Help for son's Colorado Unit 43 muzzleloader mule deer hunt.

Ridge Runner

Ridge Runner

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Feb 16, 2014
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I'm hoping someone can share some insight into this unit for me and my son. Before you chastise me and tell me to read and look at maps...I assure you, my son and I have done so. I've called some DOW officials who have pointed me to some lower elevation stuff. I have some spots picked out on google earth, and yes, I know the area David Long made some of his videos. I've been a subscriber to Eastman's and a reader for about 10 years, but have not posted much here. I have only hunted ELK OTC in Colorado, but have ran into some nice Mule deer on those adventures. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Hoping to make my son's first western hunting trip a success. We live in WV on a limited income so a scouting trip is not possible for us...wish it was!!!
 
Ridge Runner

Ridge Runner

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Feb 16, 2014
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Didn't get much help from the forum, but thought I'd post a picture of my son's Mulie. Not a monster, but he was thrilled. This area is much rougher then we expected. The pack out about killed us, but what an awesome trip, place, and scenery it was. Love western wilderness areas.image.jpg
 
gypsumreaper

gypsumreaper

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Mar 13, 2014
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Nice buck wish I would have seen this back in July to give you some pointers. Great job to your son though that buck looks to be worth the trip atleast. From the little scenery I see I'm guessing you were on the wilderness,


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JimP

JimP

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Mar 28, 2016
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Gypsum, Co
Nice buck and with a ML not to mention that grin on your sons face.

It is hard to ask for help on a certain unit and really expect much help. I remember reading your post and figured that I couldn't give you any advice on where to go since I have never hunted that unit. But it does look like you got it done none the less.
 
gypsumreaper

gypsumreaper

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Mar 13, 2014
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43 is a rugged unit especially the wilderness side. Jim it's basically like hunting the bowls off red table, but it's like that anywhere you go in the wilderness. The national forest is easier but still thick. Spent 77 days in 43 this year horseback, seen some nice animals. But it's a unit not many people like to get into or look at it and say hell no. It looks rugged even on the maps.


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Ridge Runner

Ridge Runner

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Feb 16, 2014
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Definetly rugged... I believe I said "hell no" on several occasions during the trip. 77 days... That would be awesome. Did you see many elk?
 
gypsumreaper

gypsumreaper

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Mar 13, 2014
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Yes we seen quite a few elk, and deer. Few bears even. I didn't spend much time in the wilderness past 1st rifle as we don't like to leave gear over there that late in case of the snow storms, although we would have been safe to leave gear up there through 4th rifle this year.


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RICMIC

RICMIC

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Feb 21, 2012
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Two Harbors, Minnesota
Congrats on a good trip. I also missed the earlier post, or would have made some suggestions. When any of us find a particular unit that we are successful in and hope to hunt again, we tend to be reluctant to offer much on line because it will change the draw odds. There's nothing like a green chip unit that's under the radar, but the odds change quickly once it is posted as a blue chip, or photos of a huge buck are circulated. In this case where you already had the tag, Many of us would have sent a PM with specific info if we had something to offer. As far as #43 goes, I have hunted it 3X; once on a guided elk trip, one backpack elk trip, and last as a solo backpack MZ deer hunt. My impression of #43 is that it may be over-rated as a trophy area, and that they have far too many tags for the ER (#30) and MZ (#175) hunts. However, because of those numbers, it is a 0 point draw with a fair chance to shoot a solid buck if you are tough enough to pack it out. Here's the one I shot in 2014; the pack out was the toughest thing I ever did.IMG_1641.jpg
 
Ridge Runner

Ridge Runner

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Feb 16, 2014
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I completely understand the reluctance to give out info...I knew it was a long shot, and was hoping for a head start. I am just happy he was successful. It adds another element of toughness when you have a 30 hr. drive each way to the hunt. One thing I would say, is that the elevation and ruggedness definitely was more then I expected. I consider myself in decent shape for a 40 year old, and I really struggled at times on this hunt. My son runs cross country, so he was more prepared...although the 10 hr. pack out had him struggling at times too. My uncle and I was planning a high country hunt soon, but after this trip, I am pretty sure he would not be capable. We have 14 pts...I am going to start looking at 3rd season hunts. But what a memory it is for my son and I.
 
Slugz

Slugz

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Oct 12, 2014
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Casper, Wyoming
Ridge Runner said:
I completely understand the reluctance to give out info...I knew it was a long shot, and was hoping for a head start. I am just happy he was successful. It adds another element of toughness when you have a 30 hr. drive each way to the hunt. One thing I would say, is that the elevation and ruggedness definitely was more then I expected. I consider myself in decent shape for a 40 year old, and I really struggled at times on this hunt. My son runs cross country, so he was more prepared...although the 10 hr. pack out had him struggling at times too. My uncle and I was planning a high country hunt soon, but after this trip, I am pretty sure he would not be capable. We have 14 pts...I am going to start looking at 3rd season hunts. But what a memory it is for my son and I.
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I also didn't see this post. Not sure why. Looks like you got the job done. Congrats. Just wondering with 14 deer points in CO why a 3rd season hunt ? With that many points you have some real real solid 4th rifle hunt options available.
 
gonhunting247

gonhunting247

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Jan 21, 2014
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Ridge Runner said:
Didn't get much help from the forum, but thought I'd post a picture of my son's Mulie. Not a monster, but he was thrilled. This area is much rougher then we expected. The pack out about killed us, but what an awesome trip, place, and scenery it was. Love western wilderness areas.View attachment 18306
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Great work, At the time you're packing it feels like it's killing you, but those are some of the most rewarding trips. Congrats to your son and you!
 
Ridge Runner

Ridge Runner

New Member
Feb 16, 2014
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0
Slugz said:
I also didn't see this post. Not sure why. Looks like you got the job done. Congrats. Just wondering with 14 deer points in CO why a 3rd season hunt ? With that many points you have some real real solid 4th rifle hunt options available.
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I've been eyeing 66 and 67 3rd season...thought we were behind in points too much for the 4th season hunts I know a little about. I'd appreciate a PM if you have any better ideas.
 
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