Any ELKNUTS want to act as a CO guide?

[bald9eagle]

So I'm back to trying to decipher Colorado again. While there is a lot of info out there I think it might be too[i] much info. I'm overwhelmed again.

Originally I had settled on unit 76. Then 55. Then 24. Now... I'm trying to find which unit has "decent" terrain for some flat-lander boys from Dixie. I know that's a challenge but I'm bringing a 280 pound defensive lineman sized man with me. (Side note...Bringing a big man along for pack out purposes has [i]some disadvantages.) Let's just act like terrain isn't an issue. If I tell him we are going to Unit X he won't argue much.

Crowds. Holy moly. I keep reading how crowded this unit or that unit is. My father-in-law hunted Flat Tops (he calls them the Hay Flats) and talks about seeing a few people but not many. I'm thinking "Dang!" The Flat Tops is a popular area. If he says he didn't see a lot of people does that mean that everyone else online is blowing smoke? I mean as an avid turkey hunter you can bet your butt I would be quite unwilling to offer up my spots.

Who's up for it? Archery, rifle, cow, bull...we don't care. We will be in a tight spot trying to get a NM tag so we will be going OTC in CO instead of draw. How about just a PM with something that I can latch onto? PLEEEEEASE? Help a budding elknut out. (If it helps I can be quite good at flattery.)

[Waygoner]

If you're going OTC you need to figure out what units are open. The CPW website has all of that info (and much more). From there pick a weapon, bow or rifle. If you're new to elk hunting, rifle success is much higher. I believe there are tags in draw only units that you can draw with zero points as a non-res. Narrow it down to 2-3 units and start gathering info. Local CPW biologists can help with general questions too. Once you pick your spot, pack your bags and go! Don't overthink it too much.

[bald9eagle]

Most of that I've got. I can almost quote you the Colorado hunting guide...lol.

The thing is trying to narrow it down. I'm leaning towards Flat Tops/White River/Sleepy Cat part of the world. I really wanted the Gunnison Basin but the issue is getting in there. I'm going to look for pack services. In the West Elk Wilderness you have some good elevations if the dry spell lasts into next season.

[Elkduds]

Consider unit 62 for archery, 2nd, 3rd rifle season bulls if you truly don't care about crowds. It often has the most hunters of any unit because it offers a great hunt by OTC standards. It is @ lower elevation than many units, so weather is often better than on Flat Tops. it has no altitude above timberline and plenty of steep canyons. It is a huge unit w areas accessible by everything from passenger cars to atvs to hike/horseback only. Stud bucks are taken there each year, as well as lots of elk. And you will find plenty of guidance online, since lots of people have hunted there.

[bald9eagle]

Thanks. You know us rookie flat-landers don't have a clue as to what we are in for...lol. I've not hunted the first elk and I can tell I'm going to get hooked.

Am I correct in saying that most units are good for 1st and 2nd rifle and 3rd and 4th will normally mean lower elevations thus more private land? One of the reasons I'm interested in the West Elk Wilderness is the 7k-13k elevation changes. If the drought and strong Èl Ninõ continues into next October is it possible that most herds will still be around/above the timberline late into rifle season?

[Waygoner]

Tags were cut back this year in 54 due to the complaints of many outfitters/locals about the lack of animals. The unit is almost entirely public land, but the elk are known to head for private once the bullets start flying. Even archery is putting enough pressure on to get them moving. As the seasons pass, more and more elk are on private. By 4th season if you don't have land owner permission you've got your work cut out for you. I don't think El Nino will have any impact, unless the snow is bad enough to increase winter kill. I'm still a little puzzled as to why this unit is so popular. I would choose any of the other Gunnison units before 54.

[cohunter14]

Am I correct in saying that most units are good for 1st and 2nd rifle and 3rd and 4th will normally mean lower elevations thus more private land? One of the reasons I'm interested in the West Elk Wilderness is the 7k-13k elevation changes. If the drought and strong Èl Ninõ continues into next October is it possible that most herds will still be around/above the timberline late into rifle season?

A lot of this just depends on the weather. If it's mild, the elk will still be high and vice-versa. But even if the elk go low, there are still areas in units that aren't private.

A few other things: Wagoner hit it on the head that you can apply for a draw unit that you can get with zero preference points. That is a way to avoid the crowds of OTC hunters. Also, your friend who referred to Hay Flats is not referring to the Flat Tops, although it's near that area. Hay Flats is a very popular area, but also holds quite a few elk.

Either way, don't overthink it. Decide on a unit and begin studying. There are elk in all of them, the key is finding them. Good luck!