OTC Archery Elk Hunt DIY Unit 78

Mathews24

Mathews24

New Member
Jul 8, 2013
2
0
Bullard, TX
Going on my first elk hunt this coming September near Pagosa Springs in SW Colorado with a couple buddies. Having family that live in the Pagosa area, I'm hoping to make the most out of my experience and establish a solid base to return to and build upon for future hunts. As a diehard archer, I spend most of my deer seasons in East Texas hunting from 20-25' tree stands in big timber, so I'm looking forward to the challenge of this Elk hunt. A bull elk with my bow is #1 on my bucket list.

Does anyone have any insight to offer on the Blanco Basin area of the San Juan National Forest in regards to Elk or even Muleys for that matter? I grew up visiting family every year on ski trips/summer camping trips in the area and we always seemed to see elk and deer scattered through the meadows along the highways.

I'm interested to hear your opinions on how the wildfire situation will affect the elk herds as it gets closer to the season.

Thanks in advance for any advice/insight and goods luck with your upcoming seasons

Clint
 
trophyhill

trophyhill

Member
Feb 24, 2011
143
0
Tijeras, NM
I know a few people that hunt 78 and all I can tell you is what they've told me. it's very hit and miss depending on a lot of weather related issues and hunting pressure. you have to be willing to hunt the hell holes nobody else wants to hunt when the elk get pressured. you also have to stay on the move and find the pockets of elk in various areas. be ready to wear your boots out.
 
Eberle

Eberle

Veteran member
Oct 2, 2012
1,009
13
50
Sasakwa, Oklahoma
Trophyhill is right on. It does get alot of pressure. Go high, get in vertical rough country & you will find some good bulls. I would reccomend hunting the last week of bow season. That is when we have had our best luck.
 
wapiti66

wapiti66

Active Member
Aug 21, 2011
286
0
Kansas
I hunted just west of there in 77 in 2011 in archery season. I had scouted 77/78 and decided on hunting 77. I saw few elk and had no opportunities at a shot. I didn't see a lot of hunters, but at the trailheads there were a lot of vehicles in the parking lot telling me they were out there. I know a guide down there and he told me that it is heavily hunted. I went up there 2 different times for probably 8 total days of hunting and never heard a bugle/cow call. There are elk there but like most OTC units, you're gonna have to really work to find them. I had done a lot of scouting on maps/google earth and had a list of places to check out. After about 4 days of eliminating spots I finally found some elk, but they were very call shy and stuck close to private land as their retreat.
 
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