Colorado GMU 54 Help

[elkvirgin]

Myself and 3 friends have drawn tags for the 3rd season in unit 54. We are Alabama boys and have only deer and turkey hunted. We are looking for some help and possible direction so the trip is not miserable and maybe 1 of the 4 of us can put a tag to use. Thanks

[Waygoner]

Be prepared for winter weather. Overnight temps will likely be in the single digits and heavy snow is possible. Bring tire chains and a shovel. The elevation will kick your butts. Be aware of altitude sickness (flu like symptoms). Arrive a few days early so you can get acclimated. Are you camping or staying in town? Do you have an area in mind? It's a big unit with lots of options.

[TENFIVE]

Eagle Mountain Outfitters is a good choice for a GMU 54 drop camp. My group hunted with them in 2012 and will again in 2015 (no elk tag for me this year).

We didn't kill a elk, but we had our opportunities. Elknut's Playbook helped shorten the learning curve for this rookie elk hunter and I strongly recommend it. We were able to call in a bugling bull on the first evening. We had several other encounters throughout the week but it just didn't all come together. We learned a lot that we hope to put to good use in 54 weeks, not that I am counting.

The Westelk Wilderness is pretty rugged. Be in good shape before you get out there.

John Sund runs a solid operation with good pack animals and nice wilderness camps.

Good luck and let us know how you make out in GMU 54.

http://www.eaglemountainoutfitters.com/

[elkvirgin]

I've been reading that the terrain is a tail kicker for sure.... I'm sure we will be wishing we had saved a little longer and gotten a guide of sorts before its all said and done but for now it will just be a wonderful DIY. We will be camping (already rented canvas wall tent with heater) and had been considering around rainbow lake but are CERTAINLY open to any suggestions. This will be a first time elk hunt for all of us.

[zpd307]

spend a lot of time reading the old and new threads on here. lots of good info. especially check out the archived tips.

[Waygoner]

Rainbow Lake is a popular access point. If you camp there you'll have a lot of company. The same is true for Soap Creek and Red Creek. Send me a PM a few days before you leave and I'll see if I can give you a few suggestions.

[elkvirgin]

Thanks!! I certainly will. I'm new to the site and apparently not able to send a PM yet but hope to get with you a little closer to time. Thanks for any any help/guidance.

[Triplebhunters]

Hello elkvirgin. Do a google search by typing in unit 54, unit 54 Colorado, elk hunting unit 54 Colorado. Every search will yield a lil different info. And have you called CPW in Gunnison yet?

[elkvirgin]

I have googled every possible combination and really haven't found much recent info.....calling the CPW is on the agenda.

[elkvirgin]

Would it be worth our effort to bring an ATV?

[njdoxie]

without an experienced elk hunter along in the form of a guide or mentor, you folks are in for a steep, steep learning curve...whew....good luck.....would like to hear how it went

[BRazz]

without an experienced elk hunter along in the form of a guide or mentor, you folks are in for a steep, steep learning curve...whew....good luck.....would like to hear how it went

True, but I've seen much crazier things than first-timers filling their freezer. Just find a mountainside to explore, and get out there and burn some time in the great outdoors.

A few rules-of-thumb to remember:
- be prepared for really nasty weather, even in archery season
- be prepared to get your animal out once it's down
- hunt at low-light hours
- move slowly, glass and listen way more than you think you should
- get off roads by 1/2 mile +
- look for likely transition areas between bedding and feeding
- once pressure strikes, try and think like an elk and escape other hunters

Somebody has to have the beginner's luck.