Elk newbie here

[theddguide]

Hey I'm new here, but thought I'd try and get a few tips/suggestions. Myself and 3 others are headed to CO on an elk hunt middle of Sept. We're looking at trying somewhere in the renowned flat tops area but that's not set in stone. Just looking for any advice and tips for that area like units and maybe where to go to find numbers of animals without as many hunters. And yes I know to get way back is a common answer, just want more in depth advice for elk newbs. Thanks in advance

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[theddguide]

Btw I'm not asking for gps coordinates just general help

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[JimP]

The Flat Tops is a huge piece of real estate.

Have you any idea of where? North, south, east, or west ends?

 

[theddguide]

No it's just the area we've talked about. I've heard good things of the yamba area..?? We're just wanting good chances of seeing elk, not too concerned about getting trophy bulls

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[JimP]

The Yampa area is good and has good access to National Forest, I have never been in that way but know that a lot of hunters uses that area for access. You have to remember that they named it the Flat Tops for a reason, it's flat with side canyons that the elk head for once the pressure on them starts and a lot of the side canyons contain a lot of private. Colorado is also a state where the hunter needs to know where he is at while hunting or hiking. The private does not need to be fenced or posted as some other states.

But for a first time hunter it should be a good area and with a hunt in the middle of September you should be able to find some elk by just listening for them. You do have to also know that the muzzle loader season starts the second weekend of September and runs for 9 days 9/10-9/18 so if you are in the area at the same time there will be orange clad hunters in there with you.

 

[theddguide]

Yea muzzle loader season will start about half way into our trip. What area or areas and units would you possibly recommend? Didn't mention it but we're planning on otc tags/units

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[theddguide]

We're planning to go from like the 6th to the 16th, it's just what worked out best for us but seemed like a good time during the season from the research I've done

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[JimP]

I have hunted the south end a little but most of it is wilderness with very little access.

Your plan sounds good. If you want the Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a hunt planner that you can call with questions on areas. The number is listed in the guide book. I have never used them but know of some that have with good results. Also there is all kinds of information on the CP&W web site with interactive maps and descriptions of areas and where to look for animals.

 

[John Bussard]

Can't tell you where to go but I will suggest you spend more time awake at night and sleep in the afternoon until you locate them. You can hear them a long ways off on a quiet night and they will be much more talkative.


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[Slugz]

Send me a PM....I spend a ton of time up that way from Aug till the end of September...sometimes even 1st rifle......lots of pressure, too many people, access bad, no big bulls, hardly see any animals. Smile, wink, smile.

 

[theddguide]

Lol ok. Will do when I get more of a chance. Focused on catching fish at the moment lol!

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[Slugz]

Lol ok. Will do when I get more of a chance. Focused on catching fish at the moment lol!

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Post the pics in the 2016 fishing thread! Please. Good luck!

 

[racksackssales]

As for frame pack it’s in the truck but if you kill have a pillow case or game bag with you bone the fronts and b s so when you come back all you have is the h q antlers and miss meat makes a world of difference