Muzzleloader Elk Help in Western CO

[Pajay 1962]

Well, after my friend pestering me to apply in his area, I applied along with another friend for ML tags this year. The ML season is in mid-September. We drew, now my friend tells me that he has to move for his job and we're now on our own - GREAT! We now lost our scout for the year! So, I've contacted the DOW and they gave me some general information and to look at their interactive map on line. Since this is going to be a 7 day hunt with a couple days of scouting, I'm looking to gather as much information as possible before going out there and narrowing things down.

The area we have is from Glenwood Springs west to Grand Junction, south from GJ to Delta, then head back east through Hotchkiss and north towards Glenwood Springs. It's called Unit 41 muzzleloader, but actually consists of Units 41, 421, 42, 411, 52 and 521. If anyone can provide starting points for the two of us - mountain, drainage, etc., I would really appreciate your help. If anyone knows of people who will pack out any animals, I'd appreciate their number also.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Jay

 

[sneakypete]

You need to beg CC for any help there! Good luck on your hunt and any info you can gather.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Well, after my friend pestering me to apply in his area, I applied along with another friend for ML tags this year. The ML season is in mid-September. We drew, now my friend tells me that he has to move for his job and we're now on our own - GREAT! We now lost our scout for the year! So, I've contacted the DOW and they gave me some general information and to look at their interactive map on line. Since this is going to be a 7 day hunt with a couple days of scouting, I'm looking to gather as much information as possible before going out there and narrowing things down.

The area we have is from Glenwood Springs west to Grand Junction, south from GJ to Delta, then head back east through Hotchkiss and north towards Glenwood Springs. It's called Unit 41 muzzleloader, but actually consists of Units 41, 421, 42, 411, 52 and 521. If anyone can provide starting points for the two of us - mountain, drainage, etc., I would really appreciate your help. If anyone knows of people who will pack out any animals, I'd appreciate their number also.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Jay

Jay,

I am also a M/L hunter and will be hunting at the same time as you are, but further south (unit 70). I'll do a little research this week and send you a PM. I will be out scouting Wednesday and fishing Friday, so it will probably this weekend before I get back to you.

CC

 

[Pajay 1962]

Thanks CC - ANY help is appreciated! Lots of country, way too much. Hunted 42 a few times probably 10+ years ago, always did well there, but that was rifle and things are a bit different at that time of the year!

Jay

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Thanks CC - ANY help is appreciated! Lots of country, way too much. Hunted 42 a few times probably 10+ years ago, always did well there, but that was rifle and things are a bit different at that time of the year!

Jay

One thing you will notice.....far fewer hunters during M/L & Archery season.

 

[gonhunting247]

Jay,

I am also a M/L hunter and will be hunting at the same time as you are, but further south (unit 70). I'll do a little research this week and send you a PM. I will be out scouting Wednesday and fishing Friday, so it will probably this weekend before I get back to you.

CC

That sounds like my kind of week CC

 

[Manualman]

I just noticed this. I've hunted 521 before. PM sent

 

[xtreme]

Forty years ago unit 42 was where I hunted. I went back two years ago to Colburn and that's where the 220 palmated sheds came from.
You can drive up the draw north beginning in town. South of Rifle is a really sweet spot. I will pm you the details of how to find where the elk are in that area. You have a good draw.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I was hoping to get some information from a friend who lives in Cedaredge. Talked to him and he didn't have a lot he was willing to share. He is in Alaska so I can't really twist his arm personally. I PM'd PAJAY 1962 with what I found out. I havn't hunted this area so my direct knowledge is not good.

 

[chaddarnell]

Electric mountain , Hubbard mountain and pilot knob in unit 521 , might be worth looking into . I have had some luck in that area in the past.

 

[Pajay 1962]

Thanks Chaddarnell, I'll have to look at them on line and do a little research on those areas!

 

[Slugz]

If you decide to go into 421 pm me and I can help out.

 

[duckdog28]

Electric mountain , Hubbard mountain and pilot knob in unit 521 , might be worth looking into . I have had some luck in that area in the past.

Chad, found this old post and want to pick your brain. Sent you a PM. Thanks, Ryan

 

[ILbowhunter17]

You should have no problem in getting a shot with a smoke pole! Colorado needs to make season after archery!

 

[Farmer]

I hunted that area a few years ago muzzleloading and there were hunters everywhere and 90% of them were riding orv's. A few on horses and fewer still on mules. I was pounding dirt on foot. I hunted the area between the trails and masses of orv's. Of the 100 or so hunters we were aware of in our area, we knew of 3 elk shot. Two incredibly stupid raghorns (one walked down a trail directly into two hunters walking up the trail !!) and mine. I was on top of a small hill looking down into numerous camps at twilight. The elk stood up having been bedded there all day. So my best advise... get away from the trails. Sometimes it may only be a coupla hundred yards but it can be enough. And don't get discouraged.

 

[duckdog28]

Thanks for the info Farmer,
We like to have places to ourselves, so we'll look for something else