Colorado 54, Gunnison

[Buckskin]

We are hunting in 54 this year for elk (archery) and Muley (ML). Yes we had some unfortunate luck with the draw... Anyone here hunt this area before for either elk or deer? I understand they had a pretty severe deer winter kill, I think in 08. We are going with an outfitter that has a ranch in the middle of 54 and will be doing a drop camp. The outfitter leases horses for the week, and I am considering doing this to extend my hunting range. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[mlchaser]

54 can be a tough one...it has a huge herd of elk (tons of sign - can't walk anywhere there without walking on 3" of dired elk duds) but due to previously unlimited OTC bull tag pressures, most hangout in wilderness and far off the roads. So horses may be your best option there to get deep into the West Elks. They hole up there as long as they can before coming down.

I had drew a 3rd season deer tag in 2008, and the winterkill was in 2007. I gambled and went anyway, and we had a tough time finding deer at all...they were far and few between. I had a spotter with me and we spent quite a bit of time, high and low, looking, and it was tough. Sounds like numbers have recovered, and with that early season would recommend up high as well.

Send me a PM if want more details - if can figure out where that drop camp is more exactly might be able to point a few spots.