Colorado GMU 501?

[EastTNHunter]

What can those in the know share about this unit for first rifle? It appears that it is a unit that requires 3 preference points and only issues 30-40 tags per year. Population isn't huge, but I've found a cabin on a private ranch bordered by the Pike National forest that can be had for a reasonable rate, and it is only 1hr from Colorado Springs. This would be ideal for family reasons.

Any thoughts or pointers? Any areas within the unit that I should look into to narrow scouting?

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

[saddlesore]

Close to Denver and COS. It gets a lot of weekend outdoorsy folks. The reason they only issue 30-40 tags is there are not that many elk there. It is pretty lowland country as compared to what you think prime elk habitat is.
Really if you are traveling all the way from TN, do some more research. There are a more better areas than that.
I live outside of COS and I don't even venture to go in that area because of the crowds.

[EastTNHunter]

Could you define crowds? Are we talking day hikers that stick to the trails and other hotspots, or are there areas that you can get away from them? I talked to the owner of the cabin, who is a hunter, and he stated that the population was relatively low, but the lower tag numbers equated to less pressure on the animals that were there. The success rates are between 20-30% it looks like.

Is any of this accurate, or am I overthinking it?

[saddlesore]

I can't comment on the success ratio since I don't hunt it.

A lot of fishing done along the S. Platte, ATV's, dirt bikes ,bicycles, hikers. Think of it as a big playground for all to go when wanting to get out of Denver or COS. The Lost Creek Wilderness area gets a lot of day users , backpackers and campers.

Generally the Tarryall Mountains are fairly arid, big rock country. I accompanied a friend many years ago on an elk hunt in there. He did get a cow, but it came hard.
Personally if I needed a cabin, I would look at the rentals around Taylor Reservoir, NE of Gunnison or Sweetwater Lake, NW of Dotsero.

There is a similar area, that easterners get sucked into on the west side of Pikes Peak. Generally they go home disappointed.

[cohunter]

I used to live in Woodland Park - I never hunted 501 because it wasn't over the counter. Saddlesore is right about the use... unbelievable! but with only 30-40 tags, I'd think you would have the off-trail stuff much to your own. Take this next part with a grain of salt, because I'm sure Saddlesore has spent more time there than me (especially recently) but I've seen some very nice bulls in there and had friends get elk that would have been more than respectable in any unit in the state. I suppose the population density is lower than many other parts of the state, but it's my experience that sometimes the best age structures and trophy potential exist in lower-density areas. Maybe this is due to decreased hunting pressure? At any rate, because it's low density and has tons of recreational use, expect to put on a ton of miles! Also, much of the area is old burn area - not a lot of cover or shelter. When I lived in WP, a lot of the burned areas were closed to any type of recreational use. I imagine that's loosened up quite a lot in the past several years.

[cohunter]

I also drove through Taylor Park during a rifle season once. There was so much orange I thought I'd missed a turn and wound up at Mile High on a Sunday afternoon.

[saddlesore]

I also drove through Taylor Park during a rifle season once. There was so much orange I thought I'd missed a turn and wound up at Mile High on a Sunday afternoon.

I think that is pretty much true of any area now in Colorado that is accessible to foot hunters now day.

[js80138]

I spent all last week camping Lakeview campground at Taylor Park. We went over to Crested Butte one day, Tincup another and I couldn't get over the terrain and how different it was from the units I hunt. I left with the idea that it must be perfect Elk Country. After reading your posts I will continue to be happy with my GMU as I rarely see anyone else in both archery and 4th rifle. Grass isn't always greener.