New to Forum and Preparing for CO OTC Archery Elk Hunt

[ArmyArcher]

First post as a newbie on the Eastman Forum. Two buddies and I are planning a DIY public land hunt in the SW region of CO during the Elk archery season. Interested in any input from experienced hunters from that region.

Specifically, we'll be looking to narrow down to two, no more than three, units in the San Juan Mountains/Wilderness area near the Durango/Pagosa Spring (sp?).

Gear and equipment not an issue. Have read on some forums and in articles about dry bags to help prevent meat from spoiling etc... Would like to know what types/brands that folks have used that also keeps pack from gaining too much weight as we intend to pack in.

Hard work is not an issue for us. We hunted the Superstition Wilderness near Mesa, AZ this past Dec for Coues deer packing in for a 5 day hunt. Granted, terrain and elevation not the same, but my point is, we don't shy away from the rough stuff.

We'll have betw/5-7 days to hunt.

Thx in advance for any info you feel would be helpful to consider.

 

[swampokie]

Unit 74 or 75 would be good options if or prepared to log a few miles and see a few people

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Welcome to the forum AA

 

[velvetfvr]

Welcome!!!!!!

 

[ArmyArcher]

Gear and equipment not an issue. Have read on some forums and in articles about dry bags to help prevent meat from spoiling etc... Would like to know what types/brands that folks have used that also keeps pack from gaining too much weight as we intend to pack in.

Just read up on another part of Eastman Outdoors re: Caribou Ultra Light game bags and T.A.G. Bags. Sounds like what we'd be looking at using instead of the cheap variety... Anyone use either of these and have some feedback?

 

[Musket Man]

Welcome AA! Would you tell us a little about yourself?

 

[RockChucker30]

The San Juans are nicknamed the Alps of the lower 48. Very steep, rough country. You won't understand unless you've been there.

TAG bags are good, so are Caribou bags. I've used both.

Stick around and be a part of the discussion here, you'll get more out of it the more you put in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Are you planning any scouting in advance? I live in the area and would recommend it, especially if you have never been here before.

 

[ArmyArcher]

Welcome AA! Would you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm career Army, 24 years this summer. Avid archery hunter. Have taken two bulls w/bow and harvested my first Coues deer this past Dec.

Have progressed through the hunting stages to enjoy spending quality time in the wilderness with close friends finding, chasing, and having the opportunity to harvest game but don't rate the hunt based on harvest alone.

 

[Musket Man]

I'm career Army, 24 years this summer. Avid archery hunter. Have taken two bulls w/bow and harvested my first Coues deer this past Dec.

Have progressed through the hunting stages to enjoy spending quality time in the wilderness with close friends finding, chasing, and having the opportunity to harvest game but don't rate the hunt based on harvest alone.

6 in the guard and deployment was enough for me, but I miss it at the same time.

 

[OregonJim]

Welcome to the forum Army,
Thanks for your service.

I have been using Caribou Bags brand for about 4 years now.
They donated a set "Moose Bags" for a RMEF Event I was doing and I purchased a elk quarter size at the same time they made the donation. After using them I went out of the way to purchase the larger size at our silent auction.

I fell in love with them and I don't use any other bags.

Good luck with that hunt.
Please come back with pictures!

 

[ArmyArcher]

Are you planning any scouting in advance? I live in the area and would recommend it, especially if you have never been here before.

Would be great to get some on the ground scouting in before the hunt but the distance and work schedule won't accomodate it.

Will be relying on our research for narrowing down GMUs combined with input from my neighbor who grew up in Durango. His parents still live there and normally conduct a family elk hunt every year during the rifle season. He's a wealth of knowledge and already a big help.

Maps and Google Earth will do the rest until we can actually hit the trails.

Appreciate the input thus far. Will definitely pick up some TAG bags. There base model is cheaper than the Carnivore II, has more bags, but doesn't appear to come with a tarp, which is not that big of a deal to me.

 

[ArmyArcher]

Had a chance to walk some trails during 4th of July weekend and adjusted work schedule will allow a 3 day scouting trip the weekend prior to opening day. Beautiful country in the San Juans. If I can't find elk during the first two days, then I'll move over to an adjacent unit just to extend options.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Had a chance to walk some trails during 4th of July weekend and adjusted work schedule will allow a 3 day scouting trip the weekend prior to opening day. Beautiful country in the San Juans. If I can't find elk during the first two days, then I'll move over to an adjacent unit just to extend options.

Conditions will change a lot as the monsoon season is in full swing now. We got 3/4" of rain here on the 4th. Been really hot too. Was up in the high country in 711 yesterday and saw a few elk and lots of deer. I will be doing a little looking between now and M/L opening in Sept.