Colorado Unit 2 Elk Questions

mdndeer · Dec 23, 2023

I currently have 31 NR point and at 67 don’t want to see if I can get a rifle tag in the next 4 to 5 years, so thinking of doing the Muzzleloader tag next year (I hope).

I am in good shape for my age (still go to gym lift/ treadmill) but still 67. I am only going to have one friend with me and concerned in getting elk back to road. I would get there 4+- days ahead of time to scout and hunt whole season.

A few questions/thoughts:

I am concerned that a few days scouting is not enough (if I wait a year longer I can visit once 2024 to scout)
- Are there people/services that can pre-scout/markup maps(or people that know they can never pull the tag again)
Not really wanting an outfitter (I always hunted on my own) but an outfitter can help with scotting/packing and skinning for mount.
- If I do, any recommendations.
I read about the Walker Ranch (also there may be some issues going on), but does this help me with easier access and retrieving animal?
Do any outfitters hire for pack out only?

Any other though/advise would be appreciated.

MDNDEER

The_Coloradoboy · Dec 23, 2023

Unit 2 muzzleloader is a great hunt you will not be the least bit disappointed. If you draw, I’m more than willing to help point you in the right direction.

Conrad8899 · Dec 23, 2023

Good luck with Ur decision I would reach out to Coloradoboy for sure

D_Hoyt · Dec 24, 2023

That's a great unit. Good luck.

uphill · Dec 25, 2023

Do you have previous experience harvesting elk?

Katoom · Dec 26, 2023

The_Coloradoboy said:
Unit 2 muzzleloader is a great hunt you will not be the least bit disappointed. If you draw, I’m more than willing to help point you in the right direction.

This is an offer you should not refuse!

Hopefully Coloradoboy is still feeling similarly charitable in 15 years or so when I can draw it! I’ll be 63 then. Ahhhh who am I kidding, it’ll just be a wolf hunt then!

Good luck!

ddsflyfisher · Dec 29, 2023

If you are looking for a guide or outfitter, I would recommend talking with Tyler at CJ outfitters- solid guy and very helpful with information. Whatever works for you, no judging here…

jwooley7mm · Jan 2, 2024

Hit me up if you draw I had a Archery tag back in 21.

nmelktrout · Jan 3, 2024

I spend a ton of time in 2 and thanks to a very good friend, have had the opportunity to hold a number of tags and hunt it personally more times than most ever will - for elk, deer and pronghorn. Coloradoboy can vouch for that and yes, he knows the unit pretty well. Additionally, I go on a good number of hunts with family and friends and hunt both private and public in 2. (born, raised and living in NW CO despite my old handle from back when I was living in NM and chasing Gila bulls every year). All that being said, I can tell you this unit can and will wear even the most seasoned elk hunters out in a manner of ways. Though there is plenty of good luck to be had in 2 and people occasionally get lucky and kill good bulls easily, the elk hunts are generally a grind and most go home with a 300" to 320" class bull after waiting 25 plus years to draw the tag - regardless of their skill set. Nothing wrong with this kind of bull and there is certainly no shortage of them throughout the unit. Most hunters I run into are in their 60s and 70s and are physically and mentally drained after the first few days of chasing elk. The elk (especially the larger bulls) move around quite a bit and I've had many an open country stalk turn into an unsuccessful nature hike that burned an entire day. For example, the big bull you saw one day might be 20 miles away the next but it could take you 2 days to figure out that he vacated the premises.

Given the amount of points you've invested combined with your age, I would highly recommend going the guided route if you can afford to do so (even if you're in great shape). If you're happy with just having the experience of hunting in a special place with a good buddy, seeing a bunch of elk and aren't stressed about what size of bull you kill then go have fun with your buddy!

I could go on forever about the unit, but as for Unit 2 guides I recommend CJ Outfitting, Raftopoulos Ranches and Russ Berhman Outfitting. Haven't hunted with any of them but can tell you unequivocally that each outfit knows the unit exceptionally well and has access to good private lands.

-Cody

nmelktrout · Jan 4, 2024

Also forgot to mention you have to work through CJ Outfitting in order to access Walker's these days. Fortunately, that place had its "issues" sorted out.

HntHrdr · Jan 4, 2024

neighbor friend of mine helped out on a unit 2 hunt last year. The hunter hunted nearly the entire month, was close a couple times but more often than not would get stuck at about 100 yards away from the bull with his bow. I think a muzzle loader could help ease some of that frustration.

BowWow · Mar 26, 2024

nmelktrout said:
I spend a ton of time in 2 and thanks to a very good friend, have had the opportunity to hold a number of tags and hunt it personally more times than most ever will - for elk, deer and pronghorn. Coloradoboy can vouch for that and yes, he knows the unit pretty well. Additionally, I go on a good number of hunts with family and friends and hunt both private and public in 2. (born, raised and living in NW CO despite my old handle from back when I was living in NM and chasing Gila bulls every year). All that being said, I can tell you this unit can and will wear even the most seasoned elk hunters out in a manner of ways. Though there is plenty of good luck to be had in 2 and people occasionally get lucky and kill good bulls easily, the elk hunts are generally a grind and most go home with a 300" to 320" class bull after waiting 25 plus years to draw the tag - regardless of their skill set. Nothing wrong with this kind of bull and there is certainly no shortage of them throughout the unit. Most hunters I run into are in their 60s and 70s and are physically and mentally drained after the first few days of chasing elk. The elk (especially the larger bulls) move around quite a bit and I've had many an open country stalk turn into an unsuccessful nature hike that burned an entire day. For example, the big bull you saw one day might be 20 miles away the next but it could take you 2 days to figure out that he vacated the premises.

