I am planning what will be my first elk hunt for the Colorado 3rd rifle season (nov. 7-13) and I am looking at the San Juan national forest region (60s/70s). As of now, the only time I will have for scouting will be mid-late June. Considering it will be early summer, any advice on what kind of country/what I should look for in hopes of finding elk in November? I assume that where I see them in June they likely wont be in November and visa-versa? Any tips on elevation ranges, habitat types or just any advice in general would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
SW CO Elk summer scouting tips?
- Thread starter ZachBass
- Start date
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Do you have a specific unit? 60's/70"s cover the whole gamit, from 14,000" to 6,000'. During June the elk will be high, following the snow line, to stay out of the heat and bugs. During 3rd season, they very well could be gone out of the high country, totally depending on the weather and snow. I live right at the southwestern edge of the San Juan and spend a lot of time there. Be a little more specific.......
I would also spend a fair bit of time map-researching for access. Some areas are easy to get into, but depending on where you go, you may want to spend up to half your scouting time looking for parking, camping, and access options.
Right now I have it narrowed down to 66, 74/75 and 78 as units I am interested in. By the time I head out there next month to check things out I'd like to have it down to 2 units to spend some time in. Thanks for the feedback.
JimP
Administrator
Also come prepared to run into snow the higher you get. Don't try to bust through snow drifts on the road or you may end up with a long walk out.
mallardsx2
Veteran member
- Jul 8, 2015
- 3,907
- 3,220
JimP
Administrator
There is something about sitting on top of a 3 or 4 foot snow drift and no friends to pull you off of it. You just don't know how much snow needs to be removed to get that truck moving again on solid ground.
I too have been there.
I too have been there.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I am assuming you are going to buy an OTC bull tag. Unit 75 is close to Durango and lots of locals and outfitters hunt it. Expect an "orange army" there. Lots of pressure in 74 too. Lake City is in the center of 76 and has lots of really high country to the west. 78 also has lots of high country.
Expect lots of hunters in all the units. You will have to get well away from the roads and 2 tracks.
Lots of the country will still have lots of snow next month. As Jim said, be careful. I would also suggest checking in at the local Public Lands Offices for new road information in the NF.
Expect lots of hunters in all the units. You will have to get well away from the roads and 2 tracks.
Lots of the country will still have lots of snow next month. As Jim said, be careful. I would also suggest checking in at the local Public Lands Offices for new road information in the NF.
mallardsx2
Veteran member
- Jul 8, 2015
- 3,907
- 3,220
My buddies always mock me for "getting out to check stuff out" first.....I just chuckle.
Winchester
Veteran member
I always say "I'm getting out to check the tires" when I gotta pee … maybe that's not the same thing.
Ok great, thanks for the info. Was unsure about snow next month so that is good to know. I'll probably plan on getting out there a few days before the hunt opens to look at whatever areas I produce from my scouting trip again. I appreciate the input!