Colorado OTC Elk -- White River National Forest: Maroon Bells Wilderness

[cscott711]

Hi Guys,

My brother and I are heading to this area in September for archery season. Still up in the air if we'll be out there the second or third week. We are going in blind, never having been there before. This is our first elk hunt and certainly going to be a learning experience. If we stumble upon some elk, that'll be awesome. If we actually got one, well, that might be a miracle haha.

Seems like the general consensus on these areas is that it's really rugged terrain, beautiful country, and plenty of elk in there if you know where to look. Has anyone been to these areas before and have any pointers? I know there's a lot of hikers in this area and I'd like to keep away from them. Any idea how far back is reasonable to go to get away from others and into elk? What are the typical elevation to find elk at that time of year?

The last conservation officer I spoke with said that she thinks the rut always comes early in this area, as in the beginning of September. I guess I thought later in the month was when the rut really kicked in. Anyways, I've got a lot to learn, but thought you all might have a few golden nuggets to offer. Thanks for your time and good luck this fall!

 

[Thomas11]

First off, If I had only one week to go, it would def be the last week w/o question. They could be Rutting some that early(second week) but I don't believe they would be rutting harder the second of sept vs the last week anywhere! I've hunted this area just to the south in the northern part of 55. It will get a ton of hiking, recreational traffic due to its proximity to Aspen, Creste butte, etc. It's very touristy. The elk will be high as in 10k plus. This is very big country! i would get on DOW and study the summer concentration areas for where u had in mind and plan a strategy from there For accessing some of those remote basins that have some open areas and some cover as well. But again, I wouldn't consider the second week if I could go the last week, I don't care what anyone said! The third week is M.

 

[cscott711]

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I am locked into the second week now as my son's team was just confirmed to play in a tournament that third weekend. Hopefully there will be some early action. Great advice on looking at the summer maps, never thought of that.

Thanks again, greatly appreciated!

Hi Guys,

My brother and I are heading to this area in September for archery season. Still up in the air if we'll be out there the second or third week. We are going in blind, never having been there before. This is our first elk hunt and certainly going to be a learning experience. If we stumble upon some elk, that'll be awesome. If we actually got one, well, that might be a miracle haha.

Seems like the general consensus on these areas is that it's really rugged terrain, beautiful country, and plenty of elk in there if you know where to look. Has anyone been to these areas before and have any pointers? I know there's a lot of hikers in this area and I'd like to keep away from them. Any idea how far back is reasonable to go to get away from others and into elk? What are the typical elevation to find elk at that time of year?

The last conservation officer I spoke with said that she thinks the rut always comes early in this area, as in the beginning of September. I guess I thought later in the month was when the rut really kicked in. Anyways, I've got a lot to learn, but thought you all might have a few golden nuggets to offer. Thanks for your time and good luck this fall!

 

[Slugz]

I never understood comments like "the rut in there is early".......not to get off subject......the peak of the rut is defined by most biologists ( that conservation officer has no clue) as when the most cows are in estrus as determined by the fall equinox ( daylight vs dark total time of the day).....bulls may be more vocal, before that and after that depending on weather, moon....etc etc. Typically there is a 5-10period when there is the most screaming.

WRT your post.....check out the CDOW web page " Hunting Atlas", review the area you want to go into, use the overlays to get an idea of what's going on in here. The bulk of the elk are in summer grounds post calving right now at 10,000. Bigger herd animals are up higher and will most generally work their way down to where the "girls' are.......IMO

Lastly......its usually not how far back you need to go but, "where" .......best advice is highlight all roads, access points, trails....human things and look for holes or big chunks of areas that are undisturbed.....glass ......glass.......glass some more......then glass again.

 

[Catahoula12]

I agree with Slugz... Colorado Parks n Wildlife site has very useful info year to year. Simply put the rut starts when it starts imo. Glass, glass and glass again....best part of the hunt.