Elk hunting unit 231. Tips?

[Lowery13]

I'm going elk hunting in unit 231. We are going to draw for the first rifle season. None of the group of 4 has ever killed an elk or even seen one. So success to us would be to take a cow or smaller bull. Does anyone know this area? Any tips on where to camp or hunt in the unit? Strategy? We'll have Atv's. Also, we don't mind hiking.
I archery hunted for mule deer there a few yeas ago so I am somewhat familiar with he unit.

[geargrinder]

Originally Posted by Lowery13

I'm going elk hunting in unit 231. We are going to draw for the first rifle season. None of the group of 4 has ever killed an elk or even seen one. So success to us would be to take a cow or smaller bull. Does anyone know this area? Any tips on where to camp or hunt in the unit? Strategy? We'll have Atv's. Also, we don't mind hiking.
I archery hunted for mule deer there a few yeas ago so I am somewhat familiar with he unit.

What state?

I've hunted 231 in Nevada and could give a few tips.

[Lowery13]

This is Colorado. But how is the elk hunting in Nevada? I've considered going there but have never met anyone that hunted there.

[geargrinder]

Nevada elk hunting is fantastic.

The hard part is drawing the tag. For a resident, it will take 10-15 years to get a tag in the lottery. Multiply that by 8-10 for a non-resident.

350 class bulls being taken are very common.

[Dr. Vette]

Some tips which are good for anywhere:

1. Use the internet. This includes Google Earth. Use Google Earth to "fly over" areas you want to hunt. Also use satellite pics. You should know EXACTLY what the area will look like before you get there. Using these maps right now it looks like your area is relatively wooded and "relatively" flat, with higher mountains to the northeast.

2. Check out any National campgrounds, roads, etc that can help you out with locations to stay, to drive, etc. Find out if you can even use an ATV where you are going.

3. Think seriously about one of you getting a GPS that you can use to download maps onto, and mark locations before you ever get there. Again, you want no surprises.

4. Take a look here: Everything You Need To Know About Elk Hunting and this guy has a great blog: Montana Elk Hunting

[Lowery13]

Thanks so much for the info. I do have a gps and have uploaded a map of the area to it. Google Earth sounds like a great idea. I'll check it out.

[Dr. Vette]

Here's a comparison.

The top picture is me sitting on a ridge when elk hunting in 2007.
The bottom "picture" I just did with Google Earth. Not cropped quite as close as the top one but you get the idea.

See how close they are?