Colorado unit 48, 56, 481, 561

anthonyinva · Jun 10, 2016

I drew a High Country Early Rifle tag for these units. Anybody got any info. I live in Virginia so scouting is not going to happen and an fully guided outfitter will be out of my price range (I guess). I like the idea of DIY hunts but I want to bring something home as well. If there are in velvet what do you do to the horn to keep the velvet for slipping while in the backcounty. I think the temps will be hot still in early Sept.

Thanks,
Anthony

arrowone4me · Jun 11, 2016

Some sort of scouting service may be beneficial to you. Find them on the internet. At least you could find trail heads for a start. It won't be that cold up high in Sept either. As for velvet, I was told to make incisions in the antler tips and keep the rack hanging upside down, keep the flies off of it and in the shade.

txhunter58 · Jun 12, 2016

I would try and locate a taxidermist that can cape off the head and inject the antlers with the chemical they use. The sooner the better.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

ICMDEER · Jun 12, 2016

You'll need to carry the chemical with you. The blood-carrying system of the antlers will likely be dried and/or clotted by the time you get to town. Carry a hypodermic needle and a syringe and inject the antlers. Best from the bases to the tips. And upside down (tips down) is best. Inject the bases or anywhere you can see a vein and push the fluid out through the tips.

That's big country. I muzz hunted it about 8 years ago. Get up high and cover some country. Bring quality optics and do a lot of glassing. Best of luck.

Deerlove · Jun 13, 2016

Had two buddies draw it two years ago, one turned his tag in and the other made soup out of his.

ICMDEER · Jun 13, 2016

I never shot a buck either. I did not see what I consider a shooter buck all week. (180+) Saw a couple that were decent, but no big ones. Still a fun hunt. Didn't see many other people and I was in beautiful country. It'll make you gasp for air if you are up high.