Elk hunting Colorados san Juan's

[Stixbowdrew]

Hey guys my hunting buddies and I are looking to do an elk next year fall of 2014, and I have always had an interest in southern Colorado, I am not looking for anyone's honey holes just want some general info on hunting pressure, what elevation elk are typically at that time of year, and just the overall hunting down there, I know a lot of the units are OTC which is a plus not having points. But anyway just looking for some general info, thank you! And God bless

Drew

[Steve O]

Drew, that is some wicked tough country.  You are one in good enough shape with determination to tackle it.  Good luck    

[Stixbowdrew]

Steve, that's what attracted me to it, go where only the not right guys would go !

[VictoryHunter]

I've been looking to plan a trip in that area as well in the next year or two. The 70 zones look great on a map. I would love to hear how it is there as well!

[akaboomer]

I can say that the elk range from the lowest to the highest elevations.  The higher elevations tend to have more elk but no way its an easy hunt. The rougher nastier places can be the places they like the best. Dont plan on finding places folks wont go. The guys that are determined will be there if there are elk.

That being said hunt hard cover lots of ground and you stand a high chance of getting an opportunity.  If the elk aren't there move on. Finding them is at times is difficult and they can be here today and miles away tomorrow.  Don't put all your eggs in one basket, be willing to try a spot even miles away.

[Duckbutt]

Originally posted by akaboomer:
I can say that the elk range from the lowest to the highest elevations.  The higher elevations tend to have more elk but no way its an easy hunt. The rougher nastier places can be the places they like the best. Dont plan on finding places folks wont go. The guys that are determined will be there if there are elk.

That being said hunt hard cover lots of ground and you stand a high chance of getting an opportunity.  If the elk aren't there move on. Finding them is at times is difficult and they can be here today and miles away tomorrow.  Don't put all your eggs in one basket, be willing to try a spot even miles away.

Hunted there once and THIS is exactly the deal.  Hard country.  Be in great shape, have more than one trail head in mind and be willing to move.

[awbowman]

We hunted the San Jaun and it was TOUGH.  Really too tough for us.  Saw elk, just couldn't get on them within trad bow range.  We did have fun though.

[two4hooking]

Love the South San Juan's.  Hunted there twice.  The pack in is tough but worth it.  Saw some good bulls, pretty country, got LOTS of exercise and were able to get a cow after 2 years and 200 foot miles.

Can't wait to go back!

Greg

[Nuctech]

I will be hunting this year in the south San Juans during the second week of September for elk.  I can't wait! Been training hard since I have heard this country is straight up and down.  This is my first elk hunt with trad equipment.  I hope to have some good pictures to post when it is all said and done.

[Stixbowdrew]

Awesome pictures!  Two4, how far didnyounhave to pack in to get away from te crowds, did you run into many other guys?

[Hud]

"A Man Made of Elk" knows, he lives there. Read David Petersen.

[sagebrush]

There are places there where you can stand straight up and reach out your arm and touch the ground. Some of the steepest stuff I have ever hunted. And there were plenty of hunters. But the country was big enough that you could find little out of the way places and get away from the hunters and find the elk. I would plan on moving every two to three days of hunting. The elk get scared fast and leave the area. So then you have to go find them. Gary

[two4hooking]

Originally posted by Stixbowdrew:
Awesome pictures!  Two4, how far didnyounhave to pack in to get away from te crowds, did you run into many other guys?

We had to hile 1 mile in elevation and 3 miles of steep switchbacks to even get to the huntable area.  From there we hiked 5 more miles back in and hunted there for a week.  We killed the cow back at the top of the trail where we came in, on the way out....go figure.  

the trailhead:
 

We were there a week starting on the first day of muzzleloader and bumped 2 solo compound bow hunters (say Hi to Moe if you go) and 2 groups of compounders(2 in one group, 3 in another) during the week.  There was also a guided muzzleloader father/son that we never bumped into except on the hike in when they past us with horses (they looked pretty good at that point).  

The easier trailheads had a lot of trucks parked but that initial hill made it pretty spacious where we were.

The elk could be anywhere.....they move.

[Stixbowdrew]

Awesome thanks for all the great tips so far guys! That first hill looks a little intimidating!

[two4hooking]

wish I was going back this year!  Beautiful country!



Home:




Neighbors:


Morning:


Practice:


Ghosts:

[two4hooking]

Ambush:


and missed opportunities:


and sweet success!


 

[Stixbowdrew]

Very awesome pictures!

[NormanDale33]

You may need to look and check if the area you are planning has been taken out by fire. Our usual draw area was burned up recently. Beautiful country that is often in my dreams. Can't wait to get back.
Seems like there is lots of area to hunt with elk around most of it. Would really help to call the wildlife biologist in the area to ask. We always find elk around meadows close to water and dark timber, especially north facing. They love to hole up in the dark trees. Can't wait to see pics.

[Stixbowdrew]

Don't have one specific unit nailed down yet got loads more research to do,

[Burnsie]

Going in about 4-5 weeks,  first time in that area, I'll let you all know how it goes when I return