THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT


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Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

I'm posting this for Steve Beilgard

I condensed it to make it a little more to the point Steve.

Below is the response to a friend of Steve's named Rita Laitres from Chris Parmeter, District Wildlife Manager for Crested Butte. His area includes GMU 55. I hope his information if helpful.

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RE: Hunt Location for RealTree Archery

QUESTIONS

1. Based on last year, how was the harvest in GMU 55 for archery season and rifle seasons? I know that the weather plays a part in this, but would you recommend one season over another?

2. Do you think this is a good spot for him and his group? Or as good as any other spot?

3. If yes, I’m assuming the campgrounds in the Gunnison National Forest are available during hunting season?

4. If this isn’t a good spot, do you have other suggestions?

Rita Rivard Laitres

Human Resources Specialist

Americans with Disability Act Coordinator

Colorado Division of Wildlife

6060 Broadway

Denver, CO 80216

ANSWERS

1 - Harvest fluctuates a lot in the Taylor area. This past year, archery was fair to slow, first season was a boon, second and third poor, and usually by forth, all the critters have moved out of the park. This could happen during third season depending on the weather. As far as one season over the other, it depends if you like archery or rifle hunting. 2nd season would probably be preferable over third season however, due to weather.

2&3 - Probably at least as good as any spot. There are plenty of camp spots that could accommodate a group this size. I think the campgrounds (Dorchester and Dinner Station) are still open during the rifle seasons, but I’m not positive. However, there is plenty of suitable dispersed camping sites in the area.

4 - For a potentially large group, Taylor Park would provide the bested, easiest access to a good location where there (under normal conditions) ought to be good opportunity to harvest an animal.

Chris Parmeter

District Wildlife Manager

Crested Butte

[/ QUOTE ]

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Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

Seeing as how my job has me setting on, well setting behind a desk all day, me and exercise have not really been aquainted lately (15 - 20 years). So I started walking last night. Walked a mile and then jogged 1/4 mile. Almost didn't make it back to the truck. ooo.gifshocked.giffrown.gif Think I will just do the mile walk tonight. The rest of you better start getting into some sort of shape (not round) so you will be ready.

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Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

This is the first time I have read this whole post blush.gif

I would have LOVED to try and do this. The drool was flowing pretty heavily until I saw the date confirmed in Oct. frown.gif I would have looked into it for any other week. My 10 year Anniversary is Oct. 26 so I don't think my wife wants to spend it on an Elk hunt grin.gif (I wish she did wink.gif)

What a great thing you guys are doing. This is awesome and I hope it isn't a once in a lifetime opportunity cuz I would love to try it next year for archery or rifle. Thanks Steve and Scott for putting something like this together for us guys who wouldn't have a clue otherwise.

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Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

Well, with the birddog getting married in May: Closing on a house March 31st: Heading on a Canadian Fishing Trip in June: And an antelope hunt in Sept: Looks like Oct. is pretty well free grin.gifcool.gif Of course the lil' lady doesn't need to know the trip is already booked before we get married! wink.gif Just talked to a buddy, and he is in: We would be leaving MN: On a Friday, driving down (straight through) through ND, then SD, down to Neb. and into Colorado: Heck it's a 500 dollar tag, and another 300 for expenses....I don't have the money, or time....but a chance like this is too great not to pursue! Sounds like birddog will be attending: If only for 5 days: I'll hunt when I can, and fish, and B.S. with the best of them! What a great idea!!!! Maybe a MN bear hunt should be next grin.gif

I just have to dust the rifle off, and get down there! WE would be happy to pick up anyone on the way! So far 2 guys in an extended cab pickup: We would have room for 2 more....or 3 if you want to get to know each other well tongue.gif

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Guest Colorado Bob

Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

I'm going on the elk only season, which is the week before this hunt. I'll try & drive up from Durango on Saturday & enjoy the campfire with you all on Saturday night.

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Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

This is looking to be a stronger and stronger possibility for me. May be moving this summer but if not I would love to hook up with Rifleman25. If I do move I will have plenty of notice before October and will have to make alternate transportation arrangements...

Rifleman25 I will send you a PM in the next month or so to confirm a seat in your truck!

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Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

I'll come up too from Pueblo to camp and visit. I'd like to hunt the 21-29 week if we all draw tags. But if not I'll just enjoy y'all company.

[ QUOTE ]

I'm going on the elk only season, which is the week before this hunt. I'll try & drive up from Durango on Saturday & enjoy the campfire with you all on Saturday night.

[/ QUOTE ]

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Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

[ QUOTE ]

This is looking to be a stronger and stronger possibility for me. May be moving this summer but if not I would love to hook up with Rifleman25. If I do move I will have plenty of notice before October and will have to make alternate transportation arrangements...

Rifleman25 I will send you a PM in the next month or so to confirm a seat in your truck!

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds good.

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Guest Colorado Bob

Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

The peak of the elk mating is the 1st week in October per the last DOW meeting I went to about a year ago. That's why there the achery season closes in late September & the 1st rifle season is the 2nd weekend in October. Mule deer rut starts about the 1st week of November & really gets going around Thanksgiving.

Just remember this is an open unit----This means shoot the 1st legal bull you see. I know everyone has seen videos of big bulls-----330 to 360 class bulls. Colorado has them but there are in draw units. The photos that Beanman has posted are the type bulls you should be getting into.

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Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

[ QUOTE ]

The peak of the elk mating is the 1st week in October per the last DOW meeting I went to about a year ago. That's why there the achery season closes in late September & the 1st rifle season is the 2nd weekend in October. Mule deer rut starts about the 1st week of November & really gets going around Thanksgiving.

Just remember this is an open unit----This means shoot the 1st legal bull you see. I know everyone has seen videos of big bulls-----330 to 360 class bulls. Colorado has them but there are in draw units. The photos that Beanman has posted are the type bulls you should be getting into.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't care really. If I have to kill a COW that's fine with me. We plan on purchasing a cow tag and a bull tag just to be safe. Either way, I am just glad to be going, kill or no kill. wink.gif

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Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

Hey Steve...I think we need to unpin this thread and start a new one.

Start one with the dates, location of camp, unit# etc...and who's attending (or at least plan to attend).

Its hard to keep track who's planning to go and who's not. This way we can get an idea of how many folks are going.

What you think?

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Re: THE GREAT COLORADO ELK HUNT

Send me a PM with the unit #. Depending on the unit it might be better to wait until the First Combined Rifle season and that way all can buy Bull tags over the counter. I've already got the October dates off. I was planning rifle hunt in area 33 but my partner is backing out. If it works I'd love to try this.

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