col unit 54

[rookie]

Hey all, just looking for anyone with any hands on info about unit 54 near Gunnison. We are going to be near the soap basin and west elk peak. Doing a drop camp the first rifle season and know absolutely nothing about elk hunting that I haven't read some where. I would appreciate any info you all could send our way.


thanks and have a great season

LH

 

[Oats]

There's plenty of game, but not an ideal place to go head hunting. I've spent 5 seasons in that area and seen a few respectable 5x5's and 6x6's but a lot more rags than anything else. Stop by the Soap creek general store they can give some info about where the elk are. And if nothing else the senery is worth the trip.
Oats

 

[chambero]

I hunted first season there last year. Where you hunt I guess will be determined by where your camp is. If they don't take you in very far, the extreme north end of Bonefisk Peak and the slopes leading down toward the Soap Creek/East Soap Creek Junction held elk last year. I saw a guy who popped a pretty nice 5x5.

This is extremely steep country. Last year, the elk stayed up at the very tops for the most part and were scattered. My advice would be to hoof it all the way to the tops of the various ridges and peaks unless you see evidence indicating elk are elsewhere. The slopes around the junction of Coffeepot Creek and Soap Creek are also supposed to be good, as is Soap
Basin, but we didn't make it back in that far on foot.

 

[Waygoner]

I don't know that area very well, but I will pass along some general info. Be prepared for winter weather and cold temps. It's already dipped below freezing a few times here. It was -10 one morning when I was hunting the early rifle season in 55 last year. If you're coming from a lower elevation, give yourself a few days to get adjusted. Altitude sickness will ruin your hunt in short order and can prove fatal in extreme cases. If you bring an ATV, don't ride where you hunt. Park it and do some hiking and you'll have better luck.

Good luck with your hunt.

Todd in Gunnison

 

[rookie]

Guys,

thanks very much for the responses. It gives us some added confidence to hear that it is a good elk area..Not worried about a trophy and would be quite happy with a legal bull the first time out. The outfitter was very upfront about trophy potential, very poor in his estimate, but a number of animals. we are supposed to be back in several miles, in the soap basin near the water. I checked numerous references on the outfitter (John Nelson) and got an overwhelming favorable opinion..Many, many, repeat hunters. Now I've just got to wait the remaining 6 weeks...Elk been chirping, bugling, and cow calling all over Indiana this past while..

we are being packed in on horseback, any must take items you all can recommend? Don't want to overlook anything...

thanks again

LH