Vault Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 I am a longtime deer hunter that is dying to get out west and chase Elk in the mountains. I am completely new to this, but have decided to hunt Colorado due to the large elk population. I feel confident that I can physically handle pretty much any terrain, because I have been on several backcountry backpacking trips. I am looking for a good unit to apply for, one that won't take 5 years to draw, but one that provides a quality experience with minimal crowds. They don't have to be the top trophy units, just ones that give me a solid opportunity at a respectable bull. So I would be very grateful if anyone has any advice on some good units that may fit the above criteria. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m gardner Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 (edited) Make your first DIY trip a mule deer hunt. They are dumber and smaller. Try unit 34. There's elk there too. You might even see one. It's probably going to be alot rougher than you imagine. It's not like on the Outdoor Channel. Start with deer and work up. Unit 34 first season or unit 40 any season is good for elk. Mark Edited August 26, 2009 by m gardner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texastrophies Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 A lot of units in Colorado are over the counter tags for 2nd & 3rd season. So you could hunt this year if you want to. The only draw back is the success ratio on the OTC hunts is low. If you are really serious about starting hunting out west, I would suggest starting to build points in numerous states. Even though it is too late for most states to do it this year, you can still buy points in Wyoming for a little longer. Like was suggested above, it would probably be a good ideal to look at mule deer & even antelope at the same time. The other option is to apply in New Mexico and or Idaho as they do not use points and the draws are based soley on luck. Pretty much a cover all statement, as I am sure you probably know, the easier it is to get a tag, the lower the success rates are going to be. In most states the "good" units usually take 10 or more points to get drawn. If you have some more specific questions, ask away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 elk are big whitetails who live at 10,000-14,000 foot elevations. get a general over the counter license almost anywhere in colorado and go enjoy a hunt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJL Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 Make your first DIY trip a mule deer hunt. They are dumber and smaller. Try unit 34. There's elk there too. You might even see one. It's probably going to be alot rougher than you imagine. It's not like on the Outdoor Channel. Start with deer and work up. Unit 34 first season or unit 40 any season is good for elk. Mark X's 2...............with emphasis on dumber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJL Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 elk are big whitetails who live at 10,000-14,000 foot elevations. get a general over the counter license almost anywhere in colorado and go enjoy a hunt. Not trying to argue Steve....................LOL Elk are really big whitetails................but they hang out in groups/herds/flocks/schools.............lots of eyes..............not whitetails.................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvertip_co Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 http://elkhunter2.tripod.com/ http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/B7D620EA-2323-40DE-A7D1-783AD945A920/0/2009BGSSEM000U2_3RGMUs.pdf ...and good luck. Look us up if you decide to hunt 54 or 55. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvertip_co Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 ...a lil more info fromthe DOW site: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/BigGame/SuggestedHuntingAreas/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vault Posted August 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 Thanks for the input. I think I am going to look for a drop camp operation in the southern part of the state for the first trip. Seems to be some decent outfitters there for a decent price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m gardner Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 Make sure the price includes quartering and packing out your kill. Processing the meat may add $300.00 to your trip also. Having a drop camp is your best bet. Dealing with a mountain of meat at high altitude is humbling if not overwelhming. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroutBum Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 A limited draw area that requires 1-2 points isn't going to be any better than an OTC unit. There are plentry of decent OTC units that offer some pretty good opportunities, but you'll need to get back in there away from the other hunters, which sometimes is easier said than done. Do some homework and ask the right questions and no doubt you'll find the info you need. It's not rocket science, but it isn't a Sunday stroll down broadway either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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