CO ML statewide

[fuzzyvelvet]

I am looking into putting in for the Colorado statewide ML elk hunt next season. Just wondering if anyone has hunted it before and has any input? What are some of the better open units? Elk numbers, size of bulls, if they are callable elk? Hunting pressure, public access? You info is much appreciated.

Fuzzy

 

[Rem308]

You will need at least one preference point to draw a bull tag,you can get a cow tag without any points.There are several good areas ,I am only familiar with the NW part of the state. You better be in excellent condition for elk live in some of the highest roughest stuff you can imagine.I always try to get a roadless area and pack in 2-3 miles to get away from other hunters.all GMU's in the NW part of the state hold elk and the muzzy season is a fun time to hunt.
Some times Calling can work and other times you are best to be silent and sneek hunt.When you do what only comes from experience.
if this is your first trip you might want to go with an outfitter or at least a drop camp.If you are successful they are a big critter to pack out.The outfitter will handle most of the hard work,though costly,they can make your hunt more pleasurable and successful.

 

[txhunter58]

Actually, it now requires 2 preference points for a nonresident to draw a tag (0 points for residents). However, a cow tag can be drawn for 0 points for both residents and nonresidents.

It is a great time to be in the woods: Aspens changing and elk talking. But as said, to hunt that season successfully, you will have to get away from the crowds.

I do it every chance I can draw a tag, which is currently every 3 years.

txhunter58

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

 

[fuzzyvelvet]

Thanks for the input. I am a resident, but new to Colorado, so I just need some info on where to start researching where the best chance at a good bull would be. It looked like there were left over tags for bulls this year. Is that correct? Does it vary a lot from year to year on how many points it takes to draw?

Thanks again, Fuzzy

 

[txhunter58]

No, there were no left over bull statewide muzzy tags anytime in recent history. There have been some leftover cow tags, but that number has been dropping.

It has been pretty conisistent for the last few years. Residents get 65% of the tags and usually have about a 50% chance of drawing with 0 points. 100% chance with 1 point.

From where you are located, I would check out the Sangre de Cristo range between La Veta Pass and Salida. The west side holds more elk, but is harder to access due to private land. The two hints I can give you would be to start making weekend scouting trips to the area next summer. Either try to get farther from the road than the other guy or get in behind some private land that you have to hike way around to and be there opening morning when the hunters tend to drive them down to the private land. Horses or a strong back would be recommended

txhunter58

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

 

[fuzzyvelvet]

Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it. I am hoping to bank some points and get an over the counter tag, so I will probably end up getting an archery tag. Thanks again,

Fuzzy