I am looking for any advise I can get from anyone who has done a do it yourself elk hunt we will be Going to Colorado probably around Durango in the SW part of the state. I am hoping to go with myself and 2 others (nephew & a friend).  I have never done anything like this so any advise is appreciated.

Brian

I'll be going on my 4th DIY elk hunt this September in Colorado. The first 3 times I was solo, this time I'm taking my dad and brother in law with me. Depending on if you are camping or renting a room somewhere will drastically affect the hunt preparation. Since you are new to the area expect to walk a ton the first few days to try to find the elk. You have to find them first and this can be the hard part. Get up high before dark. The first time you see elk cover ground in 10 min that it took you 2-3 hrs to cover, it will amaze you. Best way to locate is to get high early and listen for bugling or go back out at night. Elk will bugle a lot at night to. As far as how to hunt them, there's a ton of books, dvds, ect out there on that stuff but the best teacher is experience. Drop me a line if you want and i'll try to help you all I can.

Brian,
I will be doing the same type of hunt in Durango myself.  I take it you are going into unit 751...who is taking you out?

Ben

You can do it.  Start studying up and preparing now.
ChuckC

Thousands do it every year, just a big camping trip.

Of course it is very doable.  But the success you find is in direct proportion to the work you put in to it.  Do you have the ability to get back in away from the road more than a mile?  Many don't, and that directly impacts the chance of finding elk.  

Are you in shape physically and have you been working out/training for the endurance you will need to function in the mountains?  I have been with guys in camps that had done nothing to prepare, and therefore we not able to do anything while they were there.  The mountains are tough - nothing like Wisconsin!  The better shape you are in the better success you will have.

Last, but not least, read everything you can about elk and their habits.  Again, it's not like hunting Wisconsin whitetails, and the more you know the better off you will be.  Elknut is a sponsor here and sells some very informative DVD's, book and calls.  Don't just learn to bugle and cow call and wander around the hills tooting on them.  Learn what you are saying to the elk before you make a sound.

Most of all, just go and have a good time!  There is no place on earth like the Rocky Mountains in September!

Check out elknut.com. . . he's a sponsor and has put together great material.

I live in unit 751 near Bayfield, east of Durango. I know the country pretty well but still learn something new every year. A DIY hunt is definitely doable. Make sure your in pretty good shape since most of the country is steep. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about specific areas, gear, etc.. and I'll do my best to help you out.
Rick

Here's a bull I saw yesterday above timberline while scouting. He was a long ways off and my zoom wasn't too steady. I saw lots of cows and calves and smaller bulls. The elk are in great shape this year. You should have a great time.

I would be interested in the Pack in stuff.  What list would you put together of "essential" tools?

Ben

I'm sure everyone has a different list of tools for elk hunting. I bet if you do a search you'll find a lot of info. A few things I always have are a basic survival kit (Firestarter, emergency shelter/space blanket, compass/map, first aid basics, small flashlight, whistle, signal mirror, water, wool sweater).I usually hunt solo so always try and let my wife know the general area I'll be in. I always have a set of good game bags, sharp knife w/ sharpener, parachute cord. Also, I use the gutless method to process elk and pretty much always bone out the meat for the pack out. I lay the meat on the space blanket to keep it clean while I'm butchering. Good rain gear is another thing I don't skimp on since it usually rains. Some mornings I'll wear rain pants or gore-tex gaiters to hunt because you'll get soaked from the dew wet underbrush. A small water filter/purifier can also come in handy if you don't want to pack much water. The area I hunt has lots of small creeks/springs.
In my quiver I usually have 4 broadheads and 2 Judo's for grouse. In the pack I'll have an extra bowstring, a couple extra nocks, and some super-glue. There's lots of other things you can carry, it just depends on how much weight you want to tote. Also, I'm sure I've missed something and others can add to this. Have a great hunt,
Rick

Not only doable, but FUN. CAUTION: ADDICTION IS POSSIBLE. Been there 4 times in the last 6 years.
Flew 3 times and driven once. ( 38 hrs) Also Bivy hunted a couple of times. Try to Mapquest to a location where you want to go and if less than 24 hrs, drive.
If you need gear or food lists PM me and I"ll send you the lists.
Have fun!

I think that is going to be my plan...I intend to look at it as an opportunity to camp under the stars in the mountains.  I am going to buy cow tag because I know that if I dont......I will end up 5 yards from a heard of elk and will not be able to pic up anything but a camera.

That would not be acceptable.  

What about the things I wouldn't think of:

1. Water proof feathers?
2. Tent or under the sky?
3. ETC.......

My brother in law spends alot of time in those mountains camping/fishing/hunting and he is going to send me a list...but anything you guys got would be great.

Also, what good books/dvds are there on Elk hunting?

I've been out 5 times on DIY hunts and wouldn't trade them for a guided hunt. All were backpack in 7 to 12 miles. I have yet to put a tag on an elk, but the experience was more than worth the effort. Like it has been said, being in shape is the most critical part to have a successful hunt. My last trip out my hunting partner spent 2 days lying in the rack because the hike in about killed him.

His pack weighed 90-100lbs crazy!  

Check this post out

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=059344;p=1#000000

Thanks to all of you for your advise, wisdom, engourgement. I'm sure we will have a great time I have some work to do. Planning, shooting, getting in shape. Good luck to you all