Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Doug Treat on March 27, 2008, 01:20:00 PM

Title: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 27, 2008, 01:20:00 PM
I am extending an invitation to any tradganger who would like to share camp with me this year.  I know there are guys out there who would like to try a mountain elk hunt or mule deer hunt here in Colorado.  I'm not looking for a trade-a-hunt, just a hunting partner or two who would like to share a camp.  This would be a backpacking camp set up a few miles from the road.  I would provide the campsite and would share my limited knowledge of hunting these mountains (NOT a guided hunt). This is a limited area and you would need to act fast if you would like to apply for hunting here in unit 20 (deadline is Apr. 1).  Cow tags and most deer tags may be bought leftover for some seasons.  I will PM more info. to the first few guys who respond.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Kingwouldbe on March 27, 2008, 01:54:00 PM
Doug that is an awesome offer but I don't think I cant take you up on it this year.

Let us know who you take and how you do
   :campfire:
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: BMG on March 27, 2008, 02:11:00 PM
Doug check your pm
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 27, 2008, 04:39:00 PM
Wow, I didn't know I would get this kind of response in less than an hour.  Here's what I'll do.  I'll start a list with the first ones to PM me (limited to the first 5),and then another list in the order that I get your PM if someone decides not to come or just come for part of the season.  I need to limit this camp to 6 at a time (including me) to keep it from getting too crowded.  The area where camp will be is a chunk of about 6,000 acres of public land.  I will set up the camp close to the road just so everyone can be more mobile and drive to different areas if the game isn't cooperating where camp is.  There is plenty of public land in the area that can be hunted within 15-30 minutes drive from camp.  Archery deer tags for here are always available but you must apply for them (or wait for leftover tags, but I would suggest applying for them) and elk tags are also available without preference points for some archery tags.  There are 3 different archery elk tags for this unit.  Either-sex, Cow, and bull.  Don't even try for a bull-only tag as only 5 are issued and you need at least 3 preference points to draw.  It's kinda confusing so go to the Colorado Division of Wildlife website:  www.wildlife.state.co.us (http://www.wildlife.state.co.us)  for all info. on applying for tags.  You can apply and pay for tags on-line.  Oh, you must have a hunter education card to hunt in Colorado if born after 1949. There are a lot of regs and I want everyone in my camp to abide by them.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to answer all questions so read the regs on line before applying if you're unfamiliar with Colorado game laws.  For instance, party hunting (filling someone else's tag) won't fly here. There are also bear tags for this area that are unlimited with caps (sold over-the-counter until the're gone).  Non-resident Deer tags (either-sex) are $319, NR Elk is $529 for either-sex and $254 for cow tags.  NR bear is $254.  You can get a small game tag but only coyotes and grouse seasons are open in Sept.  Bunny season starts Oct. 1.  The deer and elk archery season this year is Aug. 30- Sept. 28.  Archery bear runs Sept. 2-28.  When applying for tags, make sure you specify GMU (game management unit) 20. This is a CWD area so you must package meat before transporting and you can get animal tested if you desire (for about $20). Tradgangers can stay at my camp for part of the season or the whole season if you want.  I will have to work during part of the season.  
The first 3 on the list are:

Carcajou
Babaloo
sunny hill archer

I would like to keep this camp just for traditional archers so no compounds please.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 27, 2008, 04:43:00 PM
Remember to apply before Apr. 1...Next Tuesday!  I guess I shuda thought of this a bit earlier.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: 2ndxarnd on March 27, 2008, 05:29:00 PM
Thanks Doug, i only wish i could take part. good luck.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: ishiwannabe on March 27, 2008, 06:00:00 PM
Sounds like a dream....good luck guys!
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: T-Bone on March 27, 2008, 06:05:00 PM
That is a very generous offer.  Good on you Doug!! If I did not have a hunt already planned I would love to join you.  Great luck guys, unit 20 is a great hunting unit.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 28, 2008, 10:45:00 AM
OK, here's some more info:  Camp will be set up about 10 miles from Estes Park where I live.  Rocky Mtn. National Park is just west of Estes and is worth seeing if you haven't been.  Lots of animals and great scenic mountains.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 28, 2008, 10:58:00 AM
...and more application info: The either-sex archery deer tag # for applying is D-E-020-01-A.  The cow elk tag # is E-F-020-01-A and the either-sex elk tag # is E-E-020-01-A.  You must also buy a $5 Habitat Stamp for each license (up to $10)unless you're over 64 years old.  You won't know if you've drawn a tag until June.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 28, 2008, 01:17:00 PM
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll130/grndhntr/P1010080.jpg)
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 28, 2008, 01:19:00 PM
This is the view from close to where camp will be!!!
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 28, 2008, 01:21:00 PM
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll130/grndhntr/P1010026.jpg)
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 28, 2008, 01:23:00 PM
...and this is the view from camp on a foggy day with some elk sheds that I found there last Sept.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 28, 2008, 01:24:00 PM
...that peak in the second picture is where I took the first picture from...
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 29, 2008, 05:25:00 PM
This is what can be found here (although this picture was taken in Estes in front of my house :^)

 (http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll130/grndhntr/P1010069.jpg)
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 29, 2008, 05:30:00 PM
...and this would be fun to chase too.  This picture was taken close to camp.

