Colorado OTC Archery Elk Hunt 2014

[rcfireninja]

I am looking at doing my first elk hunt this fall. I would like to go in the northwest region of CO by Meeker or Craig. I am starting to build up a gear list and check the gmu units to figure out where I have a good chance of getting a legal elk this fall. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[rcfireninja]

So I'm getting the idea that I need to search forums more and get more data from co and eastmans mrs to choose a gmu then try and get specific on that area. Gmu 13 has good stats for 2012 so kinda looking there.

 

[RockChucker30]

The harvest stats don't tell an accurate story. When I was planning my hunt I built a series of spreadsheets detailing the 5 year harvest average and narrowed it down to one OTC unit that was heads and shoulders above the rest.

When I called the area biologist I found out that the success rate was so high in that unit because it is a very dry area and all the water is on private land. The private is leased by Outfitters, and each waterhole has a blind set up on it.

I wound up going to an area with very rough country with a lot lower success rate. I didn't see another person past a 1/2 mile from the road and I was 3.5 miles back in. I wound up killing a good bull on day five.

 

[OregonJim]

Ninja, I sent you a PM.

 

[rcfireninja]

The harvest stats don't tell an accurate story. When I was planning my hunt I built a series of spreadsheets detailing the 5 year harvest average and narrowed it down to one OTC unit that was heads and shoulders above the rest.

When I called the area biologist I found out that the success rate was so high in that unit because it is a very dry area and all the water is on private land. The private is leased by Outfitters, and each waterhole has a blind set up on it.

I wound up going to an area with very rough country with a lot lower success rate. I didn't see another person past a 1/2 mile from the road and I was 3.5 miles back in. I wound up killing a good bull on day five.

Thanks for the heads up. I noticed gmu 13 has a good success rate but little public compared to other units and probably falls right into what you said. Definitely a lot of time needs to be put in to pick the right unit. Thanks.

 

[Musket Man]

I would definitely choose an area with lots of public land. As Rockchucker said harvest stats can be very deceiving in units with lots of private land. If you want to get away from the crowds look for areas you can get atleast a mile or 2 from any roads. The only drawback to that is having to pack your elk out farther so just be careful not to get in farther then you can get one out.

 

[rcfireninja]

Public land will be a huge factor, hiking in I'm actually looking forward to. I plan on being able to go 5-10 miles back off roads to set up camp. One of the benefits of being a ff is being physically fit.

 

[Work2hunt]

If you haven't yet check out the Colorado BLM mapsor the GMUS maps on mytopo.com. Ive been looking at them lately and they do a pretty good job showing public land and everything else is private. 13 looks pretty white (private). Might be a tough area to find a spot to hunt.

Screen shot of 13

 

[Musket Man]

I dont know how many guys are going on your hunt or anything but getting an elk out 5+ miles in archery before it spoiled could be an issue.

 

[rcfireninja]

True having coolers of ice in the truck waiting is planned and also boning out the elk and getting cooled off right away. Other than making sure I have a ethical shot and quick recovery just planning on some hard work.

 

[In God We Trust]

RockChucker's advice is spot on. Elk like country where there is little hunting pressure which means rough country. Hell every year I hunt I see elk at and above timberline in rocky country that looks like sheep country. Look for lots of public land with decent success rates.

 

[MWScott72]

I dont know how many guys are going on your hunt or anything but getting an elk out 5+ miles in archery before it spoiled could be an issue.

MM is right....you won't realize just how much work an elk is until you have one down. Especially so if this is your first go at it. Be careful you don't underestimate just how difficult it will be if you're back in deep.

 

[RockChucker30]

Public land will be a huge factor, hiking in I'm actually looking forward to. I plan on being able to go 5-10 miles back off roads to set up camp. One of the benefits of being a ff is being physically fit.

The only way I'd be more than 3-5 miles out in Archery is if I had a lot of guys available to pack, or I had a horse packer available.

If the country is rough you don't need to be that far back anyway. You'll never out walk the horse camps.

In warm weather you've either got to get the meat cooled off in a stream quickly (in dry bags so it doesn't get wet) or you need to get it out quickly and on ice.

A big bull boned out with rack and skull will weigh north of 250-275 lbs. That kind of weight doesn't divide up into easy loads.

You won't realize how big elk are till you see them. I grew up on a cattle farm and am used to working big animals, and elk are still impressive.


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[wapiti66]

The biggest concern here is temp, like said. So prior to your hunt check out the 10-day forecast and see what types of temps you can expect. The warmer it is.....the closer to the trailhead your should stay or increase your pack force.

 

[rcfireninja]

All very good info. Thanks guys im taking all this in to help in figuring out exactly where to go.

 

[Work2hunt]

Another option if you do decide to go deep. You may be able to line up a packer that can come in with horses and help pack out.

 

[H'n'F]

Another option if you do decide to go deep. You may be able to line up a packer that can come in with horses and help pack out.

+1 on this ^^^
Last year I hunted 6-8 miles off the trailhead in some steep and nasty OTC wilderness areas. I had horse packer all lined up and ready in case I tagged out. I was alone and there was no way I was going to get a bull out of there on my own. We really owe it to the animal to be realistic and plan ahead. Good luck and have fun.

 

[mattdeere]

Some very good advice on here about dealing with a downed Elk. They are a load and will just about Kill the average flatlander trying to pack one out on there back. Even Cameron Hanes uses Horses and he's in better shape than most of us will ever be.

 

[rcfireninja]

Found a gmu that is close enough to Denver that my brother and friends will be able to come out to help pack one out if I am successfull. Appears that Ill be hiking in roughly 4 miles to camp at 10,000 ft and then hunt from there. Was able to get some real solid advice on where to look for the elk...ie northern facing slopes above bowls with water and wallows in them.

 

[Dearhunter3450]

Public land will be a huge factor, hiking in I'm actually looking forward to. I plan on being able to go 5-10 miles back off roads to set up camp. One of the benefits of being a ff is being physically fit.

Being able to sleep and work out while on clock are two benefits lol! I'm just jealous I took the wrong test lol!