CO 49 which season

Lonebilly52 · Mar 7, 2023

I am hoping some people with boots on the ground experience in 49 can weigh in on thoughts between 1st rifle and muzzleloader. Putting all other factors aside, I’m specifically wondering which season has the best chance at a trophy bull for the unit. I would consider a 320+ bull a “trophy” for purposes of discussion. I’m stuck on a “6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other” mentality.

Planning on burning points.

Many thanks.

ORIONTHEHUNTER · Mar 7, 2023

A 320+ in that unit is a tall order no matter what season

HntHrdr · Mar 8, 2023

The difference in points is pretty substantial right like 8 vs 10/12? 49 is not necessarily what it used to be, definitely think 320 bull is much harder to come by than the points would allude. I wouldn’t pass on a 270 bull in that unit, no matter the season

The_Coloradoboy · Mar 8, 2023

I’d go muzzy. First rifle gets tough after the first day when the guns start going off and the elk start bailing off the top and holing up in the timber or getting on the private ground in the bottom of the valley

eshunt · Mar 8, 2023

I'd agree with the guys above, not many bulls that even break the 300" mark in that unit anymore. I hunted it in 2019 and only saw one that was close to 300 and he was about 3-4 miles away. I've had better luck on big bulls in OTC units.

But, if you decide to go hunt 49, I'd go for the muzzleloader. There is pretty good bull to cow ratio, so if you find some cows in Sept, there will be bulls around as well. And they haven't been shot at yet with any firearms.

Lonebilly52 · Mar 9, 2023

After talking with the outfitters/packers and some prior tag holders yesterday, it sounds like a guy shouldn’t pass a 270-300 class bull on either hunt. Bigger bulls exist and there’s always a chance of a 320-350 bull, but odds are slim. Good unit to have a fun successful hunt.

I guess it depends what type of hunting experience someone is looking for.

HntHrdr · Mar 9, 2023

Lonebilly52 said:
After talking with the outfitters/packers and some prior tag holders yesterday, it sounds like a guy shouldn’t pass a 270-300 class bull on either hunt. Bigger bulls exist and there’s always a chance of a 320-350 bull, but odds are slim. Good unit to have a fun successful hunt.

I guess it depends what type of hunting experience someone is looking for.

I think you are spot on, have to go into with open eyes and I think it will be a blast, but if you expect 360+ bulls in every herd, it’s going to disappoint. Heck I shot a 350 bull last year in an otc unit. Never know what you will turn up but if you are set on big bulls I don’t think it’s a great unit

300WBYMULES · Mar 12, 2023

I hunted the unit 1st rifle in 2013 diy horse back in about 8 miles. Fun trip with my brother. Took an average 5 point.

We made a pretty short hunt out of it but with some scouting and time you could take a good 300” plus bull.

I like the first rifle over the muzzle loader but that’s my opinion.