Confidence crushed

[2Rivers]

I drew a 2nd choice cow tag for Colorado unit 7,8,9,19,191. I hunted this area in 2013 for bulls, so I have a starting point. The area I want to cow hunt this year is closed By a forest service gate (logging beatle killed trees). How would you experienced elk hunters approach this? A.
Turn tag in. B. Internet/Google earth scout. C. ??? If I hunt, I could scout units 3 or 4 days before season opens.

[Heartwood]

Are you saying that it is closed to hunting or just gated. If it is just gated then get a mountian bike and trailer and ride in and hunt or just hike in. Harder access makes the hunting better for those that are willing to work.

[2Rivers]

The road is gated. To get to the ridge I would like to hunt would be 10+ miles one way.

[cohunter]

Do you have a Mtn Bike and a Trailer? If so, this would be a dream scenario.

[Trumkin the Dwarf]

1. Were you planning on camping? As mentioned, mtn bike and trailer would work for this.

2. Is the area between the ridge and that logging gate good elk country?

3. Can you find another route in? Would you like map help?

[Old school]

We did the trailer and mountain bike thing last year in Colorado. If you do that it would be smart to call the forest service in the area and ask about the condition of the road. Some we used were really good and others were so washed out and rutted up that you couldn't safely ride on them. It sure beats walking though.

There were lots of others that had the same idea as we had and the weeks before we got there they were all over back there - Lots of tire tracks, etc...and no elk.

--Mitch

[2Rivers]

Yes I have a mountain bike but no trailer. The plan would be to camp when I get in there. Yes there would be elk closer to the gate. I have not found any other way in at this point, it is a dead end road, not a loop.

[stealthycat]

To get to the ridge I would like to hunt would be 10+ miles one way.

Sounds like a fantastic place to go - don't go in 10 miles if you can't, go in 3 miles or 5 miles.

[Indian Summer]

As asked above is there actually a sign that says entry prohibited?

[2Rivers]

Yes there is. "Closed to ALL travel".

[duckdog28]

2rivers
Where are you coming in from?

I have elk hunted in 7 and moose hunted in 19. I can give you some starting points in these areas if you like. Send me a PM

[82ndreddevil]

Well I wish I had your problem cause I didn't draw elk this year. Id make the most of it by scouting what you can and do the best you can. Sometimes things like this that may seem like a set back turn into discovering our new honeyhole. Good luck

[Swede]

Logging does not go on forever. Will the area be open by the time your season starts? If you are not sure, call the Forest Service and ask. Maybe it would be better to plan to hunt somewhere other than the closed area. Logging only covers a limited area.

[Roosiebull]

Well I wish I had your problem cause I didn't draw elk this year. Id make the most of it by scouting what you can and do the best you can. Sometimes things like this that may seem like a set back turn into discovering our new honeyhole. Good luck

Good attitude, and I agree!

One of the first rules in being a successful elk hunter...don't be a victim.

Use this as an opportunity to expand your horizons. Turning in your tag doesn't seem like a logical solution if you plan on hunting elk beyond this year.

There is a beauty in starting from scratch, even if you don't fill your tag, this pending season could be a big asset to your hunting future.

Another important rule elk hunting, stay optimistic and positive no matter what.

Don't let this crush your confidence, enjoy the aspect of becoming a better elk hunter, it's 75% improvise, it's rarely picture perfect, go enjoy the woods, and enjoy the knowledge you will gain by hunting your tag.

[2Rivers]

Swede: muzzy season is one week long, starting sept. 9th. Road won't reopen until Nov.
Roosiebull: I agree on the PM A. I will be hunting till dark on the last day of the season if need be, I've been waiting 11 months for elktember.

[LarryBud]

2rivers
Where are you coming in from?

I have elk hunted in 7 and moose hunted in 19. I can give you some starting points in these areas if you like. Send me a PM

Sent you PM Duckdog

[Roosiebull]

Swede: muzzy season is one week long, starting sept. 9th. Road won't reopen until Nov.
Roosiebull: I agree on the PM A. I will be hunting till dark on the last day of the season if need be, I've been waiting 11 months for elktember.

keep us posted, and best of luck to you!

[2Rivers]

Duckdog28. PM sent.