I got a tag for unit 24 in Colorado. Has anybody ever hunted this unit? I'm planning to go the first part of September and really looking forward to it.
I'd like to get some advise (any and all) for elk hunting this unit. It will be a huge learning experience as I readily admit that I'm a "newb" in the elk woods. Figured I'd do it now before I get too old.
I'm not asking for anybody's secret spot....just a little extra guidance. Feel free to PM me.
Many thanks.
Never been to 24, but I've hunted a lot in Colorado and had great success OTC. I'd start with the CO Hunting Atlas here: http://ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu/index.html?app=HuntingAtlas
Then I'd look for areas within a few miles of access points that require a steep climb/descent (think hands and knees) or are otherwise very difficult to access. Sometimes areas are almost untouched because of being blocked by insane amounts of deadfall. Your goal is to get away from horses (unless you have some), and that's going to be difficult; but if you can, you'll most likely be in the elk. Locals, guides, packers, and most all elk hunters rely on horses and gentler terrain.
I like the 3rd week, despite the muzzleloaders, since the elk should be rutting but not herded up as much, and the last week seems to get an additional traffic rush. The latter weeks of the season allow hunting pressure to concentrate the elk and make them more predictably found in the honey/hellholes (depends on how you look at it!). Most of my CO OTC hunts I will at least see and/or hear elk daily.
Also, figure out how you will get one out after you kill him! Becomes especially difficult if you've followed my previous advice :)
Unit 24 has a problem with too easy access from up top. I know that seems strange, but heed the advice in the above Post!
As the season progresses, the elk in that unit tend to get pushed down. Many of them end up on private property down low.
I hunted there some 25 years ago,not much pressure lot of bulls but average size was4x4. Killed a few anyway.
Pistol pete,
Did you used to have a camo black widow Longbow?
I've owned a pile of bows, but never a Widow longbow! Have you come across one with my handle on it?
Lol. Yeah. My brother bought one with your handle on it. He's since sold it. But somewhere out there, there's a widow that's meant for you to buy used.
Ttt
I and some friends have hunted that area since the late 90's. Still elk there and a few good bulls. One of the guys I hunt with took a 350 class bull out of there about 10 years ago. Usually when our group goes at least one elk is killed, a lot of them cows. The big problem with that area is it has become very crowded with a lot of ATV traffic, oft times off trail :mad: :mad: . Going early is a good idea as after the second week the elk get scarce and call shy. I would leave the bugle home and use a hot cow call and or a calf in distress call ( can be dynamite on cows ). Work the dark timber and hike off the roads. All this said some of my best memories and close encounters with game have been in that area.
Incidentally this has been an unusually wet year on the western slope and fairly cool in the high country so be prepared for both an probably forget sitting on a water hole as there are several. One final thought keep an eye open for bears they have been active in Colorado for the last few years and we have had our share of bear meetings.
Thanks for the help. I've been getting in shape and plan to cover some ground.
I will admit....I'm planning on shooting the first thing that gets in bow range. I'll be happy to see some elk, much more to actually get a shot at one.
"Insane amounts of deadfall"
This really says it all. With as much traffic as this unit gets the elk are going where the people ain't.
You can get yourself into a tight spot though if you're not ready for it. Prep hard and keep the retrieve in mind. I found myself in spots that I wouldn't have taken a shot if I had it because there was no way to get a kill out of there except by helicopter.
Good luck!
Jack
Any other words of wisdom out there?
You should of come out here this summer to our Colorado Traditional Archer's Society High Country Shoot, it's right in the middle of unit 24 I believe, could of had a blast at the shoot and done some scouting!
Wish I had known. That would have made a great trip. Long....but fun.
Always next year, fun for the whole family even if they don't shoot, Glenwood Springs is nearby for the touristy stuff