New to Colorado GMU 53/54 advice

[Jto1986]

Hello All, I'm new to the site and new to hunting Colorado but look forward to learning both. After looking through maps, winding my way through google earth and talking to wildlife officers I've narrowed my units down to 53 or 54 for first rifle season. I have a few years experience elk hunting in Montana (over in the Pintlers) but while accumulating points in Wyoming have decided to hunt Colorado. It will be me,my brother and my dad hunting and we want to hike in several miles to get away from the main crowd. Looking for any insight I might be able to get on these units and places to definitely avoid, I don't want to be walking into an outfitter's camp and have to walk back out. Any good stories you might have on past hunts would be great too. Also if you know of any pack services in those areas that could help pack an animal out in the event we get way back in and get very lucky! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[six]

Jto

Once you make a few posts you will be able to send and receive personal messages. Guys are a little more willing to give specific information in a personal message. I have 5 trips into 54 so I will be able to give you a little help.

[saddlesore]

I have hunted 54for quite a few years. Stay away form the east side. During ML and archery season, most of the elk head for the private land along Ohio Creek. During any rifle season it is easy to spot anywhere from 200 to 500 head of elk on those hay fields and pastures.I have not hunted the westside near Soap basin,but have heard that is fairly crowded
You might look at 53, coming south form Horse Park ranch over Beckwith Pass,and then hunt west of Swampy pass 4-5 miles.

Horse park is on the road between Crested Butte and Keebler pass. Swampy Pass is the dividing line beteen 54 and 53

These are part of a 300 head heard on the Castleton ranch last year.The rest of them were bedded down or feeding with the cattle in the background

[Jto1986]

Six: Thanks for the info, hopefully two more posts and I will be able to PM

[Jto1986]

Saddlesore: Thanks for the helpful advice. I was actually looking at Beckwith Pass as a definite option to get back in there. I also have enough vacation so I can head out 4 days before season and do some scouting and hike back in. Hoping to get into some backcountry undisturbed elk. if there is such a thing . Also looking areas in the southwest corner of GMU 53. Mt Guero and surrounding areas. Real cool pick by the way, don't see things like that in ohio!

[Coloclover]

Just FYI, if you draw 53 for first rifle season, you can also hunt in 63. I was pleasantly surprised to find that out last year and it looks like it's still the case for this year.

[Game Planner Maps]

Welcome to the site. I'm a sponsor and new as well. I don't have any specific info on the units your researching. I checked the info that has been provided, against the access and elk distributions in those units and the guys are spot on.
I'd like to invite you to check out my website www.GAMEPLANNERMAPS.com. I have free interactive maps that you can use to continue your research, develop a game plan, and print maps for in-field use. Its free to use, just register with a valid email and check out the Free Map Viewer. I also print Custom Maps if you want to see the big picture while your in the field.

Good Luck on your quest for wapiti!

-Ed

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