Colorado gmu 171 otc rifle hunt

[Shawn032]

Was wondering what everyones opinion is for hunting Colorado gmu 171 for otc rifle.
If not 171 maybe the other units in the north park region.
thanks for any input.

[Indian Summer]

Sorry to say I can't help you in Colorado Shawn but give it a minute and maybe OTCWill will chime in. What do you know so far about that area at that time of year?

[otcWill]

Like alot of otc units close to the front range, 171 can be hit or miss depending on the amount of research/effort you put in. If I had zero knowledge of the area I'd rather be somewhere futher from the majority of Colorado's population. I'd imagine you'd be seeing quite a lot of orange that close to Fort Collins. I'd go with any one of the otc units further west from 171 unless I had local knowledge. Good luck!

[Shawn032]

Thanks guys. Like I said any input is helpful.

[Indian Summer]

Where are you from Shawn?

[Shawn032]

Northern Missouri.

[ElkNut1]

Shawn, do some research on your interested unit. If anyone is hunting that unit the last thing they will provide you with is their better elk spots, if anything you will be steered in a direction away from their present areas.

When researching out areas such as on google earth find areas that have some seclusion, this can be 1 to 3 miles from roads or trails, make sure when considering such areas that there isn't access to the areas you are considering from the back side. As you locate these spots check them out more intimately via USGS 7.5 minute 1-24000 topographical maps, doing this will give you an accurate assessment of the country, water, feeding & bedding areas. Find areas most hunters will not walk too or areas that have good escape routes that pressured elk will head for. Also consider the higher vantage areas where glassing can be utilized, this is a huge key to ones success. With a little homework & the right maps you can now map out your hunt strategically from the comfort of your home & that can really increase ones odds of success! This is something most of us here do as we consider newer areas.

Here's a couple photos of areas that takes less than 1 hour to get on foot but most hunters don't know they're there, it's secluded but not too far & it holds elk, look for areas like this with water in the bottom & it's money!! Look what great glassing areas they are!

ElkNut1

[Shawn032]

Thanks ElkNt1
I must say i never dreamed it would be this difficult to decided which unit to start investigating for our hunt. Myself and 3 friends are doing this hunt. I am the lucky one that gets to investigate and put together a list of 3 units to possibly hunt then the 4 of us will decide which one to dig deeper into.
thanks for your advise
Shawn032

[ElkNut1]

Shawn, you're on the right track, bummer you have to do the homework! (grin) Part of the experience & fun is to have all involved, this way the enthusiasm is spread throughout the group & all take part in the decision making! If you need help with the units map wise, let us know, we can help you choose one area over another that may be best suited for elk habitat. Thanks!

ElkNut1

[Shawn032]

Thanks Elknut1
I like this kind of Homework.