Dad's Elk Hunt Muzzy 61 or Early Rifle units any thoughts?

[MountainHigh]

Well I have been informed that my dad is ready to do his big elk hunt this year! He has been banking points for 17 years now with the hope of hunting muzzy or early rifle in unit 2 but has now realized that age is creeping up as much as the points! He really wants to do a low pressure hunt (hates being around tons of people when out chasing animals) with a good chance at a 300"+ bull. He has never killed an elk so I am really looking forward to sharing this experience with him. I currently have helped friends and spent some time in 76 and the early rifle season looks like it could be a low pressure, rut hunt with a really good chance at a 280-300" bull with the potential for better if we put some good scouting in. Also interested in a muzzy 61 hunt but have never had the opportunity to get in that area yet. If anyone has suggestions or ideas I would really appreciate it. I hate the pressure of trying to plan such an "important trip" but he has insured me over and over that he just wants to get out there and make lasting memories like we did deer hunting unit 2 a few years ago! I would really like to get him a nice bull though!

 

[JimP]

I had a unit 61 muzzle loader tag back in 2014 and found that the elk in that unit like to hang out down in the deeper canyons so odds are all your packing will be uphill to get the meat out. Pressure wise it wasn't bad. I did see a few other hunters but not what you would say was a lot of them. We hunted around Spruce Mountain towards the north end of the unit but had planned on hunting the south end but the plans changed when my partner went in a few days early and didn't find anything on the south end.

I can't help you with 76 but here is a picture of my bull from 61, he was very old and his ivories were almost gone. He also had ground his molars down to nothing and I doubt that he would of made it through the winter, but he was chasing a cow when I shot him. He was a nice 5x6.

 

[ColoradoV]

Cool bull Jim. I always like big 5's and that pass side 5 is awesome!

 

[MountainHigh]

Thanks for the info Jim I really appreciate it and congrats on a great bull!

 

[kstitz]

I have some friends that hunted 76 first rifle a few years ago & never even saw an elk. They were on foot and did not hunt high enough. I would not hunt 76 unless you are planning to pack into the wilderness. According to Gohunt the only option of those 2 units with 17pts would be 76 1st, 2nd or 3rd rifle.

 

[Horniac]

Residents were 100% draw on 61 muzzy with 16 points last year. If it was my dad I would be hunting him in 61...

Horniac

 

[MountainHigh]

Thanks for the input kstitz and Horniac, I really appreciate it.

 

[MuleyHunter]

I would strongly suggest unit 61 also. If you do decide to take that route I can help out with areas to hunt.

Here is the bull I helped my brother with in unit 61 1st rifle season





And I helped my taxidermist in unit 61 during muzzy season with this bull

 

[kstitz]

Sorry did not realize he was a resident.

 

[MountainHigh]

Thanks again everyone, I may have to start looking harder at 61.

 

[HiMtnHnter]

I'd go 61 too. . .

 

[MountainHigh]

Thanks for your opinion HiMtnHnter, I think we are going to go with 61. Should be a great hunt and I will keep everyone posted. Good luck to all in your draws and hunting this year!

 

[Stevo]

I hunted 76 1st rifle about 6 years ago with 3 other guys. I got a 275" 5x5, my dad got a 300" 6x6 and buddy shot a 320" 6x6. Buddy's dad didn't tag out but he was limited with his hiking due to a heart condition. We had to hike pretty high to find bulls that year. Another buddy and his dad went to 76 first rifle last year and shot a spike the last day, was the only elk they saw. Conditions were terrible 1st rife last year from what I hear. I was in 76 last summer and saw several nice bulls but were nowhere to be found first rifle. The best units can be very disappointing in poor conditions. Haven't hunted 61 but hope to some day, trying rebuild my points. Good luck and enjoy the hunt with your dad!

 

[MountainHigh]

Stevo, Great info and I sure appreciate it. I spent 2.5 days in first rifle last season and a buddy and his daughter both took nice bulls. We were into elk daily and yes conditions were not the best. Like everywhere else I have hunted places that looked liked they should hold elk did and others did not. Thanks again and good luck hunting this year. I think we are going to go hunt 61 so I will be updating as we progress.

 

[CODAK]

Great choice on 61, it should be a blast!! Happy scouting!!