Waygoner
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LAST EDITED ON Jun-08-07 AT 08:37AM (MST)[p]There have been quite a few posts lately asking for information on the Gunnison Basin units (54,55,551,66,67). I moved to Gunnison in 1999 and would like to offer up some general information.
First is the climate. The elevation starts at 7500' and goes up from there. Give yourself a few days to get adjusted. There have been some good posts about altitude sickness on this site. It gets cold here, it was 20 this morning in Crested Butte. Be prepared for snow and freezing temps. Late season hunts could see temps below zero and heavy snow is possible anytime. Cell coverage is poor outside of town.
The local DOW office is staffed with some good people. The number is 970-641-7060. You'll get better information if you call later this summer/early fall. There is a big demand for landowner tags. I see several wanted ads in the paper each week. Be prepared to spend some $$. I don't have any info on who has tags for sale.
There are a lot of roads in these units. You'll have better luck if you park and do some hiking. ATVs must have an OHV sticker. You don't need one if it's registered in your home State. Stickers can be purchased online, take care of it ahead of time. If you bring horses you must have certified weed-free hay. The NAPA store in Gunnison sells it. There are two places in town to get your animal processed. Berfields in town on hwy 50, and Guerrieri's just north of town behind the vet clinic. Guerrieri would be my first choice. There are a lot of motels to choose from if you don't plan on camping.
If you're unfamiliar with the unit you're hunting, I would suggest spot and stalk with good optics. Keep moving until you get into animals. There are a lot of deer and elk in this basin. If you want a trophy you'll have to pass up a lot of smaller bucks/bulls. Units 54 and 55 are OTC for elk and get a lot of pressure. The local gun club offers sight-in days a few weekends each fall - $5 per gun. Money well spent.
A lot of hunters pass through here and it's an important part of the local economy. Please be courteous when you're in the local shops and restaurants. Don't drive like an idiot either. That's one of my biggest complaints about the visitors we get - both hunters and non-hunters. Don't wear your blaze orange 24/7 either.
This is beautiful country and the people here are friendly. Have a safe and successful hunt!
First is the climate. The elevation starts at 7500' and goes up from there. Give yourself a few days to get adjusted. There have been some good posts about altitude sickness on this site. It gets cold here, it was 20 this morning in Crested Butte. Be prepared for snow and freezing temps. Late season hunts could see temps below zero and heavy snow is possible anytime. Cell coverage is poor outside of town.
The local DOW office is staffed with some good people. The number is 970-641-7060. You'll get better information if you call later this summer/early fall. There is a big demand for landowner tags. I see several wanted ads in the paper each week. Be prepared to spend some $$. I don't have any info on who has tags for sale.
There are a lot of roads in these units. You'll have better luck if you park and do some hiking. ATVs must have an OHV sticker. You don't need one if it's registered in your home State. Stickers can be purchased online, take care of it ahead of time. If you bring horses you must have certified weed-free hay. The NAPA store in Gunnison sells it. There are two places in town to get your animal processed. Berfields in town on hwy 50, and Guerrieri's just north of town behind the vet clinic. Guerrieri would be my first choice. There are a lot of motels to choose from if you don't plan on camping.
If you're unfamiliar with the unit you're hunting, I would suggest spot and stalk with good optics. Keep moving until you get into animals. There are a lot of deer and elk in this basin. If you want a trophy you'll have to pass up a lot of smaller bucks/bulls. Units 54 and 55 are OTC for elk and get a lot of pressure. The local gun club offers sight-in days a few weekends each fall - $5 per gun. Money well spent.
A lot of hunters pass through here and it's an important part of the local economy. Please be courteous when you're in the local shops and restaurants. Don't drive like an idiot either. That's one of my biggest complaints about the visitors we get - both hunters and non-hunters. Don't wear your blaze orange 24/7 either.
This is beautiful country and the people here are friendly. Have a safe and successful hunt!
