Colorado DIY advice

[lineman53]

Hey guys this year will be my first time elk hunting. I have a over the counter second season rifle tag for colorado. Looking for advice on a good unit to hunt. I have all 9 days to hunt. Heard a lot of good things about the white river national Forrest. Just don't know where to start.

[Raghorn_Reaper]

Welcome lineman. Tons of elk in the white river national forest. You could probably land at almost any trail head and have just as good of a shot seeing elk if you are willing to put the miles in. Start by looking at the numbers on the Colorado DOW site. They post all sorts of useful info. Then based on numbers, populations etc, I would start digging into the topos.

Its probably not the answer you wanted to hear but planning is half the fun and you will learn something in the process. If it was archery season i would almost guarantee you would see elk, but don't have a clue with gun season. Gun season is a whole new animal.

[lineman53]

Thanks a bunch. No doubt the research part of it is exciting. Going out in sept to scout. Really looking forward to it.

[Ponyboy_jonas]

Are u planning on setting up a spike camp in the wilderness, or will u be hunting from the trailhead every morning?

[Patapsco Mike]

Just my 2 cents as I've hunted the region in all different seasons. Dependent on temperatures and snow amount up high I have done well hunting as low as possible, right up close to private. All the private ranches have heavy pressure and can send the herd your way. One year that scenario lead me and my buddy right to em. We glassed and caught a herd of almost a hundred in a line crossing back over. Shot two raghorns and don't think my knees ever recovered...pack out was brutal!!

Also if hunting higher look for heavy trails moving off the hill. Found they are staring to migrate second season.

Good luck

[lineman53]

As of right now I will be starting out at the trailhead every morning. Still contemplating on hiking in and setting up a spike camp. My buddy that was originally going with me had to back out. So as of right now I'll be solo.