CO Elk Tag! Now the planning starts

[Buck]

Hey all,

So my dad and i were drawn for first season bull tags in CO. We drew units 41, 42, 52, 411, 421, 521. Did anyone else out there draw these units? I live in NH so I am not 100% sure what we are getting ourselves into in these units. I have posted here before and received some good information from everyone here and it was greatly appreciated and helped me decide where to apply. I am planning a scouting trip with a friend sometime in mid august and was wondering if anyone has any sweet spots that we should take a look at (not looking to step on any toes.) This will be my dads first and probably only elk hunt so we are looking to at least see some. He will be 64 by the time of the hunt so we wont be able to do anything to rugged, but we are willing to hike a few miles back each day to try and get away from people. Any help would be appreciated and if anyone that knows the area would like to join on a scouting/fishing weekend you are more than welcome!



Thanks again everyone

Buck

[baddaddy]

PM sent

[COElkDude]

I live near and hunt in these units. They cover the Grand Mesa mostly. There are a good population of elk there. Just be patient and work the basins. Good luck

[Indian Summer]

Just be realistic Buck. To be successful a hunter needs to realize that hard work is the name of the game. Hunting relatively close to roads in Colorado or any state means you'll need to be smart, sneaky, & persistent. You need to grasp the big picture and be aware that 5 miles is a drop in the bucket of an elks home range. Make sure you grill the topo maps and Google Earth until you are cross eyed so you have plans A, B, & C before you get there. Pay attention to badadddy's PM and don't be afraid to ask questions. Be flexible. Maybe have game plans where your dad can park his butt in areas with some visibility while you still hunt the timber so you are working together. Killing an elk on your very first hunt is possible for sure but remember that success rates tell you that less than half of all hunters, including those with some past experience in their area will not kill an elk. Be mentally prepared to realize that with no experience you could be one that doesn't kill an elk and you can't let that take the fun out of it.

Half the attraction is just being in the mountains and seeing an elk. Realize that the first time you do ANYTHING it is a learning experience more than anything. I hate telling newcomers these kind of things but I also hate seeing them disappointed when they show up with visions of 6 point bulls and then realizing that the haystack they are searching for the needle in is bigger than the state they live in. On the flip side... someone will be killing elk so why not you right? Right! So give it hell, keep it fun, and by the way.. this doesn't have to be your dad's only elk hunt. As we get older we find enjoyment in things other than pulling the trigger. He may enjoy just being in elk camp with you. Supporting your efforts and making sure dinner is on the table when you roll in tired and hungry. And the fact is that just being out there means he could punch his tag at any moment. That's also a reality of elk hunting. Good luck pilgrim!

[Buck]

Thanks for the responses!

[Elkduds]

Listing specific areas to hunt in open forums is a good way to make sure you will not be lonely while hunting there. People who hunt these places already will have plenty to say to you! Better to discuss such topics via PM