Colorado

[il_ray_phillips]

Looking at a Colorado DIY hunt. Possibility of paying a trespass fee on private ground to up the odds a little. Looking at unit 78 and 131 during the 3rd gun season. Anyone hunted either of these
units that might be able to help out a guy with no clue. Took a guided Elk hunt to Montana several years ago and thought I did my home work but only seen 1 cow elk at a thousand yards. Trying
not to disappoint myself again. The kill was not an important issue with the hunt but I dropped a lot of money and would have at least liked to interact with the animals and had encounters. Does
anyone know of any good ranches they have had experience with on trespass fees and would recommend?

Ray

[ElkNut1]

Ray, welcome aboard sir! What are your hopes as far as an elk on the ground? Are you holding out for mature bulls or will any elk be OK to break the ice? I'd suggest "any elk" just so you get off on the right foot. Good luck!

ElkNut1

[il_ray_phillips]

I will have a bull elk tag and attempt on a deer tag. I am not looking to score big. Looking for the first legal animal I can take!

[six]

What is this trespass fee you speak of?

[Elkduds]

It is a fee charged by a landowner to allow you access to hunt his private property. You still need a valid license for that unit.

[Indian Summer]

Paying an access fee or leasing a ranch for one week is very common in Colorado. It doesnt necessarily mean bigger bulls. Just hopes for undisturbed ones. If you lease you should be sure to know about adjacent properties. Should you bump the elk off the property you'll need to access the national forest. That's the main thing to try to avoid. You should hunt leased land with care.