non-res gathering info where to draw elk tag

[dpduley]

Hello,

2 of us are planning a trip to Colorado, can anyone give me information on zones 80 and 81, we are bow hunters
and looking to pack in, our current plan is to hunt 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks,
can anyone tells us if 80 or 81 is better or should we be looking at a different area?

Thank you for any input.

Double D

 

[Bonecollector]

Well hello there partner...

 

[CODAK]

If you spend 3 weeks in any area in CO and don't turn up elk.... maybe the grocery store is a better option. Just messing, but in all seriousness there is plenty of info on these units on other threads. The usual OTC madness of 10% success and 300% hunter density applies here and please stay safe. Residents and experienced elk hunters do not want to help inexperienced, ill equipped hunters off the mountain. Prepare to be in the best shape of your life and spend a ton of money on good gear. Any other way just short cuts your success. But seriously... be safe out there. CO mountains don't forgive a soul

 

[ScottR]

Head on over to the introductions section while you are at it too please.

 

[dpduley]

Hello CODAK, I have lived in Colorado in the late 70's to 1983, I have hunted elk in Wyoming also hunted west north west of Craig close to the Wyoming boarder, I would not say I am a seasoned elk hunter even thou I have hunted elk, would you recommend other GMU with less hunter density? I consider myself as being a very good sportsmen and will pass a shot before taking a marginal shot. I would not say I am trophy hunting, but yes a nice 6X6 would be great but a big cow eats very good.
any in put or advise would be greatly appreciated,
Thank you fellow hunter
Double D

 

[swampokie]

Any particular reason unit 80 or 81??

 

[swampokie]

Maybe if you could narrow it down to a few areas someone could help u in a pm. Open forum posts don't help that ole hunter density problem.

 

[dpduley]

Swampokie no I have no reason for those units, we are looking for units with OTC tags for bow hunting.
do you have any input on different units?

 

[hoshour]

Look on the CO website for the application brochure that lists the OTC units and look up the harvest success for archery along with the number of hunters in the unit from the elk stats page. Don't forget to add in the deer hunters.

And, read through the regional hunt guides. Google "NW (or SE or NE) regional big game hunt guide CPW." They'll have 5-year success rates for each season in each unit and other useful info.

Then, go to the CO Hunt Atlas and see what units have wilderness or look in the CO MRS, already at the printers and in your mailbox shortly.

 

[dpduley]

Thank you hoshour

 

[swampokie]

Pm sent.....

 

[hoshour]

No problem. Since you're new to the forum, you can always click the Thanks button when someone helps you or you like their post and it will list your name.

What part of SC are you in? You're probably not far from me.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Swampokie no I have no reason for those units, we are looking for units with OTC tags for bow hunting.
do you have any input on different units?

You are much more brave than I doing an out of state OTC elk hunt

 

[hoshour]

You are much more brave than I doing an out of state OTC elk hunt

Hard to hunt them in SC.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Hard to hunt them in SC.

Very true! When it is my money and time, I will always go with a limited entry area, even a low point area, where hunter numbers are managed.