Looking for CO advice

[Mazz Hunter]

I am looking for some advice on a unit to take my son next year. I have been upland bird hunting for years since moving to CO 6 years ago (moved to CO w/ a new bird dog) and my 12 yr. son just passed his hunters safety. He really wants to go deer hunting next year and I am excited to take him since I haven't deer hunted in 6 yrs. My passed deer hunting experience has been in the central Sierras in CA and the midwest so CO will be a new experience.

After hours of research the past few months, I have been reviewing the draw percentages, success rates, reviewing past Eastman's MRS info and public land access. Since this will be my first draw we have no points so I narrowed my search to these units:54, 481, 42 and 36/35.

The hunt will primarily be focusing on my son's success so I'm hoping we see allot of animals to drive his interest in the hunt with a fair chance at taking a good "first" buck.

Any advice would be appreciated as I continue my research and prepare to submit for the draw in the next few months.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Its too bad you didn't start buying points when you first moved here. I retired from SoCal and moved here 14 years ago.

Look into what youth hunts are available, might be a place to start for your son. There is a big section in the current regs on page 4/5 devoted to youth hunts.

 

[Mazz Hunter]

CO Cowboy - Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm not looking for specifics on locations to hunt, just thoughts on the units I mention and any other suggestions for our hunt. My son is 13 and is very athletic and willing to hike.

Any other suggestions from the members would be very appreciated.

 

[hoshour]

What part of CO do you live in?

 

[Mazz Hunter]

South of Denver in Parker,CO

 

[hoshour]

Also, what weapon are you using?

For example, Area 54 that you listed can be drawn with 0 points for archery but takes several points to draw in the rifle seasons. The only areas the Eastmans' MRS from last year rates good or excellent that a CO resident can draw for rifle with 0 points are Areas 471, 75 and 751.

Areas 75 and 751 have access issues in the southern part where there is private land and probably the best hunting, though there is plenty of beautiful country in the northern part of the units that is national forest. A lot of it is remote.

Area 471 SE of Aspen is listed as "extreme" terrain and looks like a lot of it is above timberline. For someone in terrific shape it could be a great hunt. For someone who's not...

 

[Musket Man]

471 would be a tough hunt IMO. I scouted it briefly a few years ago. Its mostly above timberline high country and mostly standing on edge from what I saw. I think you would have to backpack it to hunt it effectively and it would not be an easy pack in.

 

[hoshour]

I'm tempted to try it. I've always thought it would be awesome to do a timberline hunt for mule deer in early season. I didn't realize there was a high-country unit that could be drawn without a bunch of points. I assume the reason is that it is really difficult.

 

[hoshour]

I'm tempted to try it. I've always thought it would be awesome to do a timberline hunt for mule deer in early season. I didn't realize there was a high-country unit that could be drawn without a bunch of points. I assume the reason is that it is really difficult.

 

[Musket Man]

471 is a pretty small unit. I dont think its a very good unit as far as CO high country hunts go but it is pretty easy to draw. I didnt hike up into it so Im not sure whats up there once you get back into it. The ML tag I had was for it and 2 other units and I decided to concentrate on another unit.

 

[kazepp]

Take your kid up to Unit 3/301 in 2nd or 3rd rifle. You will see lots of deer just driving around anywhere west of Rt. 13. Not real big whoppers but he might come out of there with an 18 inch 4x4. Pretty easy hunt. Just drive around, spot one, get out of the truck, and shoot.

 

[kazepp]

Also Unit 13 3rd rifle is a good bet. A little cliff walking is in order but you'll get a buck. Unit 13 has no whoppers. And 18 incher in that unit would be a trophy as well.

 

[Musket Man]

I'm tempted to try it. I've always thought it would be awesome to do a timberline hunt for mule deer in early season. I didn't realize there was a high-country unit that could be drawn without a bunch of points. I assume the reason is that it is really difficult.

The other problem with 471 is its a small unit and you really dont have many options like most units do. If I remember right these are of 471.

 

[Mazz Hunter]

Thanks for the replies.....the game plan has changed a little.

We are putting in for 1st Rifle elk in 54 which has good draw odds.

We will be hunting 3rd rifle in 191 with a friend that has access to private and public.

So if anyone is willing to share some opinions to confirm my game plan for 1 elk in 54, please send me a PM.

Thanks again and I will consider the help for our 2015 hunts.