GMU 14

[BGarey6120]

I was up around 10,500 ft this weekend and didn't see ANY signs of elk; no droppings, prints, wallows, etc. It's early in the season and I didn't have too high of hopes, but I was surprised at the lack of sign out there. I spoke to a couple of other hunters on my way out and they reported the same thing.

The part I find odd is that every person I ran into on my main trail in and out of the back country, (couple of fishermen, handful of hikers, and a spattering of other hunters headed in for the week) all reported hearing bugling at lower elevations near the trailhead. Unfortunately, I take every other hunter's reports with a grain of skepticism, but the fishermen and hikers would have no reason to be misleading.

Did anybody else have this experience over the weekend? Why would the elk be low at this time of year?

[BRazz]

Oh man, I've been there, done that! Depending on where you go in GMU 14 (I've hunted there several times) there are plentiful private lands down low. This is the case in many other areas as well and can be extremely frustrating. The elk go down either because they have pressure on the public lands or the feed down low is too easy and too good. There are still elk up high (I think...) but they tend to be the quiet and spooky type, while the ones living on or next to the lower elevation ranches are more closely related to the elk in Rocky Mountain National Park. I don't know how to remedy that, since hunting next to private boundaries can be frustrating and tricky, and hunting way back in the forest or wilderness is likely what you already tried.

Keep after 'em!

[TennMatt]

BGarey,

Thanks for the heads-up. Are you willing to be a little more specific about your location in GMU 14? I'm planning to hunt outside of Clark during the 2nd rifle season.

Matt

[phall]

14 is busy every season and esp busy during second rifle. Also lots of atv traffic where permitted, i would avoid all open atv trails. Find wilderness areas and seek out protected pockets, escape routes, and public close to private. There are pockets of elk to be had you just have to find them and stay mobile as they get bumped around by other hunters. Be prepared for any and all weather

[TennMatt]

Phall,

Thanks for the tips. I'm a very green elk hunter, but I'm fit and have the drive to follow the types of suggestions you're offering. We we in the area last year about ten days later and there was at least 15 inches of snow on the ground - in snowshoes from daybreak to dark. I'll be mostly solo this year and looking to camp closer to the river since the suby can't get in as far as a 4x4 truck. Thinking of packing xc skis and a plastic sled to increase mobility and speed.

Matt

[oldnovice]

I hunted 2nd rifle there last year. I have 4th rifle tag this year up there. Everyone who got elk, hiked at lease 5 miles off the roads. Any elk not on private land were still above the tree line (11,000 ft or more) because it was so hot. I did see a lot of mulies there, though. I would start around south of Seedhouse. I went north and there was nothing there.

[BGarey6120]

Mixed bag this weekend.

I tried a different area altogether and stayed around 9,500ft, and it was much, much warmer (I'd be surprised if it had gotten below 45 overnight). I saw a moose, mamma bear and cub, handful of mule deer, and most importantly 3 cow elk. Fits of rain Saturday and Sunday with heavy winds throughout, and some hail Sunday.

Had the 3 cows pop up 40 yds away right as the rain/hail was starting. Couldn't get them to stay; they were beating feet toward some dark timber to bed down for the storm.

Heard a handful of reports from other hunters that the critters are starting to herd up (5-6 cows per clip) down at the lower elevations 8,500 ft again. And heard of an outfitter pulling 2 bulls out of the woods that were still in full velvet.

I'd say it's safe to say that we are still firmly in pre-rut.

[TennMatt]

Does anyone, BGarey et al., have an update for this area? I'll be there during second rifle and am curious to know if anything is kicking. I'd also be interested to know your thoughts on how the Beaver Creek fire this summer have affected the elk in the area.

Matt

[oldnovice]

From what I saw, the Big Creek fire was a log ways away from most of GMU14. If anything, it may send more wildlife that way. I will be up there for 4th Rifle.

[oldnovice]

Another thing to remember is that there are resident herds that never roam or "migrate" very far from a particular area. These are the ones that you see in the lower elevations all year long in places like Estes Park. I would call them semi-tame and are separate from the herds that roam the more open areas.

[COElkNut]

Does anyone have updated info on elk sightings (not looking for Herd Hangout coord's)?

[oldnovice]

Haven't seen any in GMU 18! I will be in GMU 14 for 4th rifle. Pray for snow!

[COElkNut]

Haven't seen any in GMU 18! I will be in GMU 14 for 4th rifle. Pray for snow!

Definitely will be!!! I'm there in 14 for the 4th as well. I'll be dragging a sled so if we don't get some snow i'm gonna be hurting!!!!

[oldnovice]

Still no snow but a storm is predicted for Thursday and Friday. Anywhere from a trace to feet of snow depending on where the high pressure goes. Been up in the Gilpin lake area and no sign of elk. Lots of hikers and dogs, though.