Elk Hunting Unit 53 Colorado

[Neil]

Hey guys, just curious if anybody has any helpful information for unit 53 in Colorado. I applied for a muzzleloader tag, but plan on pulling an OTC archery tag if I don't get drawn. I have a friend letting me use her horse to pack in, so my tentative plan is to set up camp near East Three Knobs and hunt the nearby ridges (east/west chain, Smith Fork, etc). I don't expect specific locations (also won't turn them down), but can anyone tell me if I'll be wasting my time, or if that sounds like a decent plan?

[CurlyTail]

Wish I could help. Not familiar with 53. Hopefully someone will be feeling generous and shoot you a PM

[saddlesore]

Not familiar with that exact area.Scroll down and see my reply to the area 53/54 question..

About the horse. If you are a knowledgeable horse person, ignore the following, Has it packed before? has it packed meat before? Has it been around killed game/blood before? Do you know how to pack?. Generally horses do not do well being by themselves in the wilderness area. How will you tie at night? Hobbles don't keep them around and you need a high line.Can't just tie to a tree or the FS will write you a citation if they catch find you. You can't tie it to a long tether unless it has been trained to do so.

If not trained, it will get caught up in it and get rope burns on it hocks at a minimum and lame at the worse. Feed if you don't take feed, it will need 4-6 hours of grazing a day.If it isn't conditioned to lush green grass in those high country meadows,it will colic which is mostly fatal. However, you will still need to take some grain.

Unless it knows you very well and gets loose, you won't be able to catch it. There are bears in that local. Horses usually spook at them.

At the very least, come to an agreement as to how much the horse is worth before you take it and be prepared to pay for it of the out come is not good

[Neil]

Saddlesore, thanks for the thoughts! Won't be the first trip with the horse, just trying to make sure I'm in the correct vacinity of the unit. I actually used to live in a horse barn

[Jto1986]

Neil. I talked to the wildlife officer for that area and he said there's usually an outfitter that hunts in the chain mountains area. Not saying he's for sure in there but thought I'd let you know so you can have a backup plan.

[Neil]

Neil. I talked to the wildlife officer for that area and he said there's usually an outfitter that hunts in the chain mountains area. Not saying he's for sure in there but thought I'd let you know so you can have a backup plan.

I appreciate the info!! I did notice a couple outfitter camps on google maps, so hopefully we can stay out of each other's ways. I didn't see your post until after I posted mine, but looks like I'll be in the same area as you, but a couple weeks before you. I'll pm you after my hunt if I can remember to, and give you an update.

[Jto1986]

Good deal man. Cant wait to get out there! Good luck and yeah let me know how you do if you remember.