Given the amount of points you've invested combined with your age, I would highly recommend going the guided route if you can afford to do so (even if you're in great shape). If you're happy with just having the experience of hunting in a special place with a good buddy, seeing a bunch of elk and aren't stressed about what size of bull you kill then go have fun with your buddy!

I could go on forever about the unit, but as for Unit 2 guides I recommend CJ Outfitting, Raftopoulos Ranches and Russ Berhman Outfitting. Haven't hunted with any of them but can tell you unequivocally that each outfit knows the unit exceptionally well and has access to good private lands.

-Cody

Hello Cody,

This is Jimmy Barker in Pampa Tx. I have 31 points and have been waiting for my turn in unit 2 along with everyone else. Thought I was going to draw a long time ago

. I have been up there a couple times scouting already so I am some what familiar with the unit. I’m just looking for as much info as I get to give me better chance at a one time hunt. I don’t do face book but my wife is all about it if you want look us up. Her name Lori Barker. Here is my cell number 8066632066 if you don’t mind giving out some info.

Thanks. Jimmy

BowWow · Mar 26, 2024

The_Coloradoboy said:
Unit 2 muzzleloader is a great hunt you will not be the least bit disappointed. If you draw, I’m more than willing to help point you in the right direction.

BowWow · Mar 26, 2024

This is Jimmy Barker in Pampa Tx. I have 31 points and have been waiting for my turn in unit 2 along with everyone else. Thought I was going to draw a long time ago

. I have been up there a couple times scouting already so I am some what familiar with the unit. I’m just looking for as much info as I get to give me better chance at a one time hunt. I don’t do face book but my wife is all about it if you want look us up. Her name Lori Barker. Here is my cell number 8066632066 if you don’t mind giving out some info.

BowWow · Mar 26, 2024

jwooley7mm said:
Hit me up if you draw I had a Archery

BowWow · Mar 26, 2024

This is Jimmy Barker in Pampa Tx. I have 31 points and have been waiting for my turn in unit 2 along with everyone else. Thought I was going to draw a long time ago

. I have been up there a couple times scouting already so I am some what familiar with the unit. I’m just looking for as much info as I get to give me better chance at a one time hunt. I don’t do face book but my wife is all about it if you want look us up. Her name Lori Barker. Here is my cell number 8066632066 if you don’t mind giving out some info.

HntHrdr · Mar 26, 2024

BowWow said:
This is Jimmy Barker in Pampa Tx. I have 31 points and have been waiting for my turn in unit 2 along with everyone else. Thought I was going to draw a long time ago . I have been up there a couple times scouting already so I am some what familiar with the unit. I’m just looking for as much info as I get to give me better chance at a one time hunt. I don’t do face book but my wife is all about it if you want look us up. Her name Lori Barker. Here is my cell number 8066632066 if you don’t mind giving out some info.

Jimmy don’t post your number on the internet… this is an open forum

BowWow · Mar 26, 2024

HntHrdr said:
Jimmy don’t post your number on the internet… this is an open forum

Oh dang. Thanks

yotebuster17 · Mar 26, 2024

I dunno that I’d post my wife’s name on here either. Her DM’s will prob be blowin up

ColoGregS · Mar 26, 2024

yotebuster17 said:
I dunno that I’d post my wife’s name on here either. Her DM’s will prob be blowin up

For good access and license on Unit 2 I would post my wifes name and my schedule. lol

I hunted 2 Four years ago and the experience was certainly something that I will always treasure.

BowWow · Apr 1, 2024

BowWow said:
his is Jimmy Barker in Pampa Tx. I have 31 points and have been waiting for my turn in unit 2 along with everyone else. Thought I was going to draw a long time ago . I have been up there a couple times scouting already so I am some what familiar with the unit. I’m just looking for as much info as I get to give me better chance at a one time hunt. I don’t do face book but my wife is all about it if you want look us up. Her name Lori Barker. Here is my cell number 8066632066 if you don’t mind giving out some info.

Colorado boy, You can text or call me anytime and I would really appreciate it. You can send me you’re contact also and I will get back with you. Thanks a lot Jimmy

ElmerFudd · Apr 2, 2024

If everyone repeats and tags remain constant the 31 point pool this year going for 2 early rifle this year has 19 applicants with 6 ahead (5 of the 11 in the 31 point pool last year drew). Your pool will be drawing tags next year. 5 years is the maximum wait, but it will probably be less.

llamapacker · Apr 3, 2024

The very big caveat in the above analysis is "if everyone repeats", which means nobody else enters the drawing with 31 or more points this year or in the future. The reality is there are quite a few people with very high points that have just been putting in for points, and each year more of them are choosing to apply for the hunts. My guess is it will be another two years to clear out the people with one point above you (including those who jump into the draw), and then you will be in the running with the other 19+ hunters that have the same points as you.
Good Luck,
Bill

ElmerFudd · Apr 4, 2024

Yep. Another assumption to be considered is that they do not change the draw rules.

It's too late to change applications this year, but you will be able to see if the equal to or greater than 31 point applicants applying for that hunt got bigger this year after they post the statistics.