Colorado Cow

[Cass]

OK so I have trolled for a while but just got info on a trip this September to the Montrose, Co. area. I will be out there for 2 weeks and want to try and hunt with a otc unlimited cow archery tag. Problem is I just really found out about trip. So I have been looking over maps and GMU's and think the Grand Mesa area is going to be the tag I buy. Looks like there are 6 gmu within the tag area(41,42,411,,,).
So my question is am I too late? I am not wanting a guide, maybe a local with some intel and will go in on my own. I have hunted in the west a little on Family land in Montana. I know very little about area and have been scouring the site for info. I just want a shot at a Cow and willing to work for it. What do yall think. I will have 5-6 days to hunt and will have my truck with me. So just let me know what you think and if you can help me out. I will be driving out and be in Co sept 14-26. I am continuing to search forum for info on units. Thanks

[Elkduds]

Welcome to the best elk forum on the web! After you have 3 posts you can exchange PMs, and I may have some leads for you.

[Cass]

Ok Learning the system. Thanks

[under H2O hunter]

You're probably to late but here is what I suspect. Elk hunting is elk hunting. I have never hunted any of the units you are looking at but if I was going to hunt in those units I would be looking at as much terrain via google earth or Caltopo as much as you can and use the things you have learned from this and other sites to help you.

Elk tend to bed on heavily timbered North facing slopes. Elk need water, food, and shelter so look for places that hold all three of those things. The harder you work the better chance of success you will have. Learn how to cow call with a diaphragm and pick up a hoochie mama. With both of those items you can sound like a whole herd. Learn what to say with them and when to say it. I would call the local biologist and game warden for the area you are most wanting to hunt. Those guys WANT you to be successful. So the info they are gonna give you is probably spot on. But remember they are giving the same info to lots of other guys so be prepared to see other hunters so break those boots in and be ready to hike your ass off.

Good Luck

[Cass]

I am from Georgia and want to experience Bugling elk. Multiple hunts 2-3 days each will be the plan so far. Wanting to just get close. I will camp off my back and like to hike. I always try to stay in shape (running,cycling,hiking) Been shooting my bow on a regular basis but will be stretching it out in preparation for longer shots. I have some decent gear and look forward to just being in the woods at this time of year. I have a call in to a coworker who lives and chases elk in the Montrose area. Hopefully he will get back to me and be some help as well. Only been on Elk hunts as a non hunter. A cooler full of meat and a great memory are all I am looking for with the full cooler being the exception.

[Cass]

H2O
Thanks for the info. I have put a call into the Biologist and have not heard back yet. A big ten four on the hiking. I plan on getting out and away from trails and roads. I have found a little bit of intel on the units but its pretty sketchy. One says try to stay in the wilderness areas and thats on #42. I hope with all the knowledge this group has it will be a good trip. Thanks again

[under H2O hunter]

H2O
Thanks for the info. I have put a call into the Biologist and have not heard back yet. A big ten four on the hiking. I plan on getting out and away from trails and roads. I have found a little bit of intel on the units but its pretty sketchy. One says try to stay in the wilderness areas and thats on #42. I hope with all the knowledge this group has it will be a good trip. Thanks again

No problem. I would love to help you more but I have no experience in that part of the state. I do have lots of elk hunting experience and I can tell you this. If you have the option to hunt in a wilderness area I would look there first. Here is why, Most people who hunt elk I feel have gotten lazy. They are not as willing to hunt into a wilderness area because they will be hiking or using a horse to get their meat out. So the deeper you push into the wilderness area the less pressure on the elk (usually )

[Cass]

H20
I hunt public land here in Ga and feel the same way. All the"hunters" ride roads for turkey call out the window then ride on. I hunt the Mountains of North Ga for deer and Bear and its the same thing. We get out and put boots on the ground and have sucsess. See tons of game and no hunters. I love the western style of spot and stalk and loath sitting in a stand all day HOPING something comes my way. In the mountains I can use the elevation and food sources to my advantage. Find white oaks and you have all the game you want. but you have to pack it out. It is amazing when you tell someone you packed out a animal with no atv or sxs or truck nearby. They dont understand the feel of a heavy pack.

[under H2O hunter]

Ok so I needed a break from my own research stuff and here is what I have come up with for places to check out in Unit 41. Check out Kannah Creek Drainage. You have to hike to get to it but supposedly holds good number of elk. Also check out Whitewater Basin. As far as wilderness area goes check Raggeds Wilderness

[Cass]

H20
Bout to turn in for the night but Thanks
I will get on it in the morning. I really appreciate your time.

