unit 76 Colorado advice?
03-17-2011, 07:18 PM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location:
Posts: 5
unit 76 Colorado advice?
My father and I both have 11(+) non-resident CO elk points. We have hunted off and on for the past 12 years with OTC tags exclusively in the archery and muzzy seasons. All of our experience has been in DIY in unit 65 with exception of one year where we hunted in White River NF. We have had very good success with both cows and bulls and have taken only one tag home during that time.
My father has expressed an interest in using his points while his health is still good on a hunt where the chances of a good bull are higher. He is 72 but in excellent condition. I am considering a semi-guided hunt for the two of us in unit 76 rifle ( probably second rifle season so we can hunt Muley as well) either this year or next. We both have an interest in a pack- in tent camp rifle elk hunt experience.
Based on my research we would have high likely-hood of drawing in 76.Some of the questions I have been mulling over include:
1. Is 76 our best choice for a good chance at a decent Bull(s) given our point totals?
2. How will our relative success and comfort in hunting in September translate to second rifle season? We are both comfortable with calling and have pulled in numerous bulls but recognize that calling success will be limited during rifle season but we also have had some success in still hunting.
3. We both enjoy the autonomy that a DIY hunt provides but worry that given our lack of experience in the unit, lack of access to horses, and desire to make the burning of our PPs worth it we are considering going with a guided hunt (2:1 is what I am thinking). Should we reconsider a drop camp or trespass hunt ( assuming such a beast is available in 76.
4. Any advice on outfitters/guides?
5. any other pointers?
Thanks in advance for any info provided.
My father has expressed an interest in using his points while his health is still good on a hunt where the chances of a good bull are higher. He is 72 but in excellent condition. I am considering a semi-guided hunt for the two of us in unit 76 rifle ( probably second rifle season so we can hunt Muley as well) either this year or next. We both have an interest in a pack- in tent camp rifle elk hunt experience.
Based on my research we would have high likely-hood of drawing in 76.Some of the questions I have been mulling over include:
1. Is 76 our best choice for a good chance at a decent Bull(s) given our point totals?
2. How will our relative success and comfort in hunting in September translate to second rifle season? We are both comfortable with calling and have pulled in numerous bulls but recognize that calling success will be limited during rifle season but we also have had some success in still hunting.
3. We both enjoy the autonomy that a DIY hunt provides but worry that given our lack of experience in the unit, lack of access to horses, and desire to make the burning of our PPs worth it we are considering going with a guided hunt (2:1 is what I am thinking). Should we reconsider a drop camp or trespass hunt ( assuming such a beast is available in 76.
4. Any advice on outfitters/guides?
5. any other pointers?
Thanks in advance for any info provided.
03-26-2011, 02:46 PM
#3
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NW Colorado
Posts: 199
My father and I both have 11(+) non-resident CO elk points. We have hunted off and on for the past 12 years with OTC tags exclusively in the archery and muzzy seasons. All of our experience has been in DIY in unit 65 with exception of one year where we hunted in White River NF. We have had very good success with both cows and bulls and have taken only one tag home during that time.
My father has expressed an interest in using his points while his health is still good on a hunt where the chances of a good bull are higher. He is 72 but in excellent condition. I am considering a semi-guided hunt for the two of us in unit 76 rifle ( probably second rifle season so we can hunt Muley as well) either this year or next. We both have an interest in a pack- in tent camp rifle elk hunt experience.
Based on my research we would have high likely-hood of drawing in 76.Some of the questions I have been mulling over include:
1. Is 76 our best choice for a good chance at a decent Bull(s) given our point totals?
2. How will our relative success and comfort in hunting in September translate to second rifle season? We are both comfortable with calling and have pulled in numerous bulls but recognize that calling success will be limited during rifle season but we also have had some success in still hunting.
3. We both enjoy the autonomy that a DIY hunt provides but worry that given our lack of experience in the unit, lack of access to horses, and desire to make the burning of our PPs worth it we are considering going with a guided hunt (2:1 is what I am thinking). Should we reconsider a drop camp or trespass hunt ( assuming such a beast is available in 76.
4. Any advice on outfitters/guides?
5. any other pointers?
Thanks in advance for any info provided.
My father has expressed an interest in using his points while his health is still good on a hunt where the chances of a good bull are higher. He is 72 but in excellent condition. I am considering a semi-guided hunt for the two of us in unit 76 rifle ( probably second rifle season so we can hunt Muley as well) either this year or next. We both have an interest in a pack- in tent camp rifle elk hunt experience.
Based on my research we would have high likely-hood of drawing in 76.Some of the questions I have been mulling over include:
1. Is 76 our best choice for a good chance at a decent Bull(s) given our point totals?
2. How will our relative success and comfort in hunting in September translate to second rifle season? We are both comfortable with calling and have pulled in numerous bulls but recognize that calling success will be limited during rifle season but we also have had some success in still hunting.
3. We both enjoy the autonomy that a DIY hunt provides but worry that given our lack of experience in the unit, lack of access to horses, and desire to make the burning of our PPs worth it we are considering going with a guided hunt (2:1 is what I am thinking). Should we reconsider a drop camp or trespass hunt ( assuming such a beast is available in 76.
4. Any advice on outfitters/guides?
5. any other pointers?
Thanks in advance for any info provided.
03-26-2011, 08:07 PM
#4
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 588
I can only give advise on #2. I hunt muzzleloader season and also 2nd rifle. 2nd rifle is always a lot colder and your chance for snow is a lot greater. Year before last it was very dry and this year past year where we normally hunt it was well over our knees. We had to move lower on the mountain we hunt.
As far as calling during 2nd rifle, it seems non existant to me. I carry a Hoochie Mama tied to my pack just to have something if I need a call to try to stop them but don't expect to make set ups and call them in like you do in the rut. Plan to cover a lot of ground.
As far as calling during 2nd rifle, it seems non existant to me. I carry a Hoochie Mama tied to my pack just to have something if I need a call to try to stop them but don't expect to make set ups and call them in like you do in the rut. Plan to cover a lot of ground.
