Unit 54 west elk wilderness

[jeremyzx900r]

Guys I am headin out to 54 for the last 2 weeks of archery season for my first elk hunt solo DIY backpacking into the south castle creek and or the mill creek area. Any reviews on how the elk hunting in the past has been in these areas the last couple seasons there in the wilderness area. This first season I am hoping to learn a lot but have positive attitude and realistic expectations.not asking for spots just how the hunting has been out there.
Thx for any info.

[easeup]

check out the article from the current issue of Gunnison Country Times page 5. there is an article on the changes to the number of elk tags in that area this year.

Current Issue URL: http://etypeservices.com/SubscriberMail ... x?id=25235

[6.5City]

We hunted Unit 54 last year and had lots of opportunities just couldn't seal the deal. Gorgeous area but the roads are very rough getting into some of those areas. Bring another spare tire, it took us over 2 hours to get back to where we parked. The area we were we only saw one person, a biologist, in 7 days. It is a great area. FYI, lots of mule deer and we saw some really nice bucks and a radio collared doe.

[ferris bugler]

You won't be disappointed. The rut in the last couple of years was a little slow, but if you hunt hard you'll have opportunities to shoot an elk. Sometimes the elk move on to the private ranches along Ohio Creek so plan on hunting away from there. Good luck.

[ferris bugler]

Also, you will see some outfitters up there, but I think that is pretty natural all over Colorado.

[kevin_t]

I've hunted various parts of 54 the last couple years. It's one of my favorite areas. Generally, they are far back, but the terrain is pretty mild. The local DOW person is very helpful and knowledgable.

[wideangle]

My partner and I had a drop camp rifle hunt last Nov on an OTC tag, 3rd season in 54. We had an outfitter put us into a camp.
http://www.eaglemountainoutfitters.com/
Our base camp was at 11,000 ft. for 10 days. We killed one elk a decent 5 point. We did not see many elk in shooting range.
It is tough country as you know. However, the overall experience was superb.

[6.5City]

I know that area on that site.

[jeremyzx900r]

Thx guys, I have heard the weather has just been way to hot and has been slowing everything down the last couple years.

[jeremyzx900r]

What do you guys think about a 45 as a side arm or do I need to go but to a 44 mag.

[baddaddy]

go with the .44.

[Buglemaster]

Just put a bear tag in your pocket. Works like "off" & mosquitos.... Seriously, I hunted the Mill Creek area during a late rifle season 30+ years ago. Hands down the coldest elk hunt I have ever experienced.It is beautiful country & we did see elk, but ate tag soup that year.I would love to see it in Sept some time.

[jeremyzx900r]

I am very seriously considering a tag but just haven't had time to see if they were OTC. Would love to tag one as its on my hit list.

[ferris bugler]

It's not over the counter for that unit during archery season. OTC for rifle. In the past they haven't sold out so you can buy a leftover when they go on sale.