Experience in CO Area 521 Raggeds Wilderness?

C

captainT

Guest
Has anyone ever hunted the Colorado Raggeds Wilderness in area 521? I'm wondering if you think it would make for a good area for this years Elk bow season. I am on foot and like ot hunt in non-mech travel areas. I'll be based out of a pop-up camper and would really appreciate any experience you could share about a place to park it that makes for good huntin' acess to this area.

Any feedback from you wise men would be greatly appreciated.
 
We are looking at the same area it looks like we would base camp but would have to go in about 4 miles or do to hunt. We are on foot also..but looks like a good area.
 
LAST EDITED ON May-17-06 AT 11:50AM (MST)[p]All I know about it is that it lives up to its name, and that John Plute (sp?) killed a world record typical bull elk there in "dark canyon" in 189?. Probably less pressure for him than now? I believe that record held until not too long ago.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
 
Archer,
Basically I looked for a unit that had a good 2005 harvest percentage, a unit with a roadless area to minimize ATV's, and a unit that had some Elk breading and resident heards showm on the CO DOW website interective map. The unit also had to be an unlimited area andI wanted some elevation and dark timber for the warm bow season.
 
Are you looking around the North Anthracite Creek Area or where are you thinking of hunting.
 
Gator,
Hadn't really decided. I was just trying to narrow down a unit to hunt in for now based on last years harvest numbers and what people that have hunted there were saying about pressure. My plan is to go up Labor dat weekend and hunt the following week. Do you think the North Anthracite Creek Area would be a good then? I'm also considereing up in unit 14 and 214. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for replying
 
There is an ATV trail that runs from Erickson Springs Campground up to McClure pass, so if your in that area you will not escape ATV's. This area can have quite a bit of hunting pressure as well as recreational users including mtn bikers. That road is a white knuckler if wet, it turns to snot.

The raggeds are nearly straight up and down and not for the weak of heart or legs. You can typically see mountain goats on the steep cliffs.

Can be lots of bears in the area too, especially in the oak brush country.

Last time I was in there the forest under all the aspens was lush with fern growth. Have no idea if elk like ferns but it was lush. It's some of the most beautiful country you will ever set your eyes on when the leaves are changing. I love hunting aspens, be sure to look around at all the bear claw marks on the trees and pick up a tag if you can.

In terms of the bulls, expect the same raghorns you would in other OTC areas.
 
Come in from the west side,Scout that area above the creek right up by the treeline.They feed along that alpine area in the morning and evening. I think you will be happy with what you find while your scouting. It's a Ball-breaker of a climb(each day) because you will camp close to the creek and spot from there,You need to climb each time, watch the elk and deer bed then start your stalk after you up there you stay for the afternoon hunt and walk back down in the dark,If you try and camp up high you wouldn't find to many animals it's easier to spot and stalk them from below, but it will be worth it, if you can find the right spot in your scouting you will see what I mean.Good Luck, let me know how it going.
 
Gator,
Thank you so much for that advise, I'm off to my maps to study what you wrote, I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again
 
Gator,
Do you think the East or West side of the North Anthricite river is better? And are their many hunters in that valley during bow season?

Thanks again
 
Hunt the East side of the creek area,it higher, The higher you go the less hunters you see or run into.
 

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