 (http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll130/grndhntr/P1010077.jpg)
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: ishiwannabe on March 29, 2008, 05:35:00 PM
Man I gotta get out there to hunt one of these years....Great pics!
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: beyondmyken on March 29, 2008, 07:46:00 PM
Doug, thank you for your generous offer.  Good luck to whoever goes.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 30, 2008, 11:12:00 AM
Ok, now there are 3 days left to apply for tags, including today (Sun).  There are OTC units here in Colorado, but these are often crowded and ATV filled.  BTW, in the area where I hunt, no ATVs are allowed on the trails.  There are some hikers that use the trails, but it's usually pretty quiet during bow season.  If anyone has any other questions about this hunt, let me know.  I'll try to check my PMs at least twice a day to answer as quickly as possible.  Doug
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: tadpole on March 30, 2008, 01:05:00 PM
Doug, sent you a PM
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 30, 2008, 01:45:00 PM
Ok, Ive got the following on the list:

Carcajou
Sunny Hill archer
Tadpole and friend

There's room for one more right now.  You guys on the list, let me know if you can't make it and I'll open it up for others.  Thanks.  Doug
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 30, 2008, 03:53:00 PM
I just thought of something else.  Seems like most who are interested in this hunt want to chase elk.  If you want to apply for elk now, see if you draw, and then add a deer tag later, that should work out OK. The numbers show that there are 400 archery either-sex tags for unit 20 and less than 150 people apply for that tag every year.  There should be plenty of leftover tags available when they start selling them on line Aug. 13.  

Still have room in camp as of now!!!
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 30, 2008, 04:29:00 PM
...or if you don't know if you can do this yet, but want to get on the list and add that deer tag in Aug., PM me and that could work too.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Dave2old on March 30, 2008, 07:50:00 PM
Hunt elk in Colorado? No way! I wouldn't even consider it! (-:

Clearly, you wear the name "Treat" for a good reason. Best luck to your generous camp.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 30, 2008, 09:00:00 PM
Plenty of room if you're just now finding this. One of the guys on the list just let me know he can't make it.  Doug
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 31, 2008, 11:37:00 AM
ttt
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 31, 2008, 12:06:00 PM
Here's me close to camp trying out my sleep hunting tactic.
 (http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll130/grndhntr/P1010027.jpg)
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on March 31, 2008, 09:04:00 PM
...and another picture of the area:


 (http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll130/grndhntr/P1010122.jpg)
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: whossbows on March 31, 2008, 09:34:00 PM
i was in estes park,2 years ago,in mid october,,we stayed at rockmount cottages,,very nice place ,we got in some good trout fishing,saw lots of elk every morning in the front yard,,im planning on going back soon,,jeff
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: tadpole on March 31, 2008, 09:35:00 PM
Me and Covey are in!!!  Hope we get drawed.
Can't wait Doug, thanks for your invite.
Tom
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: stickhorse on March 31, 2008, 09:53:00 PM
Doug PM sent -- let me know if you need help. Bob
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: tadpole on April 01, 2008, 04:05:00 PM
ttt last day to apply for tags
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on April 01, 2008, 05:35:00 PM
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll130/grndhntr/P1010015.jpg)


One more picture to whet your appetite for the Colorado high country.  This is what it looks like here today.  Will be a bit warmer in Sept. for the archery season.  Doug
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: ishiwannabe on April 01, 2008, 05:56:00 PM
You going to do this every year? Your killing me...lol.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on April 01, 2008, 06:08:00 PM
ishi,  I don't know, but if things go well this year, it would be fun to make it an annual event.  I think I'll call it CTC1 (Colorado Tradgang Camp #1).  We'll see how it goes and I'll let you know if there will be a CTC2.  I do plan to start a thread here so you guys who can't make it can follow along on our adventure

So far we have:
Tadpole, Covey, and sunny hill archer.  If anyone else has been dragging their feet, now's the time to act.  2 more spots in camp!  You can apply online today (I believe until midnight...at least a mail-in application can be postmarked until midnight), but that's it.  Today's the deadline.
Title: Re: Anyone want to hunt in Colorado?
Post by: Doug Treat on April 02, 2008, 01:27:00 PM
OK, we have our group:
Me
Tadpole
Covey
Sunny Hill archer
possibly some local trad. bowhunters

I'll keep you Tradgangers up to date on our misadventures chasing elk and deer in Sept.  Thanks for all the replies even from those who can't make it this year.  Doug