Looking for some advice..

[CWick61]

Hello All,
I'm new to this site and posting to forums and figured I would give it a try.. I have lived in CO since 2009 when I was stationed here. I have done quite a bit of deer and small game hunting since then but have recently started hunting bear and elk. Last year I had the chance to hunt 4th season rifle for elk in the Hayman burn area.. I used a google maps pro, and topo maps, and some scouting to get a general idea of the habitat.. Make a long story short I hunted 3 days and the last evening came across a lone cow right before sundown, I only had a Bull tag... But seeing that elk in the wild like that had me hooked! Anyway I guess it's time to get to my real point. I applied for the draw with a buddy for the 444 elk tag. And luckily drew a tag.. Since then my buddy who knew the area rather well has PCS'd to Ft. Bragg. I have been doing some research on the CDW website, reading forums, and checking out a good deal of maps trying to get a decent idea of the areas 44,45,47,444 which are part of the 1st season rifle tag. I was hoping that someone would be able to help me out with the areas, and give me some pointers on maybe what areas tend to be better.. I was looking into the Holy Cross Wilderness Area and Hardscrabble Mountain so far.. Any info or pointers I can get would be great, being this is a wide area I have a tag for.. I'm not looking for grids, secret spots, etc unless someone is that willing to help.. If you have any info feel free to drop me an email or comment back on here.. Thank You Much..

[ElkNut1]

Chris, welcome to the Forum sir! Looks like you're trying diligently to unravel the research needed to have a decent elk hunting spot. Hopefully someone here can chime in for you! As a sidenote you need to have 3 posts before you can PM anyone or they can PM you, so go say something on a couple more threads here & ones can contact you that way if need be! Thank you!

ElkNut1

[BRazz]

Chris - welcome to the addiction!

I am a bit of a unit hopper myself. Here is what I can tell you about my experiments through the years - though much will depend on your style of hunting.

During 1st rifle the weather can be fickle, so be ready for snow. But more than likely - unless we have a crazy blizzard like last year - the elk will be up high (I prefer 9500-11500 feet). Getting deeper into the wilderness can be great to escape the crowds. If you are up for a backpack camp that is an excellent place to try it. If you live within a few hours, spend a weekend and go for a scout trip. Don't look for elk necessarily (though that's an encouraging sign), but focus on learning the topography, the roads and trails, and finding a campsite that provides access to what looks like good elk country. If it looks like elk should be there, they probably are. I don't think you can go wrong with either the wilderness area or Hardscrabble.

I usually set out on my scouting trip with Plan A, and that turns into Plan B. Then after a season of hunting I develop Plan C. I believe it takes several years of hunting an area to really learn it. Even if you don't punch your tag this year, I'd recommend trying the same place at least a few times.

[CWick61]

BRazz thank you for the advice and time to reply it is much appreciated.. I unfortunately like about 4 hrs from the unit I have a tag for, but I am planning on trying to get there at least two times before the season.. If you can think of any other tips or info please dont be a stranger.. I will def let everyone know how it goes..

ElkNut1 thank you and I will make sure to post two more times so I can PM and receive PM's if people are willing to help.. Great site so far!

[Elkduds]

I sent you a PM 2 days ago, if it is not there I will resend.

[CWick61]

Elk duds, no PM.. If you could please resend it that would b great.. Thanks

[Elkduds]

Just did so.

[Gselkhunter]

It is an interesting unit[444] and has some of the best fly fishing in the state[Frying Pan River]. If you were going to hunt in 444 I would set up in Biglow and scout out of there.
In 45 you can camp in Camp Hale and scout out of there. 47 I have not spent much time in but once you cross Independence Pass those valleys are amazing.
Don't be surprised if day time temps are still warm[60 up] for first rifle. Bulls should bugle and that will help.
Do you have Google Earth on your computer? It will help you.

[CWick61]

Elkduds I got your PM. Thanks for that advice. It's much appreciated.. I will def looking into that area..
Gselkhunter thanks a lot... I have never been in any unit yet, I am actually planning a trip from the Springs to head up that way one of these weeks/weekends.. A buddy offered to go with me but his work schedule is crazy.. so I may tackle it alone.. And I do not have Google earth on my computer but I will try installing it now..

[BRazz]

And I do not have Google earth on my computer but I will try installing it now..

You probably won't go to bed tonight. Just saying.

[Elkduds]

I get a lot of online scouting done on the Colorado Big Game Atlas, as well as GE, caltopo, etc.