Colorado elk hunt

[Bravo 4]

The onX Hunt app has definitely helped me in Colorado. This past season I used it to walk a narrow corridor between two pieces of private land that is hunted by a guide service. The kind of outfit that harasses & tries to run people off public land that surrounds "his" land. The land I was wanting to access is public but basically sandwiched/surrounded and the game warden told me to keep my tracker turned on so I can prove where I was. Used that going in and then followed my tracks back out.

 

[tndeputy]

Sounds like it's the way to go I am going to get it need all the help I can get

 

[Deleted member 107796]

The White River NF is going to be the largest area you will need to study. There are some BLM sectors, not many but worth checking out. You have some very rough and very wild areas if you're willing to pack in, like the Holy Cross wilderness. That is good you're arriving a bit early since you're going to need the acclimation. cheers and good luck

 

[wyosteve]

Better have a plan on how to get an elk out of you shoot one. Not an easy task.

 

[tndeputy]

We have been talking about this and understand it's not going to be a walk in the park lol

 

[Coldfinger]

My brother and me are planning a elk hunting trip to Colorado next fall has anyone hunted in units 36,35,44,45 we have never done this looking for any help we can get

I've hunted 37 and 371 several times in 4 th rifle season. My best advice is get as far away from road hunters as possible!

 

[tndeputy]

That's what we been told and planning to do what sort of weather should we expect in second rifle season

 

[cooperjd]

We have been talking about this and understand it's not going to be a walk in the park lol

That is an understatement I'm a fellow TN'an born and raised, and have been out here in CO since 2015. I've killed a couple elk and helped pack out a few more. It is not easy, especially when you add in altitude. Last year i killed a small bull and was able to pack him out in 3 trips. 4 would've been way more comfortable. If you can get near a trail, packouts are much easier. I've done a couple loads around 4 miles on a trail and its a piece of cake as long as its not straight up. Where I hunt on heavily pressured public land I have to avoid trails, and packing out in steep blowdown-strewn country SUCKS.

I'm not trying to discourage you from hiking 5 miles from the truck and getting after it, but be realistic on how much time its going to take to get one back to the truck if you knock one down. My 3 trips didn't include my camp. I took my camp back to the truck first, then went back in empty for the 3 trips. IDK where in the great state of TN you are, but if you have hills nearby, hike them often with your boots on and a pack. If its flat (I'm from east of memphis, totally flat), find a high school football stadium or something and hike the stairs.

Sorry I cannot be of any help with your units or a rifle tag, i've only bowhunted for them here. This year I will try to draw a 1st rifle tag in unit 76, which should be a good hunt if i can make it happen. Good luck!

 

[tndeputy]

Thanks so much I am in McMinnville Tn on the highland rim of Cumberland mountains

 

[cooperjd]

Also, idk if you're planning on camping from the truck or taking camp in on your backs and moving every day. Either way can work great...but if you're not finding elk, do not be afraid to get in the truck and move. Don't waste your entire hunt in an area with no sign of game.

 

[tndeputy]

Good thinking we definitely keep this in mind

 

[Caveman0101]

Hunted 12,24,231,371last year... Fires really affected things.

This year will hunt 18, 591.... For elk of course.

Nearly the entire unit 18 burned.

 

[tndeputy]

That's sad hate to here things like this

 

[Tony Formicola]

Refreshing to see that your main focus is not which caliber, bullet, etc. is the magic pill! Elk can move to a different area pretty fast so be ready to break camp and scout the next hill! Good luck!