I'm planning a first elk hunt with my dad and I. He wants to do rifle or muzzleloader and since we don't have any points and he wants bull only it looks like our choices are units 56 and 561. Anyone have any experience in that area or any advice? Which unit is better? I know we have a small chance of being drawn so we'll fall back on OTC rifle season if that's the case, which opens our options a lot more. But that puts us closer to snow season. So I'm planning on ML season and adjusting if we don't get drawn. Looks like the avg temps will be in the 70's. Anyone know of some butchers in that area? Places to get dry ice etc.
If you want to hunt early season, I'd suggest OTC archery. If can't do archery, then I'd plan on OTC 2nd rifle, and hope you don't get the snow. You may or may not. It all depends on what part Colorado, and how high up you get.
You can look over Colorado dow websight, and its loaded with info. You can look up last yrs pts needed for each draw, each area, each season. The actual draw results by # of licenses, # applicants, number that drew, and percentage chances.
I would look at all that.
Being first time there, your looking at a whole new world of hunting!!
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08' Bowtech General
02' Champion Stratus
Thanks for the replies guys. I've been all over the DoW website and even talked to a DoW hunt planner (a new service this year, I understand) and he's basically pointed us to these two units. I know it's a small chance thing but worth the try. Besides if we don't get drawn we get Pref Points. I'm not looking for a trophy, just any legal bull, but even then its mostly about a trip with my Dad. I'm just looking for some info to decide between 56 or 561 as my first choice and if we get drawn I guess I'll need more info then. If not its back to looking at OTC areas for Rifle.
I would put a bull for 1st choice which I don't think you'll get. That will get you a point for next year. Then put in for a cow as your 2nd choice. You'll get that for sure and you can hunt and get to know the unit.
Maybe you can get a leftover licence in a better unit.
I only live 10 minutes from unit 56, and I only hunt it if I can pickup a leftover licence to extend my season.
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Accuracy is everything.........Wyatt Earp
Congratulations! What season did you get drawn for? Looks like the 4th rifle season is the only one with decent success, but I am sure they are there if you work for them. Good luck.
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Venor ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
Thanks for the replies guys. I've been all over the DoW website and even talked to a DoW hunt planner (a new service this year, I understand) and he's basically pointed us to these two units. I know it's a small chance thing but worth the try. Besides if we don't get drawn we get Pref Points. I'm not looking for a trophy, just any legal bull, but even then its mostly about a trip with my Dad. I'm just looking for some info to decide between 56 or 561 as my first choice and if we get drawn I guess I'll need more info then. If not its back to looking at OTC areas for Rifle.
The DOW is on a mission this year to sell as many tags as they can and started a nation wide advertising campaign. They get a lot of questions on where to hunt and try to spreed people out. I would take anything they say with a grain of salt and do my own research because they main goal is to sell tags and make money that they need right now.
I take a group of 8 to 10 friends from Missouri to Unit 161 near Walden. We usually hunt first rifle to stay out of the snow. We have been 4 times. 0 elk, 0 elk, 3 elk and 3 elk. Takes awhile to get the feel of it for a new person. Make sure to walk a lot this summer. Have heavy frame packs and game bags and more than one knife per man. Get more than a mile off the road. Are you hunting in National Forest Land?
The DOW is on a mission this year to sell as many tags as they can and started a nation wide advertising campaign. They get a lot of questions on where to hunt and try to spreed people out. I would take anything they say with a grain of salt and do my own research because they main goal is to sell tags and make money that they need right now.
Well, I had done my research and had come to the same conclusion. Those two units were the only ones I had a chance of getting drawn for BP with 0 pref points. Not a lot of selection but that's the restriction my Dad wanted. So it is what it is. Just going will be enough, if we just see elk it will be a success, an actual kill will be icing. Just want a good memory to keep. Dad's 73 and we aren't going full bore. Plan on doing fishing and enjoying the scenery as well as time spent together. Just want a safe fun trip.
CO. Elk ML Hunting - Units 56 or 561 ?
