first elk hunt

[BIG-BRUIN]

what a great site I have been dreaming about getting out west for some time now, well this is the year(2015)...I have ordered maps and big game cd's and have been studying them trying to prepare as much as I can....but was hoping to get a little help from some more seasoned guy's....figured if I started early I have more chance then waiting....there will be 2 of us we have been looking at the SW part of Colorado (units 70,71)but are open for most any place that offers OTC as neither have any points for this year, we are probably leaning toward archery as this offers what I think to be our best options with 0 points....I would like to say that we are both In pretty good shape but not sure when you take in the altitude as I have never been in that situation, buddy was in the marines so did training in it before so he should be ok...neither of us can afford an outfitter so that is out, neither of us have shot an elk so any elk or even experiencing some elk action will work for us...just want to have an enjoyable hunt as well as pick a unit that is better for a couple beginners would hate to pick a unit that was totally out of our capabilities....sorry so long but thanks for any help...it would be greatly appreciated...thanks Chris

[Indian Summer]

Big Bruin.. I see you re making your rounds. No replies on the Bowsite thread yet but you've come to the right place here. I sent you a private reply on Bowsite by the way.

Click on my Headin' West banner above to check out the website. The single most important factor in an elk hunt is location. I can help with that. The next thing is how to hunt the spot. Elknut Forums is priceless in that department. Here you'll learn how to find, call, and kill the buggers. Welcome aboard and I wish you and your buddy the best of luck. There is a learning curve to elk hunting so keep this years goals realistic. I highly doubt it will be a 1 and done thing for you guys.

[BIG-BRUIN]

Indian summer, thanks for your reply yes I'm looking for help from all different places....I'm like a sponge right know for any info..you are correct I don't think it will be a one time thing and we would be happy just to see some action of course would love to fill the freezer....I will check out your message on the other site...again I'm all ears...wish I could afford an outfitter for the first time, but it's just not an option money wise at this time...thanks for any help guy's or gal's....Chris

[under H2O hunter]

In my experience, the hardest part of selecting a GMU has been the indecisiveness of believing that one unit is going to offer me unlimited potential, whereas another unit won’t give me a single chance at killing an elk. Some basic research will show that there are a lot of good OTC units in Colorado, the vast majority of which contain a quality elk population. (More specifically, the units west of Denver.)
It is simply foolish to think that there is some magic unit out there that will give you the single best chance at killing an elk. In all reality when dealing with a state that has a quality elk population and an abundance of units open for you to hunt (like Colorado), you simply have to begin to set some parameters on the type of unit that you want to hunt in.
Let’s take a look at a few factors that can help us narrow things down…
Crunch Some Numbers
The key statistics that I look at when considering a unit are really simple: the elk population estimate, the number of hunters in that unit, and harvest statistics such as the number of bulls killed, the number of cows killed, and the overall success rate. When researching these numbers don’t simply consider the previous hunting season, rather look at several years’ worth of historical data and try to identify trends.
There is no magic formula with this data. These numbers do nothing more than give you an idea the of the type of population that exists in the area, how much hunting pressure the unit receives, and how “huntable” the elk are in that area. Do you want to hunt in a unit with very little pressure? Are you willing to accept lower odds of success in the hopes that you will get lucky on a monster bull that has been hiding out? What pieces of data are most important to you?
Determine Access
The next step that I take in analyzing a unit is to look at the type of land that dominates the area. By this I don’t mean topography (we’ll get there), rather I am looking at how much of this unit is public land and how much is private. Of the public land, how much is controlled by the US Forest Service, the BLM, or state agencies? Are there any designated Wilderness Areas in the unit?
Additionally, I want to consider how hunting areas can be accessed. What are the roads like? Where are the major trailheads and do I need a 4WD vehicle to get to them? How dense is the designated trail structure within the land and are these trails used frequently? Are there other significant recreational interests in this area that will bring hikers, backpackers, fishermen, etc., into the area that I am looking to hunt?
Obviously the more accessible areas are going to be more crowded, which can make them difficult to hunt. However, you also need to be realistic with your abilities to reach, hunt, and pack an elk out of areas that are difficult to access and navigate. And don’t forget to consider your safety especially if your are a beginner.
Analyze the Topography
Another critical factor to consider when selecting a unit is the predominant terrain of that unit. The type of terrain is critical to understanding where elk will be during your hunt. You don’t want to head out in the early archery seasons and hunt a unit that is predominantly low-lying foothills of a larger mountain range that dominates a neighboring unit. The elk may winter in such foothills, but they will not be there during archery season.
The second reason we need to consider the topography is related to our previous point of accessibility. The mountains are no joke. If you are a “flatlander”, then you need to be very realistic about your experience, abilities, and understanding of living in and hunting the mountains. How much elevation can you handle? How remote should you go? How are your navigation skills? What is your backcountry experience? Could you pack an elk out if it means climbing up and down thousands of feet of vertical over several miles? Don’t let the ever-increasing machismo of rugged, remote, backcountry hunting get into your head and make you think that you need to scale to dangerous places to hunt.

[GetOutside]

Nice summary on how to attack all the numbers from afar. I have found that information easy to find on Colorado's P/W site but am having some trouble gathering all I'd like from Wyoming's. Your thoughts on experience got me thinking quite a bit. Being a first timer to elk and back country travel, I'm battling how to get out West and enjoy the hunt and solitude but not get in over my head.

[BIG-BRUIN]

Thanks H20 hunter,i have read this same article somewhere else maybe one of your other posts or in a thread either way thanks....all good info....

getoutside, couldn't have said it better, starting to feel a little overwhelmed at times...but I guess you just have to do as much research as possible and go do it, kind a use this first year as A BIG LEARNING EXCPERIENCE...

does anybody know where to get my best idea of roads in an area?? like what exactly they are vehicle trails, hiking, atv, etc...thanks

[EVD]

For CO off road use check out the MVUMs (motor vehicle use maps). They are usually pretty up date with the 'roads' that allow off-road vehicle use. Just be aware that the condition of these use areas is not shown. The CO DOW site has a great map feature and you can overlay the MVUM maps.

Hard to know what to expect until you get out there. Might want to consider underestimating your abilities for the first year and figure out just what type of hunting you're looking to do. Then again, biting off more than you can chew, can make for a memorable adventure. For DIY elk hunting there's anything from cruising around on an atv to trekking 10+ miles into the backcountry with everything on your back. Good luck this year!

[under H2O hunter]

So you have a unit and method all picked out, now what? For most guys it's looking at maps and studying where they think their best chance to harvest an elk are. For the experienced hunter it's completely different. Don't get me wrong I still like to look over maps but I think their are far better uses of your time then looking over G.E. Breakdown every aspect of the hunt into categories. What I mean by this is look at the big picture not just the animal itself.

Build a Plan that gives you an excellent chance at success and you are more likely to succeed. For me personally I look at every aspect of the hunt from Conception to dinner plate. Yes I know that is easier said then done especially sense I have hunted elk. But if you have hunted any animal then putting this kind of plan together is easier then you may think without getting in over your head as Getoutside has said..

There are two things to consider to keep you from getting in over your head and they are What are your physical capabilities and what are your financial limitations? If you are honest about both of these aspects you should have an enjoyable time.