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coloradobowhunter
Guest
This is my first year of bow hunting, and I have a general bull tag for colorado. I was looking for some insight on public land for hunting a bull. Anything will help. Thanks
chipc
Very Active Member
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This is pretty general but so is your question so here goes...
As you probably know Colorado has the highest Elk population of any state. There are lots of 'em and they are spread throughout the western 2/3 of the state. As a rule the farther from the road and the nastier the terrain the less hunters you'll see. No one is going to give you their honey hole. You need to go on the CDOW website and look at the harvest data and etc. for the various units. Then pick some general areas that are primarily public land to start looking. google earth can help you determine the type of terrain, roads, etc... A call to the local warden and biologist will give you more info. Local sporting goods stores and archery clubs are other good sources to check with for specific areas. your physical ability, lodging and food preferences, hunting experience, etc.. will have a major impact on how and where you hunt. Its important to be honest with yourself about your abilities. 5 miles back is not the place to figure out you don't know how to use a compass. Also, an Elk is a big critter. Will you have help ? Can you pack one out yourself ? how far ? I could go on and on but these are good places to start. I don't want to discourge by any means. Hunting bull elk in the rut is as good as it gets. I hope you have a great hunt !! GOOD LUCK C.C.
As you probably know Colorado has the highest Elk population of any state. There are lots of 'em and they are spread throughout the western 2/3 of the state. As a rule the farther from the road and the nastier the terrain the less hunters you'll see. No one is going to give you their honey hole. You need to go on the CDOW website and look at the harvest data and etc. for the various units. Then pick some general areas that are primarily public land to start looking. google earth can help you determine the type of terrain, roads, etc... A call to the local warden and biologist will give you more info. Local sporting goods stores and archery clubs are other good sources to check with for specific areas. your physical ability, lodging and food preferences, hunting experience, etc.. will have a major impact on how and where you hunt. Its important to be honest with yourself about your abilities. 5 miles back is not the place to figure out you don't know how to use a compass. Also, an Elk is a big critter. Will you have help ? Can you pack one out yourself ? how far ? I could go on and on but these are good places to start. I don't want to discourge by any means. Hunting bull elk in the rut is as good as it gets. I hope you have a great hunt !! GOOD LUCK C.C.
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coloradobowhunter
Guest
CC,
Thanks for the insight. I guess I should re-phrase my question. I grew up hunting elk in the Gunnison Country. This is my first year hunting with a bow. I also have moved over to the easten slope, and did not draw a tag for the unit I wanted in Gunnison. So I guess I was looking for a good public place here on the easten slope to hunt, do you have any ideas for that? Also do you know anything about Unit 29? Thanks again. CC
Thanks for the insight. I guess I should re-phrase my question. I grew up hunting elk in the Gunnison Country. This is my first year hunting with a bow. I also have moved over to the easten slope, and did not draw a tag for the unit I wanted in Gunnison. So I guess I was looking for a good public place here on the easten slope to hunt, do you have any ideas for that? Also do you know anything about Unit 29? Thanks again. CC
chipc
Very Active Member
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Sorry I can't help you with 29 or anything other than the southwest corner. I've hunted both public and private in unit 71 north of Delores but never anywhere near the eastern slope. If you're living in the area you should find an Archery club and join it. Not only is it fun but those guys usually have a wealth of information that they'll share with a fellow club member. GOOD LUCK. C.C.
zekers
Very Active Member
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Chipc is right on. There are lots of elk along the front range but obviously, the closer you are to the big cities, the more people you'll run into in the woods. The elk are harder to get to and are often very quiet. I haven't personally hunted 29, but have had good luck in 28. It is still a hell of a hike into where I go to avoid the crowds. If you're spending a week or more to hunt, why not go over to the west slope? You know the country, and there are plenty of otc areas near gunnison. Definately join an archery shop like chip said. Good luck this season.
