I am in the stages of planning an OTC Colorado Elk hunt for 3rd rifle season for 2017. We are looking at units 52 or 521 near mt. hatten and or crater peak. Does anyone have any info about these areas? This is my first trip out west so any info is appreciated. We were thinking about camping near the goodenough reservoir.
Rookie OTC help
- Thread starter bcopley1116
- Start date
RidgeRebel
New Member
- Apr 11, 2011
- 6
- 0
I have archery hunted 521 many times and had some success. The last couple years it seems the numbers are down or the herds have moved. Last year we hunted hard all week and saw only one legal bull. Looking at the current success rates, I wasn't the only one. I have not hunted rifle there, but I could tell you where we have seen elk in September. PM me if you would like more information.
gypsumreaper
Active Member
- Mar 13, 2014
- 308
- 0
521 is just over the hill from my outfit. Last year was a tough year everywhere especially during rifle due to the very hot weather. I was guiding in a tshirt during third season. For 3rd season be ready for 60 degree weather down to 3 feet of snow and negative temps. Watch the weather and try to base your location off of that, the more snow the lower you will need to hunt. I know guys that had private land tags in 521 this year and there was a herd of 300 on the other private property they couldn't access. I would say the herd numbers are down I would just say the elk begin moving to private land with the pressure, and with little to no pressure coming from the private land it's just a safe haven for them.
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Slugz
Veteran member
GR has a huge nugget in there for all OTC hunting in Colorado.....the elk hunters who are successful make plans around it..... "they are where they are and they will be where they have food, beds, water and are unpressured"
You can apply that to any season and any method of take.
You can apply that to any season and any method of take.
Thanks for the help guys. This is all new to me and a bit overwhelming trying to plan it all out. I whitetail hunt and thats as simple as buying a license and walking outside.
gypsumreaper
Active Member
- Mar 13, 2014
- 308
- 0
Few tips,
1. Training- get to training and training hard. This isn't s white tail hunt at all, biggest thing all my eastern clients say when they come out is "i figured it would be like whitetail hunting, but that's the hardest hunt I've ever been on" every year I have at least one group of guys that this happens to. You're at elevations from 7k to 12k that's a huge jump from the east.
2. Studying- Topo maps, read forums about elk hunting and habitat. To make the most out of your first trip your gonna wanna cram as much knowledge as possible into your head.
3. Training- ya it's on here twice
4. Get on the phone- talk to the field biologists, Dow officers, even Outfitters. Remember though when you talk to these guys and they give you info you're not special they have everyone that called the same talk. So plan around that pressure of where they told you and everyone else where to go.
5. Consider an outfitter- your very first time elk hunting you may consider an outfitter, even a drop camp can get you into a better area and give you knowledge. Maybe semi guided where the guide stays with you for a few days to give you some basics on elk hunting and knowledge of the area then leaves.
6. Good gear- get some good boots, and wear them when you train at home don't show up with brand new boots you're hunt will end quick, warm clothes many prefer wool, be prepared for all weather and layering is the best bet, don't sweat make sure to take off clothes before you sweat
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1. Training- get to training and training hard. This isn't s white tail hunt at all, biggest thing all my eastern clients say when they come out is "i figured it would be like whitetail hunting, but that's the hardest hunt I've ever been on" every year I have at least one group of guys that this happens to. You're at elevations from 7k to 12k that's a huge jump from the east.
2. Studying- Topo maps, read forums about elk hunting and habitat. To make the most out of your first trip your gonna wanna cram as much knowledge as possible into your head.
3. Training- ya it's on here twice
4. Get on the phone- talk to the field biologists, Dow officers, even Outfitters. Remember though when you talk to these guys and they give you info you're not special they have everyone that called the same talk. So plan around that pressure of where they told you and everyone else where to go.
5. Consider an outfitter- your very first time elk hunting you may consider an outfitter, even a drop camp can get you into a better area and give you knowledge. Maybe semi guided where the guide stays with you for a few days to give you some basics on elk hunting and knowledge of the area then leaves.
6. Good gear- get some good boots, and wear them when you train at home don't show up with brand new boots you're hunt will end quick, warm clothes many prefer wool, be prepared for all weather and layering is the best bet, don't sweat make sure to take off clothes before you sweat
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I've been reading everything I can find and studying maps of the area. I workout everyday, but I recently started hiking with a 30 or so pound pack in the hills, no way to train for altitude though, around here and I've already started breaking in my boots for the trip. I need to start making phone calls to people in the area we are going. I've posted questions here and on rokslide, but so far I've gotten more help from this forum. Thanks guys.
Last edited:
brianboh
Active Member
Keep working out and work out harder than you currently do. I had a husband and wife come hunt with me for a week this year. They "Work out" and do crossfit. I had both of them done after a day and a half and his wife was crying on the side of a mountain because it was so hard and we were only a mile in the mountains. They were literally done after a day and a half. Both wanted to hunt from the truck the rest of the week. I did not even take them in a hard place either. It was average terrain.
Slugz
Veteran member
If you have access to a good incline then use it. Medium pace is fine, work up/warm up to a program that starts at 2 degrees then goes up to max incline for an extended period of time them back down.
gypsumreaper
Active Member
- Mar 13, 2014
- 308
- 0
I can't recommend an outfitter in unit 521, or 52 as I haven't dealt with any of the guys there yet.