Our trip is still in the planning process, but all 4 of us really have no idea what we are going to be getting ourselves into if we do end up heading out to Colorado this September. My friend is currently in Iraq, but will be home on leave in a few weeks. The 4 of us are going to get together and try to get all the small details set while he's back (which unit we go to, dates, etc.) and there are some questions that you more experienced guys may be able to help us with. 1) When is the best time to hunt? We will probably be doing a 5 day hunt. 2) What tactics should be used? I know when I watch the "pros" on T.V. they are on guided hunts, so I don't want to try to take everything they do and think I can go out and get it done like them. 3) What are some realistic expectaions as far as sightings go? 4) What kind of gear would you suggest for a couple Illinois boys headed to the mountains. We will be camping, and have the gear for all that, but as far as boots, packs, calls, and things along those lines we have nothing that could probably be used. 5) We have been doing a little researching, and we are looking at some different units in Colorado. 14, 25, 45, 56, 561 and 62 have all came up in our conversations, but we haven't put a nail on it yet. Anyone have experience with these, or any others that they may be able to suggest? The plan right now is just to get everyone together, and start making phone calls out to the game offices in Colorado and try to go off their suggestions, however the more background info we can get on some places the better. Thanks again....a lot of the guys on here have already provided me with a wealth of information to get this trip started.
Scott, if you are going to hunt 5 days, then arrive early to get your body acquainted with the elevations you'll probably be hunting. Also remember that if someone gets an elk on day 5, make sure you leave enough time on your hunt to pack it out.....in case you are far from camp and in hellacious terrain. Unless they have moved out, unit 25 contains a large outfitter with fully guided hunts and self-guided hunts in several different camps. Its not that their is not enough area for all because its a vast area, but you can be sure the guides have been all over the area before season....quite a bit of pressure IMO. I am still learning this elk hunting myself..........learned a lot my last trip and hope to correct some mistakes.
Get on the CDOW website, and look at a lot of things, including the game maps, get some topo maps, figure out what area you want to hunt in. Get some BLM maps (highly recommended because they show you land ownership, so you know WHERE that small plot of private land is before you get run off (speaking from the experience of a couple friends that got the "what for" several years ago....). Make sure you're "in shape," whatever that may be. I road my mountain bike to get in shape, and that worked well for me, muscle wise, but I still had the "thin air lungs," which I don't really know if you can 100% prevent, but that gets better after the first couple days. But I think you're best to plan at least 7days to hunt. As far as gear, that is personal dependent. I have a Large (6500 c.i.) frame pack, and take a 2500c.i. day pack, that holds all the gear I should need for a day afield. A good water filtration unit is a must, as you'd hate to have your hunt ruined by a bad case of the "squirts." If you're heading out w/ 4 guys, you can split up the CAMP ESSENTIALS between guys, say have one carry a water bag, while another carries in the camp axe/saw, etc. That way it splits up the weight a little as well. A couple items I think are just awesome and I WOULD definitely recommend are a "Wyoming Saw," and "Matchlight Charcoal." I used one briquet of matchlight charcoal to start my fire every night when back to camp, and it was almost the perfect fire starter for a lot cheaper than the little "fire starter" logs, and much lighter weight. Here's a link to a GREAT deal on a Wyoming Saw.... http://huntthewest.net/WyomingSaw.html
That is an awesome idea. I am planning something similar this September and this sounds like it will be a huge help. Of all the backpacking trips I've been on, I can't believe I've never heard of this.
I was tossing around the idea of cutting down little firestarter logs when it came to me, I was gonna take a little charcoal grill to use at the truck anyhow, why not go ahead and use the charcoal briquets as my fire starters......worked great. And they're as packable as anything you could possibly find...I think.
Heck...I just get excited reading your post... I'm new and going my 1st time this year...couple tips that many have offered: -Get in GREAT shape -Very comfortable boots that are broken in, extra socks, keep feet dry -layered clothing that dries quickly -good packable rain gear -drink extra water the entire trip Good Luck - hope somebody scores!
A lot of great info here...thanks. If everything follows through, then I can't wait to get out and start getting some hands on planning for this thing going.
1) When is the best time to hunt? We will probably be doing a 5 day hunt. I have hunted all the seasons and have found the last week normally the most intense and vocal. It always seems like the posts I read before my trip for those who just returned say "It was just starting to get good when we had to leave".....the more vocal they are, it gives you time to move in on em. 2) What tactics should be used? I know when I watch the "pros" on T.V. they are on guided hunts, so I don't want to try to take everything they do and think I can go out and get it done like them. For me, I look for the hard to reach benches. These areas will normally hold elk during the day. Don't be afraid to observe and listen. Treat them like an eastern turkey, try and get in close before calling and its all about the set up. If it doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to back off as once you bump em, they will move and move far they will. 3) What are some realistic expectaions as far as sightings go? Personally you may go and not see an animal each day, but do not let that discourage you. Elk hunting is both a physical and mental challenge but make it a learning experience. If you are able to take an elk, consider it a bonus to the overall experience. 4) What kind of gear would you suggest for a couple Illinois boys headed to the mountains. We will be camping, and have the gear for all that, but as far as boots, packs, calls, and things along those lines we have nothing that could probably be used. Have good gear, excellent boots and a very good pack. These items can make or break a hunt. Don't forget the rain gear and above all, be prepared for anything. I always leave camp prepared to not return till the next day. I use Primo's calls, easy to use and I have had great results from them. 5) We have been doing a little researching, and we are looking at some different units in Colorado. 14, 25, 45, 56, 561 and 62 have all came up in our conversations, but we haven't put a nail on it yet. Anyone have experience with these, or any others that they may be able to suggest? I have hunted 45, and like other OTC Units in Colorado, was not short of hunters. I have friends that apply for 49 and if not successful hunt 45. They have had great stories the last few years. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. However I will warn you of one thing. Elk hunting is not for everyone, but to some, as it has for me, it can become an obsession...
elkhuntinut- 1) What do you mean by hard to reach benches? I'm assuming (like bluff country here in Illinois), this is just a shelf or bench like feature on the side of the mountain? 2) When selecting gear, I know I need a new pair of boots, a bigger and better pack, but what about a spotting scope? From your experience would you think it necessary, or would a decent pair of binos do the job? If one of us could take an elk (cow or bull), it will be an amazing experience. Regardless, just being out there, in a complete different situation than what any of us are used to, will be simply unbelievable to us.
I haven't hunted CO but I have hunted Montana and Wyoming I wouldn't go without atleast one of you having a spotting scope. It makes it easier to judge terrain as well as animals at longer distances. In some more open areas with less timber you can spend all morning glassing some areas and not even cover it well. A spotting scope can pick an animal out of a timber line better than a set of binos. Alot of times herds will be in the timber and a cow or a few cows will be lookouts just inside the treeline. Spend time glassing areas well before you go hiking through there. A spooked herd large or small WILL run miles.