[Thunderfoot]

Cass,

I believe unit 521 is included on that tag as well. I may have a couple of spots I would share. pM if interested

[Elkduds]

PM sent

[Waygoner]

One thing to be aware of, there are moose on Grand Mesa. Make sure you can tell them apart.

[Cass]

The moose will be with a Flying Squirrel right???

[Cass]

Hey guys
Thanks for all the info. I will continue to pour over these areas and see what I can figure out. This really is the best site out there. Thanks again!!

[Cass]

Just wanting to get a weather check. I am looking at the Grand Mesa area and will be there sept 15-26. What should I expect in precip and temps at 8-10k elevation? Going to be going bivy style and will be on my own. Any help is appreciated.

[Indian Summer]

Cass... at that time of year and that elevation anything could happen. No question nights will be chilly. Days could be too but they could also be warm. It could snow too. This past June it snowed a foot in the Bitterroot. June! At 4000 feet too. Hope for the best but plan for the worst. Obviously a hunting plan is your priority but to hunt properly you have to be somewhat comfortable. Make sure you are warm and dry. A piece of para cord and a tarp over your tent will go a long way. Make sure you have the ability to build a fire too. It'll serve to dry clothes not to mention lift your spirits. And by all means put some forethought into what you'll do after your elk is on the ground. You have a great outlook on things and realistic expectations. Best of luck to you.

[baddaddy]

PM sent

[Cass]

Indiansummer,
Thanks for the info. It really is just being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Just finishing up on some purchases and was needing the push for the complete kit. I am very comfortable with being outside but was wavering on what to really be ready for temp wise. The biggest hang up was my sleeping bag choice. I think I am going to go with the lower temp rated bag just to be safe. OUtlook on the trip is just being in the mountains and away from the hustle. Thanks again and good luck this season.
Cass

[Indian Summer]

Those September snows will come and go. Usually they'll melt off by day on the sunny slopes. The idea is just to be able to weather the storm. To be able to hole up at night with no worries or wake up cramped because your muscles have been cold and tight all night.

If you are bivying with no heat source in your tent then lean toward a cold weather bag. It's easy enough to leave it unzipped, hang a leg out, or even sleep on top of it with a lightweight blanket. But you want to have the ability to climb in and zip it up and sleep like a baby in 20 degree weather.

By the way... a 20 degree bag is not ideal for 20 degree temps. They must use crash dummies to test those bags and ask them how they feel in the morning. A zero would be the warmest I'd get. If I planned to use it in gun too I go with a -30. That's what I use in bow and gun and guess what... I'm the first to complain if it's too warm. I like it a bit chilly for a good sleep. I've slept in minus 5 by putting a minus 30 inside another minus 30 and I wasn't too warm.

[Cass]

Indian,
Was looking at a 6 deg down bag. I mainly hunt on the east coast and vary rarely need that much bag. I am however a cold sleeper and will take on the additional weight to gain comfort. Will have a thema-rest and can layer up if it does drop considerably. I usually use a north face tadpole to camp in but will take a new bivy to try out. Its one from backside that I got on camofire. I set it up in the yard and looks pretty good. It should add a little to the rating I hope. I will try to not use a fire if I can help it. Just like the lights out of big country. also I have been in Montana too many time when it was on fire and will not risk it in remote country as a luxury item but will have provisions. Thank you for all the great info.

Cass

[Thunderfoot]

Chances of getting snowed on in September are not very good. However, I've been snowed on in June on grand Mesa before so anything is possible. Moisture, however is a very real possibility. It may only be a brief afternoon thunderstorm, but you could end up in the the middle of a monsoon like we experienced here in colorado last year. Plan on having GOOD, lightweight, rain gear and an extra tarp to cover your camp with. As far as bags go, a 0 to -15 bag would be more than enough, just remember to keep it dry!

[wapitloco]

As was said before plan on being wet at least some of the time. I can't remember an archery season that it hasn't rained in this area at least a few days.Make sure you have waterproof boots, pants, and jacket and maybe even give those items an extra coat of waterproofing before you head out. If you head up lands end road from the whitewater area once you get to the top there are lots of areas that you can glass down into the canyons and benches below. There are not many trails that head off from the top so you might have a long hike to get to animals that you see but the hunting pressure should be pretty light due to the terrain. The raggeds wilderness area is another good spot to try. there is a trail that starts at the top of Mclure pass and heads south along the the base of higher peaks and it goes through some really nice elk country. There is some private land there so be sure of where you are. If you like trout fishing take along your gear since there are a lot of lakes and streams in the area that hold some nice fish.