CO Flat Tops Wilderness

[JDeanP]

Does anyone have any practical experience in the Crescent Lake area? I'm getting a lot of mixed reports. Most everyone says the road areas are ridiculously crowded, some say you can get away from most other hunters if you bushwhack it a ways, some say there's a hunter behind every blade of grass no matter where you go. There also seems to be a lot of outfitters rolling hunters into the wilderness areas of the NF.

I'll be hunting OTC archery. I have plenty of time to scout in August and am pretty much free for the duration of the season. My truck should be able to handle the trail to the lake. I'm not looking for giant trophy elk as much as I am meat (4/5Xs seem to be the norm). I'm not against other areas, but this is where my homework has me at this point.

Are the bear or deer numbers worth an extra tag with the time I have available?

Again, just trying to get a better feel for the general area to determine if it's what I need to go after, or continue to other areas. Not trying to pry specific honey holes from anyone.

 

[Baby Huey]

That area is popular because the road cuts into the wilderness, so it is inviting to be in the wilderness right off of the road. We used to hunt in that area, but with the introduction of UTV's and more ATV's, a lot of people can get back in there and it was starting to get more and more crowded. The 4x4 road is pretty rough, rocky and a couple of nice side slopes - especially if it is muddy. You may want to consider bringing chains if you expect lots of rain, because that soil once saturated is a slippery mess. There likely will be a lot of base camps off of the road, and I would expect a fair amount more people nowadays because of the previously mentioned vehicles that can maneuver along that road easier than a 4x4 truck.

There are good elk and deer in that drainage/area in the size you are looking at. If you pack in I think you will have an advantage, as there are drainages north and south that you may want to look at if you are seeing lots of people in that main drainage. Winterhawk Outfitters had a camp north of the main road and east of Sheep Mountain back in the day off one of the main trails - not sure if that is still an area they are utilizing. I've never seen a bear in that area, but never hunted specifically for bear, so it would have been happenstance if I had ran into one, so I don't have the greatest knowledge in that realm.


You can PM me for more info. Roman

 

[brettb]

There are always plenty of elk in that area. But yes it does get hunted pretty hard, its the flat tops. Thats just the way the flat tops are during hunting season. During early archery season you should be fine with being able to find elk without rubbing elbows. If you want to shoot an elk on public land with an OTC tag, you have to get out and hunt. The numbers of animals are there, and IMO should be considered a 75% unit. The unfortunate thing about that area is, yes there are lots of hunters. But where there are hunters there in the most part animals. Large numbers of people doesnt mean there arnt animals, actually means there are more animals, and the reason being is that large crowds wont hunt where there arnt the quanity of animals to be hunted. Every year I have a friend that kills a great bull during archery. Get out there and hunt, thats the only way you will know what is good or bad. Just because someone says they had a bad experiance in a certain unit does not always mean that its a bad area. just tells me that it was either a bad year or they just dont know how to hunt public land elk in colorado. IMO go hunt it, learn the contry and enjoy yourself being in some of gods greatest creations, while calling yourself a hunter.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

That road is gnarly getting in there.

 

[brettb]

if you know how to drive, not city conditions, and have fun while doing it, you will be fine. back in high school thats was (this is bad) on our booze cruze route. everyone says its bad but personally I consider it to be just an average back country mountain road. which in the long haul, creates better hunting

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

I grew up in that area I know that road. I've seen people roll lifted jeeps on it, but I've also seen F350's with 8 foot beds in there. I would have chains on you for sure or take ATVs. If it snows while your there it would be a rough haul out.

 

[JDeanP]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Much appreciated.

I'm not afraid to work my way into the areas away from the road. In fact, I'd be more concerned with walking TOO far as I have a tendency to ramble.

My plan, so far, is to hit the lake a couple weeks before the season starts and set up a pre-season camp. From there I'll scout out the surrounding areas and determine where I want to set up a base camp/familiarize myself with the area. Having my truck at the lake (F250 w/ 8ft bed!) will allow me to resupply without having to go back to town.

Hows the fishing up there? There's seems to be a lot of water in the Flat Tops.

Ive been fortunate enough to spend time around elk in Colorado, but this will be my first time actually hunting them. Im also fortunate enough to not have time restrictions on this hunt. My goal is to enjoy the wilderness and learn as much about chasing elk as I can and not have to cram it all into 10 days. A good friend will be driving out to spend a week there at some point in the season. Aside from that I'll be on my own.

If anyone has any advice to offer I'd be happy to hear it. Right now, in addition to researching the area itself I'm reading what I can on the game and hunting them. Any generally approved-as-necessary resources I should be delving into?

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

It's a nice area to hunt that's for sure, but as said before lots of hunters, I won't hunt the flattops any longer cause of past experience. But if I had to that would be the area I go to. If you can I would get either a spot GPS or something to help you phone signal for safety. It's rugged it's tough an usually when you need someone there's no one around.

O and watch out for Bigfoot
http://bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=27075

 

[JDeanP]

Can you get OTC tags for Bigfoot in that area?

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

Haha I'm not sure after seeing that on there I looked a the most recent sighting near dotsero. Pretty sure the people seen me walkin the river duck hunting

 

[icefishers]

Bring your fishing poles. Lot's of lakes to catch some good eating fish up there.

 

[JDeanP]

Bring your fishing poles. Lot's of lakes to catch some good eating fish up there.

Awesome. I'm looking forward to that. The tender cuts of Bigfoot are few and far between.