Colorado unit 61

sourkraut · Jun 30, 2005

New here, My son and I drew gmu 61 late deer (6 points ) and would like information on where to scout, where to camp, etc. Any help very much appreciated. Thanks

cabinfever · Jun 30, 2005

Sign up for "Colorados Best" here on MM. Its worth the $24 and has some good info on 61. The best way to scout for a late season hunt is to show up a few days early and scout. This way you'll be into the bucks by opening day.

Good Luck
Mike

Paul_Crawford · Jul 1, 2005

I drew 3rd season deer, too. See you there in November!!! PC

Bura Nut · Jul 1, 2005

like what was already said, sign up for the Colorado hunting report here on this website. I did and it has some great info......... Thanks, Allen Taylor......

shep · Jul 1, 2005

Yea the Colorado hunting report did have some good information. Especially the part where it said it would take five points to draw 61, 3rd!! Just kidding, I'm just bitter that I didn't draw with my five points. I'm sure that once everyone (myself included) got the scoop on the unit and hunt it was probably flooded with first choice apps. Oh well. Do you think that next year it will take 7-8 points? The year after 8-9? Do I need to look to a different area with my six points next year?

Phantom Hunter · Jul 2, 2005

We struck out with 6 points in the 2nd season (non-resident). I don't know if we will ever catch up and draw. The last time I hunted 61 for deer it took 2 points. Been chasing the points ever since. Seems like it takes one more point each year to draw. Good luck next year. Hope those that drew get a good one.

Phantom Hunter

ridgewalker · Jul 2, 2005

Sourkraut..are you a resident or non-res? So far, every non-res. I've talked to needed 7 points to pull the 61 3rd season. That's how many I had. That unit hasn't jumped in points over the past few years like some of the other units have.. I knew that it would probably take an extra point or so this year because it recieved a little more publicity than in year's past. As long as Garth leaves it out of his top 5 next year a person will have a chance of pulling it with 7 points..Probably 8 tops...
So if anybody out there has a good starting point for me, can you please shoot me an email or PM.. I'm mainly looking for area's that I can drop into a secluded canyon(2-4 miles from the roads) and have a chance at a mature buck. Thank you!

a3dhunter · Jul 2, 2005

Unit 61 has good access up high off divide road. The northern part of the unit is not as steep and has a few roads that you can park and hike from. Divide road sees a lot of pressure both during summer and hunting seasons. Stay at least a mile offdivide road for the best hunting. Areas where it has timber and oak brush are the place to look. A lot of elk hunters up there. I hunted 2nd season unit 62 last year, at least four nice 4 points between 26"-31" taken in the first four days by people off of divide road hunting 61. By the time 2nd season hit most of the aspen has dropped their leaves and deer had moved to black timber/oak brush. Had 6"-8" of snow on divide road last year Oct.17 or 18th. It stayed and we had to leave due to family emergency. Snow hit again on Oct.21st. When the snow hit, the deer started moving during the day. It seemed a lot of deer were around 7000-7500 feet, then not much until 8500 feet elevation. There was still a lot of cattle around during 2nd season off divide road, watch out for them while driving. Good luck!

a3dhunter

sourkraut · Jul 3, 2005

Ridgewaker, we are nonres. Like to get off road also, can't remember not having to back-pack meat out. Good luck to you.

sourkraut · Jul 3, 2005

a3dhunter, thanks for the reply. Did you camp out, stay in cabin or town? We are trying to narrow our options before we scout. Most hunters seem to favor the South end, what about the Northen end of the unit? Thanks

a3dhunter · Jul 3, 2005

We had a 26' travel trailer and used 4wd trucks to get where we wanted to go. Camped off divide road around snipe mountain near the cattle pens, lot of sage brush in this area too. On 62 side of divide road there was 2 28" 4 points taken near snipe mountain, about a half mile from divide road. From willow creek north to FR 404 didn't seem to have the hunting pressure that the southern end did. There are places everywhere to camp out, tent or trailer. Some people had 42' motorhomes camped off divide road, they were really roughing it!!! It seemed 90% of the hunters were after elk.
a3dhunter

sniper101 · Jul 29, 2005

area 61 has some great spots for big bucks. in the third season the deer aren't by the road or a simple walk in the park. you have to get out and find them. usally about 2-3 hours away from the main divide road is the best place to hunt for the biger bucks.

sourkraut · Jul 29, 2005

sniper 101--- thanks for the reply, we do plan to get off road with packs etc. Any ideas on the very North end of unit? Seems most hunters concentrate on South end. We will probably scout just before archery season. Maps show lots of roads, are some closed during hunting season?

treedagain · Jul 29, 2005

glass off of leonards ridge....to the north....try
blue creek( walk off divide road ) there is a closed road
south of cold springs that gives you good access.

sourkraut · Jul 29, 2005

treedagain--- thanks for the info, each bit helps, trying to get as much info as possible and cross checking with maps etc. before heading out

sniper101 · Aug 1, 2005

not all of the hunters stick to the north end and if they do they stick towards divide road. if you want some good names of some spots email me at [email protected]