Elk Around Paonia

[Spotnstalk80]

My brother and I are making our maiden voyage to elk hunt and will be hunting around Paonia for second season rifle. We have a plan A but I'm not a fan of going into a hunt without a backup plan in case what we have doesn't pan out. Can anyone throw me some pointers in this area where we can perhaps head if plan A doesn't pan out? For second season what is the ball park elevation to expect animals to be? Our plan A is going to take us to around 8500 ft, wondering if that would be about right. Any info anyone can share from this area either here or via pm would be appreciated. Doesn't even have to be anything specific just general info on what to expect.

Thanks!

Rich

 

[schmalie79]

Hey Rich sent you a P.M. Maybe we can work together!

 

[Spotnstalk80]

Pm sent back!

 

[Coloradoboy]

I think novice elk hunters and often times out of state hunters get to caught up in "what elevation to hunt?" Too much. Honestly there is no perfect elevation in my opinion and findings. For instance, I've killed elk down in the cedar and sage brush country below 7500 feet in archery season when the elk had the option to be a 12k plus. Where as I've killed elk at tree line in the second and third seasons when they had the option to be much lower. Often what determines on how high or low to hunt for me are a multitude of factors: Weather; is there a bunch of snow in the higher elevations that has caused the elk to push down. (This is common factor in the second) Pressure; Has there been alot of pressure on the elk in the prior season to mine? Or is it mid way through the season and the elk have been pushed hard already. Often times the elk will either drift towards or on the private or they will go high and deep. It really depends on the country. Type of Country; Some places the elk don't have much options, where as others they do. Paonia obviously is very topographically diverse. From the Raggeds to the pinion country around town. Best advice is to hunt and spend as much time in the country as possible. Over the years you will began to figure out the country and the animals. Consistent success on Public land in Colorado is science don't kid yourself...

Coloradoboy

 

[Spotnstalk80]

Thanks Coloradoboy for your input. Appreciate the real talk on this from you. I know it's definitely not a slam dunk ever hunting public land and there is sure to be a learning curve.