i m going to do a do it yourself hunt in 2011 or 12 and i want to start looking for a place now.  from what i understand you can buy license and tags over the counter there.(for elk).  any info will be great
thanks   Dustin Parker

If you are going to do it a few yrs down the road, I would recommend you get yourself a preference point or two.  Even a 1 point unit is a less crowded hunt than an OTC unit.

I have been doing DIY hunts in the high country here in Utah for a while. We don't have the Elk numbers like colorado but I would be willing to help you out if you came this direction.

I've hunted CO the last two years DIY.  It's a ton of fun.

I'll help you out as much as possible.  Other than my hunting spots, what questions do you have?  

Most of the Game Management Units (GMUs) are over the counter (unlimited), but a number of them are draw only.  Some of the limited units only require a couple of preference points, while the better ones are up to 12-14 points.  If you haven't already accumulated a good number of points, you probably won't ever draw one of the better ones by now, as they get more popular every year.

That said, there are a lot of elk in the OTC units, you just have to find them!  Colorado has a good website where you can look up individual GMUs and get harvest statistics from previous seasons as well as get pretty good ideas of where elk ranges and concentrations are, but the best way to start if you haven't ever been there would probably be to call one of the biologists once you narrow your search down to a general area.  The field office numbers are listed on the DOW website.

You'll hear this a lot, but the best advice is to get in shape and start early (like now!)

Here's the link to the DOW website;

http://wildlife.state.co.us

To get to the GMU maps, click "maps" on the blue border at the top of the home page, then look for the "MapIt! interactive maps" link about 1/3 of the way down the page.  It takes a while to learn, but there's a lot of good info available there.

Be warned though, elk hunting is very addicting, which a lot of folks here will attest to!  I'll be going back for my 3rd time this fall.  I wish I had started 20 years ago!

By the way, the deadline for entering the draw or getting a preference point is usually aroung the 3rd-4th of April.  You can get a preference point without actually entering the draw.  They'll charge you for the cost of a NR cow tag ($251 on 2009) and refund all but a small handling fee.

You'll get lots more info as more folks post here.  Good luck!

well rappstar,  just i need to know just about everything(except your spots ofcourse). im pretty green with that stuuf

thanks recurve shooter.  i have already started working out.good thing i am not in that bad shapre

beaver - sending pm

I know this sounds simple. But in most western states all you need is a good map and to be in excellent shape and the hunting comes with many options. Anything that is remotely a difficult hike will get you away from the crowds and into country with animals. Good luck to you.

Planning my first trip right now for Sept 2010!

Since you are actually talking about next year, plan a late summer scouting trip for this year if you can swing it.  Pick out several areas from your maps, then actually check them out on the ground.  Some of the areas you may want to go back to and hunt, while you may be able to cross others off the list.  Either way, you'll gain a lot of first hand knowledge of the areas that no topo map can give you.  

I'm far away like you, and although I haven't been able to do that yet, I hope get out there at least a week early this year, mainly to let my 500 foot Georgia lungs get used to 10,000 foot Colorado air!

recurve_shooter said it correctly when he said it is addictive. I made my first trip to Colorado in 1965 and have went back every year since. If thats not being an addict,I'm puzzled on what it would be. Just go, you will love it.

There are a lot of elk there so almost any high country unit will have them. That doesn't mean you will find one behind every tree, you will have to work hard. Getting to know the area you are hunting is more than half the battle. You do not have to backpack umpteen miles back in a wilderness area either. Pick a unit and study topo maps. They stay mostly in drainages. Early in the season, elk like north facing slopes because of the heat and they love the dark spruce to spend the day in.

Bring a great small camera. Learn some Spanish. You won't be disappointed you did.

Joshua

Best advice is get in the best shape of your life, it will make the hunt much more enjoyable

Learn some Spanish?

Went on a Trad Hunt for Elk sponsoring returning Veterans last year in Colorado State Forrest State Park. It was opening weekend. Saw lots of critters and covered alot of Country. There are other public hunting areas near by also. PM me if you have any questions. It was a low cost trip. $1200 included either sex tag,airfare,car,food and lodging. Alot of fun!

QuoteOriginally posted by Morning Star:
Learn some Spanish?

My guess is because most sheepherders speak spanish, although its very broken.
 
 Here a really good tip if your hunting free range county around sheepherders.  Give a big wave, walk up to them say "ola" hand them a 5th of cheap whiskey pull out a map and ask were are the elk.  They will point them out for you, these guys live in the mountains for months, they know where the critters are at.

good tip l82hunt

QuoteOriginally posted by Morning Star:
Learn some Spanish?

Sheepherders and others. From Peru, Chile, Mexico and Bolivia. You know, being friendly and learning a little about anothers culture is a great way to make friends and in this case... find elk. OR
your truck breaks down and the guys that pull up to help are latino... and a good chance they will be, a simple Hola and a couple other words and you are back in business.

Joshua

When you go to hunt, get to your hunting area 3 days early so you can aclimatize to the altitude.