How would you hunt this area?

[StartMyHunt]

What would be your approach to hunting this area? I will be adding my primary forage areas, then the security habitat, and finally the hot spots to see if that changes your mind over the next few days.

[ElkNut1]

Very interesting, I will follow along here! Is this for a Sept hunt during the rut or rifle hunt after the rut?

ElkNut1

[StartMyHunt]

Good question, Paul. Let's assume a rifle hunt after the rut and that you (or your group) are the only hunters in the basin, so hunting pressure is not an issue. I should also add that the purple road coming in from the south is an ATV only access road, and the purple line along the top is a wilderness boundary.

[StartMyHunt]

OK. I'll go first. I would start off walking up the drainage along Turkey Creek following the trail about an hour before sunrise. I would work my way up to the top of the map and then turn east and head up the steep hill to the bench where it says Mineral County. I would then walk along that bench heading south until I came to the small clearing where the pond is located right around the "C" in County. If I do not see any fresh sign, I would take out the binos and glass the other side of the valley, especially the areas around the ponds in the SW quadrant looking for elk for an evening hunt. I would then stay at about this same elevation and work my way southeast to the area right before crossing the third creek and then turn east and climb about 400 feet, turn south and head towards the saddle to the NW of Sheep Park.
If I saw sign in the saddle, I would assume that the elk would be bedded on the benches to the west of Sheep Park. It is probably around 10-11 now, so I am assuming the winds would be coming up from the valley floor. I would then start a slow stalk and try to kick them from their beds. If I did not have any luck, I would head back to Sheep Park and have lunch and spend the afternoon glassing the east facing slope across the valley again from the high point to the NW of Sheep Park.
I finally see some elk around the ponds on the other side of the valley. I head back to camp at the head of the ATV trail and prepare for the evening hunt. If someone else would like to take it from here to describe the strategy for the evening hunt, feel free to do so. Or make up your own from the beginning.

[Fridaythe13th]

I like the area buy the red + on the left side, should be shady for mid day and a nice saddle for the morning hunt. glass to the north. Looks like a small bench south and west a little bit of the red + might be good bedding area? would have to check it out.

[Elkduds]

I'll focus on the parks, ponds and benches west of the main trail, especially the central bench/knoll in the quadrant w the red cross, @ the bottom of the big cliff.

[Ridge Ghost]

If there is pressure from other hunters, I am assuming that they will hike up the trail a few miles before bailing off. People are creatures of habit, and they often take the trail just because it's there. I think I would skip the trail and head straight for Mullins Hole in the morning, along with the saddle with the elevation number south of it. The steep climb to Sheep Park would also be on my list.

If I'm the only one in the drainage, I may start by going a little farther north. The red x looks like another good spot.

[Stick]

I'm a long legged cat and my first inclination is to walk as far as possible. That being said I have learned that if I'm not careful I stride right by little hidey holes. Assuming other pressure and the west side of the trail with all the water will be a hunter magnet. I would start by stopping before you get to the end of the atv trail and hunt up the drainage to the east to Sheep Park area. Hunting to the north where I could glass that country across the drainage to my west to see if my assumption about hunter pressure was correct and also try to locate any sweet spots tucked away to check out.

I do like your idea with the little pond stuck in the c of your map. Probably wouldn't believe how many casual observers would miss that.

[Jamieastle]

Given this a rifle hunt, there is a steep area north of Mullins Hole overlooking some meadows and some lakes. Also a pocket area and possible bedding areas to the west as well as close proximity to gradual access to the high country. Looks like a good area to set up camp and set up a spotting scope, throw out some bugles and see what happens. Weather could help or hinder that option but looks like a good starting location.

[Indian Summer]

I'd start by heading north... in my truck.... until I crossed the Wyoming line.

Kidding. Never hunted Colorado in my life.

[StartMyHunt]

Now let me add my information to the map. The bright red areas are the hot spots, the bright green are the primary forage areas, the brown hatched areas are secondary forage, and the read shaded areas are the security/bedding areas. Would you change your strategy, especially since in reality, hunting pressure would play a huge role and most of the areas mentioned above would be hit pretty hard.

[Passin Thru]

I would add, ATV to end of track, be up on that point at 1st daylight and sit still. Test wind, watch upwind. Move to waterhole around 10 AM and watch it from 100 yd vantage pt. Sleep from 2- 6 and go back up the hill til sundown.Change places everyday. When you move make noise like Elk do walking. Sneaking will spook them. Shoot biggest one so he slides down to the front tires of your ATV then you can brag.

[Lefty]

I'd start by heading north... in my truck.... until I crossed the Wyoming line. .

OK that was funny.

Just yesterday I was telling my wife " I could live here" We were up Flagg Ranch/Ashton Road where her Great Grandfather homesteaded.