West Elk Wilderness Area

[George Elkstalker]

Considering a hunt into West Elk Wilderness Area near Gunnison , CO.   Any of you guys ever hunt the area?  Any info and or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[Keith Zimmerman]

Hunted Unit 54 this year.  Between my buddies and myself we have hunted 54 for 20 years.  This year was bad.  Never saw an elk in a week.

[ksbowman]

Hunted Soap creek many years ago and it was very rough, of course I was young then. We saw a few and a lot of muleys. There are easier access places OTC.

[womblesd]

Hunted there 25 years ago. Hired an outfitter out of Crawford to pack us in and out, but we did not use them as guides.

[tippit]

My son lives in Crested Butte and hunted quite a bit during archery season.  He was into elk almost every time out.  Missed a few opportunities on some nice bulls and took a cow the end of season.  I don't know what units he was hunting but enjoyed the hunt from my computer by locating him with his SPOT.

[beendare]

I've hunted it 20 years ago or so, I think its a draw unit now. It used to be really good but I've heard the pressure has steadily increased as in all of Co.

So what you get with that is typical of all of those units- you have to find the pockets of elk that are escaping the pressure. Its typically a deep dark nasty hole. Going further in Co isn't always the answer as there are so many horsebackers and guides.

[e alexander]

I hunted it twice, I think it was '92 and '93 and was able to get into elk both trips. I always planned to return, but I've heard it has changed quit a bit.

[duck85]

p m sent

[Keith Zimmerman]

I hunted near Crawford/Needle Peak in '91 I think.  We got into elk several times.  Havent been back to that spot since.