Colorado Elk hunting advice
02-14-2013, 08:18 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,780
You might want to apply for a draw license for some unit that is not too tough, and if you fail to draw you will get a preference point and can check the box to have them send you an OTC license. Check the draw odds at their website for easy units. http://wildlife.state.co.us/Pages/Home.aspx
Be advised that there is a good reason that some units are easy draws (difficult access, etc.). All of the open units that I have ever seen have been a real zoo, with an orange coat on every ridge.
Be advised that there is a good reason that some units are easy draws (difficult access, etc.). All of the open units that I have ever seen have been a real zoo, with an orange coat on every ridge.
02-14-2013, 10:44 AM
#4
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 270
What weapon,bow,muzzleloader or rifle. Are you capable/willing
To hike in a mile or two from the nearest road before you start
Hunting? Can you quarter and pack out a 5-6 hundred pound
Animal from that far back in? If you answer no to either
Question or your weapon of choice isn't a bow--- build a few
Points and draw a unit or you'll most likely be disappointed.
To hike in a mile or two from the nearest road before you start
Hunting? Can you quarter and pack out a 5-6 hundred pound
Animal from that far back in? If you answer no to either
Question or your weapon of choice isn't a bow--- build a few
Points and draw a unit or you'll most likely be disappointed.
02-14-2013, 10:52 AM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722
You should definately look into applying for a 1st season rifle elk tag. Many of them are either sex and can be drawn with 0 points. If you don't draw, then you can get the tag the next year for sure. You could then hunt the unit in the second season to get familar with the unit. But the 1st rifle is king for elk for several reasons. They are generally still in rut, no deer hunters, and limited tags (no OTC).
As far as a recommendation for a specific unit: Any unit in the western 1/2 of the state will generally hold elk. Look at the link provided in an earlier post and specifically for two stats: How many points to draw and hunter success. Find a unit that can be drawn with 0-1 points with good hunter success and you have probably found a good spot to go. Then check and find out for sure that it has plenty of public land.
If you want some general areas that you can get away from roads where there are elk: Flat tops wilderness, maroon bells wilderness, west elk wilderness, wimenuche wilderness, san juan wilderness, Holy Cross wilderness.....
Here is a link: http://www.coloradowilderness.com/wildpages/map.html
As far as a recommendation for a specific unit: Any unit in the western 1/2 of the state will generally hold elk. Look at the link provided in an earlier post and specifically for two stats: How many points to draw and hunter success. Find a unit that can be drawn with 0-1 points with good hunter success and you have probably found a good spot to go. Then check and find out for sure that it has plenty of public land.
If you want some general areas that you can get away from roads where there are elk: Flat tops wilderness, maroon bells wilderness, west elk wilderness, wimenuche wilderness, san juan wilderness, Holy Cross wilderness.....
Here is a link: http://www.coloradowilderness.com/wildpages/map.html
02-24-2013, 07:22 AM
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722
Depends on the unit. First link will show you unit maps. Put in unit 75 to get you started. Second link will tell you how many points to draw:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/...MUnitMaps.aspx
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/...tatistics.aspx
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/...MUnitMaps.aspx
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/...tatistics.aspx