Co. west slope south half of state. Which unit would you choose?

LongRanger · Aug 23, 2004

We hunt unit 711 for elk and I am tired of looking at junkheads, 4x4's 5x5's and the ocasional 6x5. The SW Colorado hunting guide only has 1.5 adult bulls per 100 cows. Other units have a lot more. Anyway, our success is 90+percent every year for the past 7 years. Now, that is hard to give up, but I am looking at other units. I have 2 points, but dont want to use them yet, so I am limited to over the counter. (of course who knows about next year) I thought about going out this September and scouting on horseback. We will then hunt 711 this fall and then maybe next year go somewhere else. What about unit 54 or 55? Or some of the southern units, 74, 75, 751? We have horses and have packed in with no problems in the Gila. But we are spoiled in 711, camp 1/4 mile from the road and hunt about 1/2 mile from there. We just let all the other hunters from Groundhog just push the junkheads to us.

So, what do you guys think? We hunt in the gun season and generally set up to see a lot of country.
Steve

txhunter58 · Aug 23, 2004

>. But
>we are spoiled in 711,
>camp 1/4 mile from the
>road and hunt about 1/2
>mile from there.
>Steve

The above situation may be more your problem than the area. I know of several guys that hunt in that general area that see multiple 300+ bulls every year. They also hunt many miles from the nearest road. I know that there are places to hunt in that area where you can get farther back than what your comfort zone has become. I suspect that is the key to finding some bigger bulls. You also might consider really getting out of your comfort zone and trying a new season. Bow tags are over the counter and muzzleloading season takes 1-2 points for nonresidents. We are doing a pack in muzzy hunt of about 5 miles in unit 71. Leave in just over 2 weeks! If you haven't tried that season, you are really missing something.

Hornaddiction had a recent post about that part of the state holding some good bulls. You might give him a shout.

txhunter58

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

graybeard · Aug 23, 2004

We hunted elk in #54 last year and lucked out with a 5x5 bull. I definately wouldn't go there hoping to see any big bulls. It gets too much presure. If they limit it next year it will probably only take a few years to boost the quality. #66 and #67 are starting to put off some good bulls but you need a few points to draw. Good luck, Steve

Chef · Aug 23, 2004

I'll be hunting unit 75 this early rifle season. I'll let you know then!

Chef
"I Love Animals...They're Delicious!"

LongRanger · Aug 23, 2004

Txhunter,
We hunt one of the roughest canyons around, In the last 7 years, we have seen maybe 2 other hunters in that canyon and only for a day. They dont come back because it is so steep and brushy, but from out vantage point, we can see it all. We let all the hunters on top push the elk in the canyon where they feel safe. I did get a 280 class 7x7, but that was an exception to what we generally see. I did not imply that because we were close to the road that we were not hunting "unhunted" areas. Although from my original post it would seem that way. My understanding is that unit 71 is very good early seasons and the elk migrate down with weather and hunting pressure to unit 711.
We will hunt 711 this year because it is my kids last year for the $100 bull tag. He has already killed 3 bulls in 3 years. When I have to pay $500 for his tag also, he might be on his own. At least it is a good threat. I figure I have a few more good years, I am 50 yrs young and the mountains are getting steeper every year, I cant tell if my horse minds it or not, he dosent say much.
Steve

rocketman · Aug 25, 2004

Welcome to the real world of open units in Colo.
Justy wait a few more years and these will be the
"good ol days". Whatyou are observing is the
norm for open units. We in Colo are going through
the process of getting more draw units in the
state right now but are meeting FIERCE OPPOSITION
from business interests in these areas.I for
one no longer care one bit about these interests
and am in favor of QUALITY in Colo. This is going
to be a very nasty battle over the next 6 months.
Somehow the businesses think that their income
supercedes the animals welfare. Over my dead body.
Roy in Montrose Colo

LongRanger · Aug 25, 2004

Roy, I know there are new units that are being presented to the DOW for drawing only. I too would like to see more quality instead of quantity, but I can see the business end of it too. Tough battles lie ahead, but while they are fighting, I am still looking for a better spot. Steve

Oats · Aug 25, 2004

Rocketman, great point be sure to bring that up at the next meeting! I can't figure out why they want to restrict 54 and 55, the Gunnison basin generally doesn't grow big bulls, although there have been a few exceptions. I would be in favor of restricting one or the other and exchanging one of those areas for an area in Southern Colorado that is capable of growing better quality bulls, but thats just one opinion. I'm definatly excited to see this change finally happening, it sure has helped produce better quality bucks.

hornaddiction · Aug 25, 2004

LoneRanger,
Are you sure you know where you are hunting? Groundhog is in unit 71 not 711.

horn

LongRanger · Aug 25, 2004

Hornaddiction,
Yeah, we know where we are at, the elk generally migrate from 71 to 711. I am sure not all of them do, but a lot of them head our way when the weather and hunters to our east get bad.