CO 61 and Montrose

Hi all. I am wondering what kind of drive it would be to stay in Montrose, CO and hunt unit 61 for elk. I am on the cusp of having enough points to draw the unit, and am trying to figure out whether I want to or not. I may apply next year but for sure in the next 3. This summer I plan on scouting a couple of units, 61 and another closer to home. Any more, I like to stay in a hotel and drive back and forth to hunt. Currently I have about a 45 minute drive and an hour walk before the first hint of light, and I do that for 5 days during first rifle season. I am curious as to whether or not that is possible between Montrose and 61- depending where I hunt in the unit, of course.

I am not absolutely sold on applying there. I am very content on shooting a cow each and every year but I have accumulated the points and I do have a bit of a desire to get a decent bull one day. What I want more than anything is to experience the bugling activity I've heard so much about.
At any rate, I want out of the points game so I can start applying for cow tags as a first choice. Thank you, all.

You can take Dave Wood Road out of Montrose, and be at the south end of Divide Road in about an hour.

Not the shortest commute in the mornings, but it's doable. i've done it a bunch of times.

I will be glad to give you my experiences in 61 this fall. I have drawn 61 2nd rifle 5 day permit. Never have been there. Used 13 points, but will turn it back in if hunting prospects don't look good. I'll be out there this summer to recon/scout the area., & will get advice from some MM former hunters in 61.
Presently my plan is to use a Travel Trailer as a base camp somewhere along the divide road plus my 4 WD Truck, & use an outfitter & horses to retrieve an elk if I get lucky. Just let me know !
Jerry Gold
Fort Collins, Colorado
Cell 307-772-1623
E M: [email protected]

Grand Junction is 45 minutes to the North End of 61. Gateway has a place to stay at a resort, but not much else if you want to be a bit closer.

Maybe check out coming in from the Naturita side. When we hunted 61 and needed supply?s that's the direction we went. Pending your choice within the unit it could be an option.
Simo

Thank you all. My wife and I will spend a weekend or 2 this summer over there, and most likely a couple more weekends this fall. I doubt if I'll put in to draw next year but I hope to burn them somewhere in the next 3 years. Thanks again.