What do you guys think?

[Jjamesdean]

So we had a little time this last weekend to run out to our Unit in Colorado where we plan on hunting this September. We only scouted One full Day, we seem a spike and 6 cows in the morning, and a small branched bull and 6 cows in the evening. Didn't see tons of sign, no wallows, but did see elk. Also got some trail cams set. We were back in about 4 miles as the crow flys from the truck. It bothered me how many horse tracks we saw on the trail, and a few campsites. Even back in all the way. This was our First time scouting for elk and Will be our First time hunting. Is it normal to see elk for newbies on One Day of scouting? Good results? Average? Bad? Also should we be real worried about the horse tracks and Old campsites? Any thought will be greatly appreciated! Thanks -James Dean

[Jjamesdean]

Just to be clear the campsites were not occupied, or in use, we did not actually see any humans back in there.

[Tigger]

I would say seeing 2 groups of elk in one day is a pretty darn good day of scouting.

As for the campsites and horse tracks....the horse tracks were made by summer campers. They may or may not be hunters that come back to hunt. You wont know for sure until hunting season, so no use worrying about it. Kind of the same with campsites, hard to tell if they were from this summer or hunting seasons in the past. Did you see any meat poles?

[Jjamesdean]

No we didn't! We did find a skull about halfway back to the peak with the horns sawed off though. I appreciate the input! All the elk we seen were high, close above treeline, around 11,000 feet if that helps anyone! We were looking for sign lower and didn't find much until we started getting higher. What do you think about rubs? We found around 20 in 2 different spots. Slapped some cameras up there.

[Huntrgathr]

My advice is to get away from those trails. You always have the potential for an army of horse hunters to show up at any time if you're near a trail. Try to find those high elevation cirques and alcoves or " security areas" where the elk will escape to when the pressure starts. Either that or they will "brush up" in the thickest, nastiest crap they can find. Just depends on the type of country you're in... Good luck !

[Jjamesdean]

My advice is to get away from those trails. You always have the potential for an army of horse hunters to show up at any time if you're near a trail. Try to find those high elevation cirques and alcoves or " security areas" where the elk will escape to when the pressure starts. Either that or they will "brush up" in the thickest, nastiest crap they can find. Just depends on the type of country you're in... Good luck !

Thanks for the advice buddy! Good luck to you too

[one_elk]

I have spent a lot of time in the Sangres, they are indeed steep but that can be good and bad. My advice would be to save your energy and use your optics, find an animal or group of animals the plan your attack. 82 is a big unit limiting yourself to a small area, unless of course you know the specific seasonal areas of a group of elk, can be very frustrating. And oh by the way if you see an middle age plus guy packing out an elk on his own don't hesitate to offer to help he may indeed provide some good insight and even if he doesn't he will appreciate the help and of course you will be a better person for helping

[Jjamesdean]

Sweet thanks! Never hear people talk much about elk rubs. What do y'all think of those?