want to bowhunt a decent area for cows and/ or small bulls-260" type; is area 70 decent? I could get a bonus pt. then go the following year,or try to get an O.T.C. tag. Any help would be appreciated. Roundball
Co. archery elk
- Thread starter Roundball
- Start date
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I live about 75 miles from 70 and have hunted it for both elk & deer, but not archery. The eastern part of the unit is where all the elk are early in the seasons. Lots of hunters also. if you don't know the area and have never been there, I would look for something else. 3 years ago I spent about 15 days scouting the eastern area before my M/L elk season. Saw elk every time I was there. When I got to the area I want to camp & hunt in there were at least 25 archery hunters there and no one had an animal. There are several large ranches on the northern part of the unit and a warden told me within 2 days after opening of archery, most of the elk had moved to them.
Just sayin.......
Just sayin.......
hoshour
Veteran member
Check out the harvest odds, draw odds and points needed for elk (the pre-201 preference points needed reports are easier to use) at http://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Statistics-Elk.aspx
Get the key to the hunt codes in the application booklet. Or far easier, check the CO elk MRS in issue 153 of last year's Eastman's Hunting Journal or wait two months for the 2017 version.
Get the key to the hunt codes in the application booklet. Or far easier, check the CO elk MRS in issue 153 of last year's Eastman's Hunting Journal or wait two months for the 2017 version.
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mallardsx2
Veteran member
- Jul 8, 2015
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JimP
Administrator
Bonecollector
Veteran member
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
I was gonna say...I wouldn't call a 260 a small bull. Yeah 260 is not not huge, but it is very close to a somewhat mature six point. Took me several elk before I broke that threshold. 
RICMIC
Veteran member
Here's what a 260" bull looks like. I have taken two others that were much bigger, but sure wasn't going to pass on this one. It only looks small when it is hanging next to a 320".
Hey roundball. I don't know anything about unit 70, but I can pretty much guarantee that an otc hunt will have you competing with a good deal of hunters. I've been hunting around the Steamboat area for about 8 years. We always have a few chances, but not alot. That being said, almost every year I see a really good bull that I just can't close the deal on. They seem to move year to year, so plan on doing alot of moving around to find them. Looking to try unit 74 north of Durango this year. Just wanna see some new country. If you want some info on the Steamboat area, let me know. Burned up 8pts in Wy last year on an archery hunt in the Bighorns. Great time , lots of bulls, beautiful country. Be building those points as quick as I can!
Slugz
Veteran member
RB,
If you haven't already, spend some time with the CDOW Hunting Atlas and the overlays. You can build a pretty solid picture of the elk density areas then build a OTC game plan. Key is to figure out where they go once pressured after the first muzzle shots are fired.
I know this will stir the pot, however its not intended too......CO has way too many animals to be coming out here and not seeing any or at least not getting close and having one solid opportunity a year (archery). Just gotta find em and be proactive day to day. Shoot me a PM if you got any questions
If you haven't already, spend some time with the CDOW Hunting Atlas and the overlays. You can build a pretty solid picture of the elk density areas then build a OTC game plan. Key is to figure out where they go once pressured after the first muzzle shots are fired.
I know this will stir the pot, however its not intended too......CO has way too many animals to be coming out here and not seeing any or at least not getting close and having one solid opportunity a year (archery). Just gotta find em and be proactive day to day. Shoot me a PM if you got any questions
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