 681 last year in big snow storm. I made the guys that I was with believers in chains. How's the hunting in 25 and 26?

[Colorado Cajun]

Never hunted there but just thought I would mention that you may want to research high ground and lower ground because the snow will dictate where the elk are. This year had been a wet year for CO standards with a lot of rain lately. There should be lots of food for them.

[BuckAlley]

Well I can't really compare it to any other units, as its only place I've hunted. But have always seen elk, and some nice bulls. I came dam close to sticking a real nice 6x7 my first time out. I've seen some nice bulls taken as well. 08' a nice 6x6 was taken in area I go. My only complaint is the free ranging cows ranchers have in that area. They can mess up a hunt.

[Silver_Wolf]

Originally Posted by redlane

I'm going to be hunting gmu 24 in Colorado this year for the 3rd rifle season for elk. Any info that anyone has would help out. I'm also looking for anyone to hunt along with in the area. I don't need to be guided, but to be shown where to camp and hunt(roads, area, etc). I have all what i need to stay in the mtns. I'm trying to find a new hunting area in Colorado. I may also be willing to trade some hunts to. I have about 850 acres of private property in sw Ohio (warren co) with Big whitetails on it.

Same as someone else said, I haven't hunted that unit, but Unit 34 which is the south half of the same area your hunting. The snow seems to be a factor for 3rd season. In my experience it usually take a foot of snow to move them down. Any less that that and they don't move off the high grounds. I think alot of that unit is in Flattops Wilderness area, so access is limited to Foot/ Horse traffic. That cluster of units and the couple north of it has the largest herd of elk in the state. The White River basin seems to attract snow and sometimes alot even in October.

Pictures from my 2005 Hunt

Good luck with your hunt this year.

[redlane]

Hey guys thanks for all the info and pics. Silver camp looked great and looked alot of fun. Last years 3rd season was rough in the 2 feet of snow. But also taught me a lot of stuff. But I still managed to kill a bull. Happy hunting and let me know if you guys are ever in Ohio hunting. Iv got good property.

[madmax83192]

Found a little something from the dow.

GMU 24: Approximately 90 percent of this unit is public land, primarily the White River National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. The farther a hunter hikes from the main trails and camps, the less hunting pressure they will find. Hike into the Trappers Lake drainage for less pressure, but there are hunters and outfitters who use this area during the season as well. GMU 24 is an excellent elk unit for those wishing to get away from the main roads and trails

[barnabyb]

unit 24 is a draw archery tag, but you only need a few points for an either sex tag. If you are DIY hunting I can recommend hunting from the UTE trailhead off of Forest service rd 238. Head south up the UTE trail about 3-4 miles and camp along the edge of the old burn. Great elk feeding area. It is just inside the wilderness area, and I would hunt uphill from there toward either Johnson park or Papoose Basin. The closer you get towards White springs or Johnson park the better. It is tough walking in the area due to the old burn, but a great spot if you are willing to work for it.