Colorado Unit 75...

[Chef]

I'll be hunting the unit in October. Coming up from Arizona. Anyone have any experience with this unit? I know there was a large burn there a few years ago, just don't know what to expect. Any information will gladly be appreciated.

Never been to Colorado, (airport doesn't count does it?!) I expect higher elevations. Steep terrain in the unit?

Thank you gents and good luck this year.

Regards,
Chef

 

[DRAFTSTUD]

You have just arranged to hunt some of the steepest Mountains in the San Juans. The main cause is lack of roads in this area. Be in good shape and take it easy and you will do fine. Try the area above Henderson Lake. If I remember correctly (check) thoses Elk tags are good for Unit 77 also, which is around Pagosa Springs. The terrain is alot better and it has a better road system. My 2 cents!

 

[Chef]

As long as I can get in and set camp, I should be okay. I prefer to hike into areas I'm hunting. Good thing I've been hitting the gym!

Thanks for the reply.
Chef

 

[chambero]

I hunted 75 beginning in 1990 through 2000 several times during several seasons (archery, muzzleloader, 1st and 2nd rifle). It is extremely steep and the elk will be above 11,000 feet unless you get a lot of snow.

Check with the San Juan NF to see if Missionary Ridge has opened back up. It is supposed to open in the late summer for the first time since the fires in 02. The is the main access road that gets you up on top, otherwise you have to crawl up the valley from above Lemon Reservoir. You don't want to do that on foot.

 

[Chef]

Missionary Ridge should open by archery season, from what they tell me. I believe that is the area of the burn off.

Chambero-what kind of shots should I expect? Short and quick in the dark timber or long shots across valleys? (just deciding what calibers to take)

This is my first elk hunt and I'm excited as all else.

Thanks a lot guys.

 

[hornaddiction]

The forest service told me that the road into missionary ridge is suppose to open up on Aug. 15th



horn

 

[chambero]

You may have shots ranging from 20 yards out to as far as you are comfortable shooting. Honestly though, I've never seen a bull anywhere but in heavy timber during rifle season. Shooting is fast and quick in that stuff.