I will be hunting 1st rifle in unit 54 out of gunnison colorado. This will be a DIY type hunt. The outfitter will set us in a drop camp. I have hunted elk before in wyoming once before, but never saw an elk after a weeks worth of walking around. Any tips or ideas that would help locate or find elk would be appreciated.
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tactics for finding elk during colorado's 1st rifle season
- Thread starter casilva43
- Start date
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kcebcj
Well-Known Member
Elk move around a lot. Success is in finding them and having them undisturbed. A spooked bull can and will go for miles. Horses to get around is a real plus and if the fella putting you in the camp has horses I would sure hit him up to leave each of you a mount. Hunting elk out of a drop camp on foot is rough at best unless you are the first in there and its far enough in as to not be disturbed and the elk are there.
If the season is early enough and the bulls are talking it really helps as they are a little goofy and easy to approach....Good luck!
If the season is early enough and the bulls are talking it really helps as they are a little goofy and easy to approach....Good luck!
Thanks for the info. Unfortunately we will be on foot once we get to the camp. The outfitter will drop us off and come out to pack an elk out if we get one. All the camps are 9500' plus and the hunt dates are 10-11-13 through 10-15-13.
You can pull of the stats on unit 54 first rifle season. I've never hunted theire but heard good things about the West Elk Wilderness in unit 54.
cohunter14
Well-Known Member
If you are paying an outfitter for the drop camp, they should be able to give you a good idea on the areas to hunt. Did you do any research on the outfitter before hireing them, i.e. check resourses that have hunted with them in the past? Those resources should give you a good idea on the number of animals they saw and if the guide was able to put them in good areas. They might even be willing to tell you where they saw animals since it was a guided hunt and they probably aren't going to be there when you are.
Outside of all that, I would suggest trying to find a high point or two that you can get up to and glass the area. Glassing a huge area can be really helpful in locating any elk in the area. The only other thing you can do is cover as much ground as possible on foot. The more area you cover, the better.
Outside of all that, I would suggest trying to find a high point or two that you can get up to and glass the area. Glassing a huge area can be really helpful in locating any elk in the area. The only other thing you can do is cover as much ground as possible on foot. The more area you cover, the better.
kcebcj
Well-Known Member
You're at 9500 feet and the second week of Oct so will be cooling off. If it's still warm look high on the north facing slopes especially if there is a skiff of snow. Elk will bed down and stay on the north facing slopes to get away from the bugs except when feeding. If it's cold they will be more then likely on the south facing slopes where the sun hits and food is easier to find.
Thank you very much!! I will write this down, I did not know this, being from Texas I have no idea about elk's habbits
cohunter14
Well-Known Member
This is some great reading for any elk hunter, new or old: Books and DVDs for elk hunters. You can get the 101, 201, and 301 electronically downloaded for $27. Very easy reading with some great information.
cohunter14
Well-Known Member
No roads in wilderness areas. They are closed to all vehicles, atv's, etc.
Thanx for the reply friend. would you know what the daily rate is for horses?
Normally hunt 67 to the south but gonna give 54 a try this year. gun)
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