Colorado area 54 second season Elk

packerhorse · Apr 10, 2008

I have 9 PP for deer in Colorado and have a few years left before I can draw the area I want. I was in Gunnison this past winter and saw the problems there having with all the die offs, and was wondering how it was effecting the elk in 54?? As an over the counter tag, I'm considering hunting elk in that unit. This will also give me a chance to learn the area's before my deer hunt comes up. I know it's not a real trophie unit for elk, but have hear that there are quite a few animals there. What's your imput on this??

jcmuleys · Apr 10, 2008

Here is picture of a bull that I don't think is going to make it. He may but he is in rough shape. Most of the elk that I have seen are in better shape than this bull. I would say that an elk hunt in this unit would be a great way to learn the area and see how the deer faired this last winter. Good luck!
JC

packerhorse · Apr 11, 2008

Thanks JC I saw a few that looked quite similar the last time I was there, hope they make a quick come back. DP

Tomichi · Apr 11, 2008

Please come if your MM handle means you use pack stock.
54 is in the top 5 most heavily hunted units in COLO year in year out.
07 2nd season there were 793 hunters. 631 over the counter bull tags
Killed 106 bulls %17 162 cow tags killed 22 cows 14%
The issues in 54 are 1 elk over objective. Why? Over the counter pressure
Moves them to private land starting the first week of Archery .The pressure
Also moves them into the bottoms of some steep canyons and not many folks go after them.
Your plan is very sound to scout your deer hunt. There should be left over either sex tags
For 2nd and 3rd. That is a great meat tag. Look for 6 points all week tip a cow over towards
The end. If you have stock and are willing to drop off into the holes you may be pleasantly surprised
with what you find. If you stay out in the open with the ATV?s?.welcome to a COLO pumpkin patch.

ElmerFudd · Apr 12, 2008

If 9 points is not enough, souds like you are waiting for the 4th deer season. If the objective is deer scouting, it would be best to go as late as possible, 3rd would have more deer where they will be than 2nd, and you do catch a bit of the deer rut towards the end of 3rd.

packerhorse · Apr 12, 2008

Tomichi
Thanks forthe reply, I've been reading your information on the deer, and I thank you for your reports.
Yes were packers, I hunt deer alone, but Elk hunts I have 2 other partners and we've packed most of our lives. Just mainly need to know trailheads and how far to go in the wilderness before we set camp up. I've heard what you've told me that there were lots of hunting presure, but not so much in the wilderness. Our mules are very much used to going in all types of canyons. thanks again DP