Unit 76 Archery Elk help

ChubbyTuna · Feb 16, 2017

Hi guys. Back in 2010, I killed my first ever elk on a solo DIY archery hunt in Utah (Wasatch). I received a ton of help here on MM and because of that I had a great hunt and also met some new friends that I still keep in touch with. WASATCH ELK HUNT

Anyway, I'm 48 now and sitting on 16 elk points in Colorado. I'm never going to catch up for a premium NW unit so I've decided to cash in. If a kill a big one (330+) great, but I really would just like to have a great experience with plenty of opportunity. I've done some research on drop camps and still may go that route but would really like to do this on my own. I will hire some help for the packout. I can dedicate 8-10 days hunting and as of now can go any week of the season. Which week would you hunt? I've read a lot about the elk being above timberline and in steep terrain. I hit the gym 3-4 times a week but this just keeps me from being chunky and I'm definitely not a mountain goat. I'll be tent camping next to the truck so looking for areas I can make day trips. So am I biting off more than I can chew? I would appreciate any advice or pointers that you guys might have. Thanks so much and good hunting.

Joe Latter

born_2_hunt · Feb 17, 2017

I hunted it muzzloader season last year. I backpacked in but I'd say it's definitely doable to hunt from a truck camp just plan on having company. There was a few guys hunting from wall tents from the roads and they killed bulls. The area I hunted was pretty remote and a pack out service was charging $650+ to pack one out. I elected to pack it out by myself. Took me 2 days and it sucked at the time but really wasn't that bad. It had snowed so I wasn't worried about spoilage.

Seamaster · Feb 18, 2017

I have hunted 76 many times over the years but only with a rifle. There are plenty of options for truck camping but with the elk higher than most roads it is going to be a lot of tough hiking each morning for you. At that time of year you might want to look at Wason Park on the East side, or drive to one of the higher lakes to begin. The area around the Rio Grande Reservoir can be very productive but hiking up from the bottom daily would be a big challenge for anyone. If putting in a spike camp is possible it might be advisable.

You can drive fairly high up Mineral Creek or Miners Creek just West of Creede, but to me the far West side of the unit would be more interesting at that time of year.