I need some help on a combined Elk and Mule deer hunt I am planning for units 71, 771 and 78 located around Pagosa Springs, Colorado which is in the south west corner of the just north of the New Mexico border. I will be hunting November 1st to November 7th. This will be my first elk or mule deer hunt and I am self guiding. I have already been conditioning and reading every elk magazine, book or article I can lay my hands on. I also have ordered topo maps for the area. I have my rifle and load picked out (my .300 win. Mag with 180 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claws.) and most of my gear purchased, but since this is my first elk hunt and scouting is not possible (and the season is so short) I am looking for any tips that can my hunt more successful. I want to focus on elk, but if a nice mulie buck happens to make an appearance, I' ll have a tag ready for him. How do I find a good area on my maps so I can hunt there when I arrive? As far as calling, should I just stick with some cow calling?

I am not looking for any " hot spots," just some general tips on how to locate elk in that sort of terrain.

hey badger i got a cousin who lives in pagosa but i don' t know his ph number. i could try and get it if you want. i grew up in durango and know a few hunters there too. email me [email protected]

I have hunted several times in unit 71 and have harvested elk and mule deer.
e-mail me if you still ned some info. [email protected]

We are hunting unit 71 near Rico. I could use a hunting pard. This is a good area and it is my 2nd yr for elk and mulies as a resident. Wife will hunt 4 days with me there but I will be alone the rest of the time. Its a great area.