Colorado unit 62

[gonhunting247]

Does anyone have experience in unit 62 for elk or deer. I'm especially interested in elk with a MZ, but I am also curious about the deer opportunities as well. I have never set foot in the unit and I am just starting my research, so I've got a lot to sort through. I will have a ton of more specific questions, as I dig into phone calls and reading, but thought I'd see if there was anyone with first hand info from past experience they'd be able to share. I'm still debating on whether archery or 1st rifle would be better for elk, but I think the MZ hunt appeals to me the most when I consider all the different factors. I'm just kind of looking for an option that's not too hard to draw for years when my draw schedule seems light. Like this year, as I've already struck out on WY and AZ. Colorado has a ton of good options that fit this niche, so I'm open for suggestions on other units as well. Public land and opportunity are a higher priority than trophy quality, if that makes any difference. Please feel free to PM me with any suggestions that you would not want to share on the main forum. Thanks in advance, as any suggestions and comments are appreciated. Good luck in the draws!

 

[Granby guy]

The unit does hold a fair amount of elk but you certainly won't be alone. One of the most crowded units in the state.

 

[lostinOregon]

It's a plateau, not a mountain. I have looked at it from the east side and it looks thick and not easily glassible. I also think that a lot of folks try to hunt close to the divide road separating coveted unit 61. It just doesn't look like terrain I would like to hunt. I believe the above post is correct in that it draws the most OTC elk hunters in the state.

Rich

 

[packmule]

My understanding is that the elk and deer fully understand there's less pressure across the divide road and on all that public on the East side of the unit. People are able to find that needle in the haystack every year though with a few quality animals.

 

[Bootdog]

I hunted this unit in 2012 during the 2nd rifle season OTC. It is very crowded and can be difficult to get away from people. The lower elevations are thick and glassing was useless for me anyways. At higher elevations i was able to find a few spots for glassing but spotted a lot of orange. I tried hunting a few different areas in the unit. I did see some elk but was unsuccessful in getting one. I did see a few deer but nothing big and no tag for them. It sounds like you think like me. I put in for the Muzzleloader tag this year to give it a shot hoping that it is less crowded. After hunting hard and learning a little about the unit I don't want to give up on it. I don't think I would do the rifle OTC tag in this unit again because of how many people I ran into. I wouldn't think the archery season would be to crowded but don't know. I hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you have any specifics.

 

[gonhunting247]

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and info. I guess this might be a tough year in CO . If anyone else has some experience in 62 please feel free to post or pm me. Thanks again to you guys that helped. I might have some more specific questions to PM you after a little more research.

 

[bcdeer]

I got about a 170 inch 5 by 4 Muley last year on the second rifle hunt. Saw about 30 elk but no bulls. I had a landowner tag last year since I didn't draw in other states that I thought I would. Burned extra points this year to go back for deer/elk combo and plan on hunting the whole season. Lots of pressure by the roads but walk for half an hour and you will see very few other hunters. I'm going back because I saw a legit 200 inch class buck but I didn't like the shot in the oak brush.