Planning a hunt for elk in September of this year. Three of us going. Thinking OTC so looking at maybe GMU 25 or 26 any word on this area for or against. Maybe word on better area, just looking for an area with a reasonable chance of seeing elk and with work on our part the chance of a shot.
25 and 26 is the Flattops. It is a pretty popular place to hunt and I believe some outfitters do drop camps there. I rode a horse into 25 a couple of years ago from the Sweetwater Lake trailhead. I kept thinking what it would be like to hike in with a backpack. The elevation difference was about 3500 ft. I'm glad that I was on horseback. Did see a lot of elk though. Jim
Haven't hunted those particular units, but if you can cover enough places at least a rough/steep/blowdown-covered mile from the trails, where horses can't access, at least 1,000 vertical feet up or down, you'll find elk, guaranteed. Stay mobile and stay after them until you find them. Don't walk too many trail miles--you lose your competitive advantage over horse folks. This kind of great elk hunting is simple and predicable to find, pretty hard to get to, and darn near impossible to bring meat out! Which is why most folks don't do it.
X2!
The elk may lounge about on those flattops during the lazy days of summer, but as soon as they are pushed a bit the move into the rough country in the drainages.
I hunted the Flat Tops last year with Winterhawk Outfitters (GMU 24,25,26 I believe). Beautiful and rugged area but it's public land and very crowded.
I'll ditto all of the above. Past results. 302 elk killed in 25 and 189 in 26 sounds great until the statistics tell you there were THOUSANDS of hunters there. The white river heard is large. There are elk. But be prepared for a tough spot. It's a favorite among residents and non residents alike
I hunted with Winterhawk a couple of years ago. Spent big bucks with this outfitter. Stopped for a midday rest the second day out. Heard some strange noises, looked up, and lo and behold, here come two runners with their dog. Lo and behold, also didn't get to see any elk that day. Was really pissed. Thought we had the area to ourselves, especially after a two hour horseback ride in. Apparently these two runners had a much easier access than did I. And a lot cheaper. Never go back. Lot of elk sign though.
Thanks for the information I appreciate the feed back.