unit 48 colorado

[alden1210]

I'm planning on hunting unit 48 the second season in October. We are staying in leadville and more than likely I will be coming back to the house I'm staying at every night This is my first elk and could use any and all help. Anything from climate to clothing, optics, where to look for elk etc. Like I said any advice is helpful and appreciative. Thanks.

 

[TOM H]

Leadville is 10K elevation. unit 48 is draw tag and don't think they have results out yet. As you know there is no antler-point restriction so as long as spike has horns 5" long he's legal.

10 Day Weather Forecast for 80461 - weather.com As you see there still getting snow up there pretty common that high up and you can be in full winter come mid Oct.

Besides hunting and few fishing lakes unit 48 has 7 peaks above 14,000ft. I've fished few of the lakes up there got lot of hikers up there should be some elk up there also.

 

[alden1210]

What brand of clothing would be suitable up there if say it is full fledged winter? The peaks that are 14k feet where would be a good place to start at to find elk or is it more less sporadic?

 

[cohunter14]

Did you apply for a tag for 48? For 2nd season, there is a 56% chance of drawing a bull tag and a 71% chance of drawing a cow tag, meaning there will be no leftover licenses...

 

[TOM H]

Did you apply for a tag for 48? For 2nd season, there is a 56% chance of drawing a bull tag and a 71% chance of drawing a cow tag, meaning there will be no leftover licenses...

That percentage of 56 was for combination 2nd,3rd and 4th bull season which was 90 tag and first rifle season got 70 bull tags and that was 36% and muzzle loaders was 35 bull tags @ 37%. It would be nice if they split out those 3 season.

2012 harvest they list 95 bulls taken and got to wonder how many taken muzzle and 1st rifle they had 105 bull tags.

 

[TOM H]

What brand of clothing would be suitable up there if say it is full fledged winter? The peaks that are 14k feet where would be a good place to start at to find elk or is it more less sporadic?

DOW has couple good article on high altitude hunting they call that above 8,000ft elevation you might want to read chapter 1. Elevation where I live is just little over 7600ft so I don't have much problems with the altitude.

I've been hunting same units since 1977 and depending on weather I like to hunt around timberline and I like to be up their before first light so I walk in when it's dark.

You got to find your own spot and since their all draw tag means your going to have more residents and very limited non residents. this might be good place to start looking

Winfield, CO & Vicksburg, CO: Colorado Ghost Towns In Chaffee County

Cloths I layer

 

[DanMan]

When it comes to clothing and gear, one of the most important items is your boots. If its colder and maybe snowy then I love my Schnee's. They make amazing
pac boots. In deep snow a pair of gaiters also nice to keep it from coming in the tops.

 

[alden1210]

I heard kenetreks are good too but I'm not sure to get the 400's or non insulated boots. From what I hear in late October the weather can vary but it will be cold early and late. I'd also like to get Sitka gear but it's pretty pricey.

 

[orion2000]

When it comes to clothing and gear, one of the most important items is your boots. If its colder and maybe snowy then I love my Schnee's. They make amazing pac boots. In deep snow a pair of gaiters also nice to keep it from coming in the tops.

+1 on the boots. Get a good pair, or two good pairs, NOW, and start wearing them/breaking them in so they are not noticeable when your wear them. Also, consider 1/2 size to full size larger than what you wear in the east to accommodate the terrain. Steep down hills with any amount of toe bump gets real old, real painful, real fast. I say two pairs if you are returning to the house each night. Maybe a non-insulated pair, and an insulated pair. You can swap off according to the weather.

Also, if you are not already in excellent physical shape, start working out now.

 

[TOM H]

I heard kenetreks are good too but I'm not sure to get the 400's or non insulated boots. From what I hear in late October the weather can vary but it will be cold early and late. I'd also like to get Sitka gear but it's pretty pricey.

I got two pair of hunting boots one is Irish Setter other Danner both have 400 and I use regular boot socks not much into wearing thick socks and walking above timberline. I do agree gaiters are great in the snow mine are 18" got them from Cabela's.

My biggest expense was jacket and bib overall

 

[DanMan]

Kenetrek makes great boot. I also have a pair of Mountain Extremes, excellent boots but it took me about 30 miles to break them in. It all depends on your budget but I start with best footgear and base layer underwear, and cut cost on outerwear if I have to. A goose down vest and wool shirt works for me and are not as pricey as Sitka. Also choose your backpack carefully.

 

[alden1210]

I already have a pair of under armor cold gear underwear but idk how good that is compared to what you wear up there. And on the boots I guess I could buy the non insulated boots and the insulated inserts.

 

[alden1210]

Backpacks are a whole other conversation. I've looked at the j34's but I'm kind of thinking that might a little too big for just a day hunt. I'll more than likely be traveling by atv and I just found out for sure I'll be hunting 47 .

 

[alden1210]

also what gps would yall recommend?