Colorado Unit 21 info (Douglas Pass area)

donniebaseball · Jan 21, 2008

A group of us Virginians are trying to plan a DIY public land hunt during archery season. We've been scoping out Unit 21 and would like to know if anyone has any knowledge or tips on hunting this unit, especially the areas just north and south of the Oil Spring Mountain Wilderness Study Area (Texas Mt. to the north and I believe it is West Salt Creek to the south near Atchee). If anyone happens to know of any other units with a lot of BLM land that offers good elk hunting and the tags are OTC, that would be greatly appreciated as well!! Thanks in advance.

3blade · Jan 26, 2008

You would have thought someone knows something wouldn't you? Come on guys, I'd like to know too, is it worth a trip or no?

Coloradoboy · Jan 26, 2008

Not alot of elk in the area. Area usually heats up later in the season but my dad has a friend who archery/muzzleloads in the area and shot a 300 inch bull 2 years and ago and saw a bull he guessed 360. But as you'd imagine he's pretty low key on his area.

NickJ1980 · Jan 26, 2008

I've been hunting elk in 21 (among other units) for a couple of seasons. Sometimes it's okay, sometimes it's really bad.

It sure didn't heat up last season unless we're talking about the weather--I finally heard a bugle at almost last light the second to last day of the archery hunt.

I also had a 4th season cow tag last year and didn't even see an elk in 4 full days of hunting. I heard one shot at 8 AM opening day. The year before I was on elk every day, passed a couple of shots because of the wind, and finally shot a nice cow the 4th day.

I don't want to discourage anyone, but I wouldn't drive that far to hunt 21 unless I was on private ground. I like it because I'm close and can get to most hunting areas in a truck, but if I had an ATV I probably wouldn't hunt there at all.

There are a couple of other units that I think would be better if you have ATV's or horses and are willing to walk once you get in-PM me if you're interested.

3blade · Jan 26, 2008

NickJ1980, sent you a pm.

coloradooutdoors1 · Feb 17, 2008

The Flattops Wilderness Area in Unit 12 is always a good bet. Alot of elk in that area, always good during the archery/muzzleloader seasons, but that is a draw area for both but is OTC for rifle. I would suggest the first or second season, put in for the first and if you don't draw, buy the over the counter tag and go huntin. Let me know if I can help you out.