Colorado Unit 61 rifle elk tags

muzzle · Aug 9, 2011

Hi guys, I have a chance to pick up a unit 61 rifle elk tag. I don't know much about this unit. I hunted unit 40 a few years ago and saw a lot of 300 ish bulls but that was on the muzzy hunt in sept. How is the elk hunting in this unit towards the end of October? What kind of elk might I expect to see and is this a tough hunt as far as elk numbers/quality? Is it a real thick unit? I like to glass a lot and don't like really thick terrain. Any info on this unit would be greatly appreciated!

coyote · Aug 9, 2011

61 has alot of elk, almost to many elk I couldn't get to the herd bull because all the cows and raghorns. in a week I passed up 50 bulls and killed a small bull last day of season. lots of canyons and some thick stuff but realy theres a variety of terrain. I saw only 2 bulls over 300 the biggest one that I couldn't get to was around 330.

muzzle · Aug 10, 2011

Coyote, thanks for the info. It sounds like a fun unit to hunt but maybe not real high on quality. Thanks again and good luck this year.

peanut · Aug 10, 2011

Muzzle,
I was in there last year second season. As coyote said there are tons of elk if you will strap on the leather and get off of the roads. It was an incredible season, elk everywhere I went, no other hunters, bulls bugling what a blast. 4 out of 5 of us tagged out. If you are looking for that 400" bull, you may be disappointed. On the other hand, if you are looking for a great hunting experience then I think this is it. Can't wwait until I draw again.
Good luck
peanut

muzzle · Aug 15, 2011

Thanks Peanut..not lookin for that 400 bull..well I guess that's not true. I'm always looking for him but not for the purpose of the question

Just looking for a great hunt with a chance at a bull pushing in the 320-350 ish range. Sounds like this tag might work?

Coloradoboy · Aug 15, 2011

Good luck finding something 320 plus. Majority of the bulls that come out of 61 are in the 270-320 range tops. I spent alot of time up there looking around while I was going to school in GJ and had a good buddy that lived in Naturita/Nucla area. Like Peanut said get out and put the boots to work. You are going to see lots of bulls and alot of elk on top of that. Not monsters (I've heard rumors of big guys which could be true Im just yet to see one) but lots of branch antlered bulls. The unit is huge and is primo elk country and you will find elk almost anywhere you go. Get there early do some scouting and get to know the country and you'll be fine. Best of luck and keep us updated with how you do!
Coloradoboy

muzzle · Aug 16, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Aug-16-11 AT 01:31PM (MST)[p]I'm really not hung up on size..Hey just being "in the elk" is all I need. Size is just a nice bonus.

Coloradoboy · Aug 17, 2011

Thats a good way to look at it. You'll have alot of fun and enjoy the process and the experience. Things get a little tougher out there after the first rifle season, especially if there is some snow. The elk will bail off the top and get in that nasty oak brush aspen country or they get to the private. I would still, with a long season to hunt look for something 300 or better.
Coloradoboy