My other half and i went on a diy hunt last October in CO. Crazy part was it was both of our first time elk hunting as well. Countless hours of research on the area and elk population along with what equipment to buy and bring. The biggest benefit we had was a family friend was living in area and able to some what tra2vk the herds. Our biggest obstacle was adjusting to the elevation (we went up and down the mountain several times for three days prior to opening) and the weather was umseasonably warm. Anyways we went to public land outside of West Cliff CO. Beautiful countryside and let me tell you, for all the people i saw on opening morning (no joke there were at least 40 guys) we did not see a single person when we were in the mountains! Be prepared for alot of walking and bring duct tape to save your heels from blisters unless you intend to chance your luck in tennis shoes. Where ever you decide to go keep an eye out for mountain lions too. We had at least one in the area we were. Its tracks were over top of our own. A good spotting scope and binos are a must amd remember the weather cam change pretty quickly. Good luck and have fun!! Sent from my SM-G935R4 using Tapatalk
http://www.summitpost.org/elk-mountains/171580 The Elk Mountains to include the West Elk Mountains, near and surrounding Gunnison Colo, the Ragged Wilderness near Marble Colo on the west end, and Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen on the s/e side. Tremendous amount of information on an excellent hunt area. Learn to use his page to find excellent information. While a hiking mtn climbing website a good source to find good locations in a game rich area. Deer hunting may have been hurt by the early 2017 winter weather, the elk are there. Units 43 53 54 55 521 63. You will hunt a long time to find this good of information on the general Elk mountains. See 205 images upper left corner. HH Richard In regards to the above post a local connection to folks living there is "Priceless" for knowing the elk herd movements !
You can contact the local wardens too. Always good to have their numbers handy. The one working where we were hunting was extremely helpful and offered to assist with his horses on packing out! Sent from my SM-G935R4 using Tapatalk
Thanks for everyone's help. I appreciate all the advice. Having spent hours upon hours planning and searching google maps. I had had it narrowed down to 4 locations. As of two days ago both guys going with me have backed out on the trip. So my diy elk trip is off until next year. At least I have most of my gear bought now so I'm closer than I was. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
Sorry to hear that. I know i was pumped for the trip several months in advance. Kind of like having the carpet pulled out from under you... Sent from my SM-G935R4 using Tapatalk
I have nothing valuable to add to the thread except good luck, be safe and take plenty of pictures to share
