Hey guys my hunting buddies and I are looking to do an elk next year fall of 2014, and I have always had an interest in southern Colorado, I am not looking for anyone's honey holes just want some general info on hunting pressure, what elevation elk are typically at that time of year, and just the overall hunting down there, I know a lot of the units are OTC which is a plus not having points. But anyway just looking for some general info, thank you! And God bless
Drew
Drew, that is some wicked tough country. You are one in good enough shape with determination to tackle it. Good luck :thumbsup:
Steve, that's what attracted me to it, go where only the not right guys would go !
I've been looking to plan a trip in that area as well in the next year or two. The 70 zones look great on a map. I would love to hear how it is there as well!
I can say that the elk range from the lowest to the highest elevations. The higher elevations tend to have more elk but no way its an easy hunt. The rougher nastier places can be the places they like the best. Dont plan on finding places folks wont go. The guys that are determined will be there if there are elk.
That being said hunt hard cover lots of ground and you stand a high chance of getting an opportunity. If the elk aren't there move on. Finding them is at times is difficult and they can be here today and miles away tomorrow. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, be willing to try a spot even miles away.
QuoteOriginally posted by akaboomer:
I can say that the elk range from the lowest to the highest elevations. The higher elevations tend to have more elk but no way its an easy hunt. The rougher nastier places can be the places they like the best. Dont plan on finding places folks wont go. The guys that are determined will be there if there are elk.
That being said hunt hard cover lots of ground and you stand a high chance of getting an opportunity. If the elk aren't there move on. Finding them is at times is difficult and they can be here today and miles away tomorrow. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, be willing to try a spot even miles away.
Hunted there once and THIS is exactly the deal. Hard country. Be in great shape, have more than one trail head in mind and be willing to move.
We hunted the San Jaun and it was TOUGH. Really too tough for us. Saw elk, just couldn't get on them within trad bow range. We did have fun though.
Love the South San Juan's. Hunted there twice. The pack in is tough but worth it. Saw some good bulls, pretty country, got LOTS of exercise and were able to get a cow after 2 years and 200 foot miles.
Can't wait to go back!
Greg
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I will be hunting this year in the south San Juans during the second week of September for elk. I can't wait! Been training hard since I have heard this country is straight up and down. This is my first elk hunt with trad equipment. I hope to have some good pictures to post when it is all said and done.
Awesome pictures! Two4, how far didnyounhave to pack in to get away from te crowds, did you run into many other guys?
"A Man Made of Elk" knows, he lives there. Read David Petersen.
There are places there where you can stand straight up and reach out your arm and touch the ground. Some of the steepest stuff I have ever hunted. And there were plenty of hunters. But the country was big enough that you could find little out of the way places and get away from the hunters and find the elk. I would plan on moving every two to three days of hunting. The elk get scared fast and leave the area. So then you have to go find them. Gary
QuoteOriginally posted by Stixbowdrew:
Awesome pictures! Two4, how far didnyounhave to pack in to get away from te crowds, did you run into many other guys?
We had to hile 1 mile in elevation and 3 miles of steep switchbacks to even get to the huntable area. From there we hiked 5 more miles back in and hunted there for a week. We killed the cow back at the top of the trail where we came in, on the way out....go figure.
the trailhead:
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We were there a week starting on the first day of muzzleloader and bumped 2 solo compound bow hunters (say Hi to Moe if you go) and 2 groups of compounders(2 in one group, 3 in another) during the week. There was also a guided muzzleloader father/son that we never bumped into except on the hike in when they past us with horses (they looked pretty good at that point).
The easier trailheads had a lot of trucks parked but that initial hill made it pretty spacious where we were.
The elk could be anywhere.....they move.
Awesome thanks for all the great tips so far guys! That first hill looks a little intimidating!
wish I was going back this year! Beautiful country!
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Home:
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Neighbors:
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Morning:
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Practice:
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Ghosts:
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Ambush:
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and missed opportunities:
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and sweet success!
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:campfire:
Very awesome pictures!
You may need to look and check if the area you are planning has been taken out by fire. Our usual draw area was burned up recently. Beautiful country that is often in my dreams. Can't wait to get back.
Seems like there is lots of area to hunt with elk around most of it. Would really help to call the wildlife biologist in the area to ask. We always find elk around meadows close to water and dark timber, especially north facing. They love to hole up in the dark trees. Can't wait to see pics.
Don't have one specific unit nailed down yet got loads more research to do,
Going in about 4-5 weeks, first time in that area, I'll let you all know how it goes when I return
I have hunted there myself and it is some tough country but they have some big bulls in the San Juans. Nothing like the rest of the state for foot action for sure. Get the best hiking boot you can get because it's straight up and down.
I prefer the Kennetrek boots for sure.
Great hunting for sure....
pagossa springs area ...... rugged , beautiful , good elk pops ........ be in shape
I have buddy in Pagosa Springs. He moved there from Northern Colorado about 10 years ago . He killed elk every year up North but hasn't figured out the San Jauns yet. He told me its real rugged country and horses are a huge asset. I plan on putting in for a deer tag next year so I can get a feel for the country before I go after elk. I currently have enough elk points that I may be able to draw in unit 76 but want to get a feel for the country before I use those points. I will be watching for everyone's comments when they get back. Good luck
I've been once. Check into the "yurts" they have some that are up high so you only have to get way the heck up there once and can stay in a bed with a roof overhead(wish I'd known) But definitely do not, do not, rule out lower elevations. Thick, dark, areas lower is where I actually saw more. Highway north outta Chama, NM
And yes, big bulls
Make sure your chosen unit wasn't burned flat by recent fire...
Joshua
Been goin almost every year since 96, cant get enough. I will be there from sept 13th through 22nd this year. I have had good luck catchen the rut during that time period.
My kind of elk hunting....
Enjoy!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Many thanks to everyone who has posted so far love the input
The mountains are really close to God for a reason. The San Juan Mountains are the most beautiful place on Earth in my opinion.
Advise; like mentioned get into great physical shape. Bring light weight fishing tackle, the brown trout provide some great eating. Never leave camp without at least one day's rations. Pay attention to the thermal drafts while hunting. Bring a method of burying human feces, or you can be fined. Be nice to the Rangers. Be safe and have fun!!!
Can you use horses to access that area?
QuoteOriginally posted by looper:
Can you use horses to access that area?
Yes Sir on horses, no gasoline.
I'll be heading to 74 for the first time in October for first rifle season...maybe someday I'll be confident enough to chase 'em with a stick. Until then, I think we have plenty of work cut out for us just trying to get one with an '06.
One little tip for the OP...the guy that runs Circle K on HWY 145 seems like a pretty decent guy from my phone conversations. I hope to be packing mine out by myself, but if you get one down he will pack it out for around $3-400. Also, if you stay at his lodge, you can rent a horse for the day and just ride out from the lodge on your own...seems like it might be an interesting way to go.
I hunted the Salt Creek area above Durango two times. Lots of old sign but very few elk while we were hunting in late August/early September. We were between 9K' and 10K'. Heard some bugleing but I never saw an elk. I did have a wolf about 25 yards from my ground stand. That made my trip.