2010 Elk Hunt - Planning Stage

Underdog · Jun 30, 2009

I am new to the board so first let me say hello and thanks for the access to a great resource of information.

I have taken part in six public land hunts in GMU 36 with no success. These were with experienced hunters that had been for multiple years. I haven't been in about 5 years due to life (marriage, work, and graduate school)and I am planning to make the trek again in 2010.

I for sure want to visit different GMU. I want to pack into one of the Wilderness Areas for this hunt and I have narrowed it down to three areas that have OTC tags for 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. This GMU that I am considering are 54, 77, 751, and 24. That gives me access to West Elk, Flat Tops, and Weminuche Wilderness areas.

Just to give a little in site as to what I am expecting from this hunt. I am not after a trophy and will more than likely try and draw a cow/either sex tag for the season that we are going in. I just enjoy western hunting and that is all I am after here.

If anyone can provide me with any feedback regarding these areas it would be greatly appreciated. I am not looking for anyone's secret honey hole or anything like that. I just want to make an informed decision and try to have a successful hunt with 2 friends.

DirtyTough · Jun 30, 2009

Pm Sent.

COSA · Jun 30, 2009

You may want to consider first season, as all those areas are 100% draw with no points for first season.

Underdog · Jul 1, 2009

Thanks Dirty Tough.....

Underdog · Jul 1, 2009

LAST EDITED ON Jul-01-09 AT 09:48AM (MST)[p]This is great information to know.........I will definitely consider first season.

nickman · Jul 1, 2009

Graduate school..?.......nah, it's too early in the morning and I don't no this guy.

REDDOG · Jul 1, 2009

by GMU 36, do you mean unit 36 in colorado? if so, i've hunted deer there several times, never not seen several legal bulls..just sayin it aint that bad of a hunt.

cabinfever · Jul 1, 2009

1st season advice is very good. West elks are as pretty country as you see any where..... plenty of elk but steep, big, and rugged. I'd look at taking horses or doing a drop camp with a reputable outfitter.

Underdog · Jul 1, 2009

LAST EDITED ON Jul-01-09 AT 12:22PM (MST)[p]Yes Colorado GMU 36 is what I was meaning. I agree that it is probably not that bad of a hunt. But with that said it probably depends where in the unit that you are hunting though.

Just where I was at wasn't that good. I was with others that had hunted there several years and was pretty set in there ways about how and where they set camp. The one with the most experience there was in his early 60's so he was dead set on being where he could use atv's. The issue with that though is that all the atv activity would shove the elk either deep into the wilderness or on to private land. Plus the section that I was in seen heavy pressure.

This is the reason I am going to do it different since I am the one arranging the hunt.