CO - mulies in elk season

[glacial21]

Anyone care to share advice or experience???


I'm am working on plans for my first high-country mule deer hunt for 2007 or 2008. This will be an archery hunt, most likely in Colorado. I am focusing in on what appears to be a good unit near Gunnison.

It looks to me like the same unit is open to OTC archery elk hunters, and it sounds like it is a very popular spot with both DIY types and outfitters.

I'm going to either backpack several miles into the wilderness or hire someone to drop me off even farther in. However, I am kind of wondering how the hordes of elk hunters will affect the mule deer. I would show up about 4 days prior to the late-August opener and spend 7-10 days up in the back country.

Do the majority of archery elk guys show up this early? Do most of them stay below timberline anyway? Any thoughts on how big of a factor the elk crowd will be? Do I even need to concern myself with this?

Thanks for any replies!

 

[HiMtnHntr]

The areas around Gunnison are popular. You can expect to see the most activity around trailheads and roads, etc...If you are hunting timberline country, in a wilderness area, I don't expect you'll have too much of a problem with other hunters. Those 4 days prior to the opener will be an excellent time to spot a group of bachelor bucks. Many elk hunters will be a little lower, in the timber. I always prepare myself for the worst as far as hunting pressure is concerned. What this means is that you should aquaint yourself with the fact that, generally speaking, a great deal of effort needs to be expended in order to reach unpressured areas and to harvest a animal in the high country.

 

[a3dhunter]

My experience would be not to worry too much about it, there is not near the pressure the first week as there is later and deer are not as effected by the hunters as the elk are. I archery hunted the opening week for elk and I could have taken 14 different bucks, but I didn't have that chance on a bull. good luck to you.

 

[glacial21]

Thanks for the input guys. Anyone else have any thoughts?

I suppose a lot of the elk hunters might be back in camp during the middle of the day in late August also. That should be when most of my mulie stalking would take place.

I will have 3 points for CO mule deer in 2008 - which should get me in on a decent archery hunt. I'm trying to pick an area now so that maybe I can get out on a scouting trip this summer. Unit 54 near Gunnison is appealing because of the wilderness. I've got to get down and check that out....

 

[contender]

I would wait for the season to open and hunt the first four days rather than scout with them. I sure wouldn't worry about the elk hunters, going that far in you will outdistance most of them.

 

[388Net]

How hard is 54 to draw I thought it was pretty tough to draw. I know that is sure awesome elk country. I killed a nice bull in that unit. Lots of deer but tough country. good luck hope ya kill a monster.....

Merry christmas