Colorado otc hunt

[maximus]

hello
i'm planning a otc hunt for next year for elk, just wanted to know what you think about units in the southwest, i have been looking at 75, 751,77, 78, 74, i'm looking at those because they are closer to home and easier to get there and scout.
please any input will be appreciated.

 

[big44a4]

Same plan here, they look good at a quick glance. But I'll have to keep putting in the time and see


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[gypsumreaper]

There's a lot of guys on here from that area I'm sure they will chime in eventually. If you are going DIY it is a good idea to stay closer so you can scout. Since it is OTC you have all summer to check it and if you're not liking them look at other places. When scouting my opinion is use maps check everything out and on your trips scout as many areas as possible. Each day try and hit as many spots as possible, plan a b c d e f, and when hunting comes have the same plan so you're not stuck in one spot scratching your head

 

[hoshour]

Good advice.

It's a good idea to take detailed notes and pics (number every pic and immediately make a location note that includes the direction you were facing) and mark up your maps. You think you'll remember everything, but you won't once time has passed and you're back home.

 

[florida boy]

gypsumreaper, I think I noticed in another post that your an outfitter. I am planning a otc hunt this year and was wondering if you ever pack out meat for hunters. If we are lucky enough to kill an elk I would like to know of outfitters that are willing to do pack outs. It sounds like you may be in the areas we are considering. Thanks for any help you could give me.

 

[gypsumreaper]

Yes we do do packouts for meat, as well as gear pack in and packouts Im located on the west side of unit 43. PM me for more details

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

You don't say what season you are wanting to hunt...rifle or bow?

 

[maximus]

Sorry I want to an archery hunt in September

 

[hoshour]

Over the last 5 years, archery harvest success on bulls has been best in 74, 751 and 77 at 10% and 78 at 13%. Unit 75 comes in at 7%.

Take a look at the Colorado SW hunt guide (google it) and the CO hunt atlas for a bit closer look at those units. You'll have to go high and far off the road to find elk. Each unit has some wilderness and in 74, 75 and 751 elevations really get up there.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Over the last 5 years, archery harvest success on bulls has been best in 74, 751 and 77 at 10% and 78 at 13%. Unit 75 comes in at 7%.

Take a look at the Colorado SW hunt guide (google it) and the CO hunt atlas for a bit closer look at those units. You'll have to go high and far off the road to find elk. Each unit has some wilderness and in 74, 75 and 751 elevations really get up there.

I've hunted 74 & 75 during M/L seasons many times. The southern portions of 74/75 get a lot of pressure and hunters. I like the northern parts of both unit, as Dave said, higher elevation and wilderness areas.

 

[maximus]

Thanks everyone for the info

 

[bowrunner]

Do you have much experience elk hunting? Plan on finding some pockets of elk scattered around, and planning on spending some time finding them. Look for water, food, and security. Those three things elk cant go to far away from.

 

[big44a4]

Is DWR coating needed on pants/top or suggest carrying extra rain gear? From what I've seen it doesn't rain much early season most I saw was 1.7" for all September one year going back to 2010...


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[Doe Nob]

You always need rain gear in the high country. Even though monthly totals might not be a lot, you can get hammered with a quick moving pop up thunderstorm. They usually aren't around too long but will soak you to the bone and the temp usually drops a good amount after it. Dont' try and skimp on equipment in the high country unless you've been before and KNOW you wont' use it. Some survival gear you hope you never use, but still always carry.

And as said earlier - if you can get into the wilderness 3-6 miles you will get into elk. It's hard to get one out in time on foot if its warm - so it is a good idea to have packers lined up. Packers/guides have an assigned territory by the forest service - so you need to figure out where you are going to hunt first, then figure out who has the permit to pack there, then contact them and try to work something out. Some are really good about it, some do enough business w/ guiding and drop camps that they don't have the horses to spare for it, it varies from outfit to outfit.

 

[big44a4]

You always need rain gear in the high country. Even though monthly totals might not be a lot, you can get hammered with a quick moving pop up thunderstorm. They usually aren't around too long but will soak you to the bone and the temp usually drops a good amount after it. Dont' try and skimp on equipment in the high country unless you've been before and KNOW you wont' use it. Some survival gear you hope you never use, but still always carry.

And as said earlier - if you can get into the wilderness 3-6 miles you will get into elk. It's hard to get one out in time on foot if its warm - so it is a good idea to have packers lined up. Packers/guides have an assigned territory by the forest service - so you need to figure out where you are going to hunt first, then figure out who has the permit to pack there, then contact them and try to work something out. Some are really good about it, some do enough business w/ guiding and drop camps that they don't have the horses to spare for it, it varies from outfit to outfit.

So it doesn't matter if early season gear has DWR?

I was thinking about ascent pants but they don't have DWR coating. Either way have a rain jacket but was trying to save money this year and not get rain paints with the thought that DWR should get me through on the pants. Actually have some frog togg pants I can take in addition to jacket. But that thought was taking me away from pants that aren't DWR coated...


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[maximus]

Do you have much experience elk hunting? Plan on finding some pockets of elk scattered around, and planning on spending some time finding them. Look for water, food, and security. Those three things elk cant go to far away from.

i have been an few hunts, my own or helping out, last year i had an early hunt and they were very quiet and hard to find, thank you for the help.