After $1200 in diesel for the trip to Idaho it's time to fine elk closer too home.  Colorado is about half way and looks to be a very good state for elk.  I've got a couple of years before we're going again so we have time to locate and scout out some territory.

Any recommendations?  Over the counter or draw?
Public or private land?

Thanks

Mike

Lots of OTC units to choose from Mike.

Some are a little better than others, but for the most part the rule is the same for all of them.....pretty heavy pressure, so the further you go the better your odds will be (guessing you already knew that)

PM me if you want a few details.

My thoughts are about Gunnison, CO. and SW Colorado. There is a lot of public land, and you may be able to hunt from camp. Drop camps might suit you need.

It is a bit far for me, but we have a number of Wolve packs in WA., OR., Id., Montana, and Wyo. Elk are scarce in some areas, moving into private property, farmland and towns in some cases. I am sure you have heard about the situation by now. It certainly is closer for you.

I figured the OTC would have some problems with hunters.  Same thing in Idaho.  How about the draws that need a couple of points?

Mike

Did an over the counter hunt in Colorado this year for the first time. Saw a bunch of hunters on the road but a half an hour walk and you didn't see anybody. It was public land opening week. I'm sure pressure is higher as the Rut gets going. We camped and hunted on National Forest land. Camped at a trail head and really enjoyed our hunt! Plan on returning in a couple of years.

QuoteOriginally posted by ron w:
Did an over the counter hunt in Colorado this year for the first time. Saw a bunch of hunters on the road but a half an hour walk and you didn't see anybody. It was public land opening week. I'm sure pressure is higher as the Rut gets going. We camped and hunted on National Forest land. Camped at a trail head and really enjoyed our hunt! Plan on returning in a couple of years.

Same thing with me.  First time hunting in CO in a OTC unit Wilderness Area.  It was the first week of ML season but the only other hunter we saw was another bowhunter.  The guy was Special Forces and we were both 4.5 miles uphill which would explain the lack of other hunters!  Go deep and hunt alone!

yeah dont be afraid of OTC units here. Just gotta outsmart other hunters and go where they aint. There will be elk there.

Its amazing how many good areas there are to hunt right off the road here. People just drive right on by,and go hunt with all the other folks. Colorado for the most part is a monkey see monkey do state. If you dont see humans around or trails or roads well guess what you will see!!
Good luck on your next hunt

Have the locals been able to see any early effects of the Colo Div of Wildlife's advertising campaign to get more non-res elk hunters?

Are you expecting more effect in rifle season?

I didn't make it this year. I went up the road to Wyoming.

I havent seen persay "more" outta staters this year. but then again i also dont hang around anywhere that gets hunted hard. With the ecomomy i would doubt this would be a banner year for non-res hunters

I have hunted the same OTC unit every year since 1971 and have seen fewer hunters the last 5 years than ever before. And like an earlier post, a lot of people drive right by areas that have elk, looking to get away from the so called crowds. Elk are where you find them and sometimes it will surprise you.

QuoteOriginally posted by wingnut:
I figured the OTC would have some problems with hunters.  Same thing in Idaho.  How about the draws that need a couple of points?

Mike

PM Sent

PM me... I have some ideas for you.

Mike,

I hunted CO for the first time this month. 13th -26th. My experience is you need to have several backup plans and be willing to move. We found lots of elky areas and tons of 1-3 week old sign. We finally got into the elk on our 9th day on a heavily used national forest within half mile of a busy lake/parking area.

Steve

How did your Idaho trip go.