CO unit 71 & 74

[Ford544x4]

I'm pretty green when it comes to elk. Have one hunt under my belt in SD, but making the plune and going to CO where i hear wonderful stories from. Any way got my gear and plans but that can all be laid to waste if i dont see anything. Planning on a lot of walking and a spike camp. Just looking to see if any one has some tips for the area that might up my chances a lil. I know this is a late post but im excited. Second rifle season over the counter bull, any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you.

[toasty tiger]

good luck-
elk are not anywhere near the roads- there will be tons of hunters- be prepared to cover lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of ground. Find the nastiest , steepest canyon you can and crawl in--you might actually see some sign. There are elk in all four units - just dont be expecting National Geographic. Also leave your spotting scope at home. There are places to glass but a pair of 10x42's is plenty.

[Ford544x4]

Thanks a lot. I do have a good set of binos. Heard I need to go high and find the snow line. Any truth there? We're on the road now. Also looking at lizard head as a possibility. Thanks all in advance!

[njdoxie]

Where they are depends......if no one has spooked them at timberline, they can be there, but I find them more often down lower, 500 - 1000 ft lower.....but the mother of all caveats.....they can be anywhere and they are where you find them.....try going places others won't, try finding a good vantage point to glass from if there are some open hillsides.

[toasty tiger]

I would not get too caught up in the timberline - think about it - those animals are pressured pretty good right now - would you want to go stand out in the open after 6 weeks of someone shooting at you? I agree with njdoxie - they are where you find them - timberline in some places is where it is at - you have to remember- those units that you are speaking of dont have a lot of expanses of area that are above timberline. They have areas that are above timberline but that is on the side of a given mountain - there just arent that many bowls that you can sit on to glass - most cases you are sitting one side of a canyon looking at the other.

[Ford544x4]

Well so far the plan of attack is getting away from as many other hunters as possible. Hitting the roadless areas and wilderness areas by foot. We've both have been training for this and are in fair shape(but I know we will be humbled on that). Thanks for the responses