Unit 44 early

nk · Mar 2, 2018

Hi all,
I don't post here much but I thought I'd see if anyone has some info. for me. I've searched the archives and I'm not coming up with much on the early hunt. I'm considering putting in for deer in CO unit 44 early season this year and I'm trying to get some information on herd quality. I'm always trying to better my best. My goal this year is to harvest a 180? buck. I would love some basic info if you're willing to share. I'd be able to scout some over the summer and I'm in pretty good shape. Putting in the work and miles are not a problem. Don?t need gps just want to know if it's worth burning my points. Thanks,
Nk

buckhorn · Mar 2, 2018

I've been wondering the same thing myself for years. 44 third and fourth season are almost impossible to draw they take 20+ points but the early rifle and second season only takes a few points. I'm sure there are guys that know the reason why but it's probably because you are limited to just a small area of very high country with not many deer.

jims · Mar 2, 2018

The deer herd in 44 are highly migratory. There are very few deer available during the early seasons until they migrate in from surrounding areas. There also is deep timber where the few bucks that are there tend to hang out once they shed their velvet until snow drives them down to lower elevations. With that said you may be able to find a pocket of bucks if you are willing to devote a lot of time and boot leather to the hunt. It is an OTC elk unit so be prepared for lots of elk hunters.

nk · Mar 3, 2018

Thanks for the info.

txhunter58 · Mar 3, 2018

I think it was a better season when it was a week earlier. Now it is with muzzleloading season (8-16). That said if you are willing to hike in 6-8 miles and look at multiple timberline basins, you could locate a good buck. If a cold snap comes early or the muzzleloaders spook them, they will be in the trees and very hard to find.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

Adventurewriter · Mar 3, 2018

Both Jims and TX are right

Muley · Mar 3, 2018

>I think it was a better
>season when it was a
>week earlier. Now it
>is with muzzleloading season (8-16).
> That said if you
>are willing to hike in
>6-8 miles and look at
>multiple timberline basins, you could
>locate a good buck.
>If a cold snap comes
>early or the muzzleloaders spook
>them, they will be in
>the trees and very hard
>to find.
>
>txhunter58
>
>venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore
>I am)

Muzzleloaders are in the trees. At least I am. It's much easier to get close than out in the open. Early hunters can't go in the trees, so it works out.

nk · Mar 3, 2018

Great info. Thx

Joe2Kool · Mar 3, 2018

LAST EDITED ON Mar-03-18 AT 08:09PM (MST)[p]I've got 5 points and 44-2nd is on my short list. There were a couple of posts with some 44-2 success from last year. If I find them, I'll post a link.

Not the post I remember, but here is one. Open it and scroll down.
http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID6/27144.html

txhunter58 · Mar 3, 2018

I wouldn't be talking it up too much if you are applying.

But it took 6 points the last 2 seasons and probably won't be down this year

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

Gator · Mar 4, 2018

Hunt High will be your best bet, Take bug spray.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".
>[Font][Font color = "green"]Life member of
>the MM green signature club.[font/]

buckhorn · Mar 5, 2018

Hello Nick my name is Jeff and I also have been doing a lot of research on unit 44 but I was trying for third season.
I assume you are a resident and also assume you are talking about the early high country rifle hunt in the holy cross wilderness? Have you studied the draw statistics and how many points do you have? I know a few guys that have hunted 44 so I may be able to answer some of your questions.

nk · Mar 5, 2018

Jeff,
I am a resident, I have 5 points and I have studied the stats. Any info. would be great. I'm really looking for the best opportunity to harvest a 180? deer. I have other units I'm looking into as well. I just didn't know a lot about the early unit 44 hunt. Thanks for the reply.
Nick