Elk around Pagosa Springs, CO

undeg01 · May 18, 2026

It has been a decade since I hunted around Pagosa Springs but my best friend from high school and I are doing a reunion hunt in November. I know there has been some timber kill and heard elk population is either down or travel patters have changed significantly. Anyone have any first hand experience or suggestions for third season?

HSmithTX · May 19, 2026

That used to be a good area, I've hunted there since the early 80's. The woods turn orange for every rifle season in 77 and 78, 771 too, bow and muzzleloader seasons are super crowded also. Relatively easy to draw a tag but then that's why you can't get away from the other hunters. Super dry the last couple years so feed in the spring and summer have been poor. No snow at all last winter let the elk scatter really bad and stay high and deep pretty much all winter. Numbers should be better this year because of the super mild winter but no snowpack to melt and grow much food. By the third season they have been pressured hard for a couple months on public. Find some private ground is your best bet by a lot, or pack into the farthest roughest meanest country you can find and you might only see a handful of hunters per day. I wish I had a more positive outlook for you but you will be better served knowing what it's like upfront so you can plain and train sufficiently to have a good hunt.

cohunt · May 19, 2026

One bonus of a dry year Is game have limited water supplies, find a good water source and you'll probably find game there--- it was a dry winter, but who knows what spring/summer/fall will bring,

I hear there could be a late season super El Nino from oct 26 into feb 2027, that could mean less precipitation, higher than normal temps and possible higher than normal natural death rates for game due to lack of water and food--- might be a bad few years if this happens

jseandsje · May 20, 2026

North side of Graham peak when it's hot.

If there's been extended cold 9000' and down to the Piedra river.

Despite the hunter numbers, a little wit will fill your freezer.

One of the funnest places I've hunted.

Good luck!!

BSPPC · May 29, 2026

The most recent Colorado post hunt Elk population info says the 77-78-771 states a herd of 21,170 with a shocking bill/cow ratio of 2 bulls in every 100 elk.
I used to bow hunt in 78, and killed a few bulls, but the ratio combined with Hunter pressure forced me to look for new units

Elk around Pagosa Springs, CO

undeg01

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HSmithTX

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cohunt

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jseandsje

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BSPPC

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