Help a new Elk Hunter!

[richardhowe]

Talk about the 11th hour -- but I am a lifelong Southern Whitetail hunter who just took a job that "makes" me travel to NW Colorado about twice a month. I know that I'm really late for the draw, but how would you recommend I hunt Unit 22 for elk, where I will be doing my work?

I will hunt rifle, but am not clear on how the seasons work -- even after spending a good bit of time at the CDW homepage.

Can I camp on the unit? What about a fire? What will the climate be like during the first over-the-counter elk rifle season?

Can anyone recommend a reputable drop camp operator in this area? I'm looking to minimize cost this year...until I can get my feet on the ground enough to justify a more elaborate trip next season.

Please help!

Thanks,
Rich Howe

 

[InterpolNY]

Hello. I haven't hunted in a while but the whole Piceance Basin has quite a few elk. 22 probably has the most. Your not gonna find very big bulls in the unit. All 1st rifle tags are limited, none leftover for that area so you will be looking at 2nd rifle which can be a zoo. It can be hot or it can be downright nasty, I would guess warm during the days. You can camp just about anywhere. Lots of hunters, lots of smaller muley bucks. Roads everywhere. Just hunt your butt off, cover lots of ground and you will get into elk. Not sure about outfitters, I know some to the south, you really don't need a drop camp anyway. The elk are scattered and you will find them anywhere. Good luck.