East Side of Unit 45

[MattDavis]

Alright I just PCS'ed to the Air Force Academy in January and I'm hoping to pursue my dream this coming fall. Since I'm well behind the eight ball with the point systems, that is out for this year. But I do have one advantage my mother has a cabin outside of Alma on Mosquito pass that I will be hunting out of and scouting from as much as I can. I've spent the last two months researching and staring at maps and google maps. In order to keep the traveling down until I have the gear to hike in and camp I'm almost set on either 45 or 37.

Now the dilemma 37 seems more accessible to me but through research 45 sounds and looks like the better land (but what the hell do I really know). With 45 the access looks mostly to be on the west side which will be almost two much of drive each day. So I'm trying to find advice/access for the east side of 45.

I will be hunting OVC Bulls/Mulies this upcoming season in either 2nd or third rifle.

Thanks ahead of time and I owe you beer.

 

[MattDavis]

or any advice on 37 as that would be the easiest for me to drive to. Yes I'm willing to hike in and hike hard. I'm just not set up yet to where I can camp (lack of funds/gear/experience) so I really need it to be within driving range

 

[cmbbulldog]

My buddy will be hunting 49 this year, think you could tie up a big bull in 49 for us? If we could just stay at your cabin, that would be great too

In all seriousness, I don't know either unit, but the elk will be above timberline in the summer. They are pretty easy to find with a couple good hikes. The elk will still be up high during archery season, so once you find them in the summer, you can spike in and get close to where the elk hang out. Nothing like being in the high country that time of the year. Welcome to the forum.

 

[cmbbulldog]

Oops, I just saw you said 2nd or 3rd rifle? Do you archery hunt at all? I was thinking OTC archery for elk... I would go that route if at all possible.

 

[MattDavis]

Im working on that. Ive started "self teaching" myself how to shoot a compound bow. Im no where near comfortable enough to try and bring down an animal. I thought I was getting somewhat decent until I put a fixed broad heads.

 

[cmbbulldog]

Just means that your bow is out of tune. Your broadheads should be hitting the same place as your field points. Nothing a quick stop at a pro shop wouldn't fix.

 

[MattDavis]

I tried that while I was stationed in Texas and was told that my form was too sporadic to fine tune the bow. Than after that life and the military happened and I haven't had much time to shoot.

 

[sodaksooner]

Plenty of access on the east side of 45. Just look at maps. We hunt the east side as much as the west. Don't want to give away our spots, but just take a look at the map. Lots of access.

Almost every spot we hunt is 15 to 20 minutes out of Leadville.

 

[MattDavis]

I will take that and run with it sir. Thanks

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