Colorado 2nd Rifle Help/Questions

[rootacres]

Hello all, I was hoping for some help/input on this hunt. I will be in Unit 34, public ground and access won't be an issue. Finding a buck may be a different story. That said I do have a few questions as this will be my first muley hunt in this state. I am open to any and all input.

1.) I own an ATV, I also have a 4wd truck w/ good ATs & chains. Should I bring the ATV?

2.) It appears Im on the edge of wolf country and in black bear country. Forgive my ignorance, but should I bring a sidearm?

3.) I may truck hunt, I may spike in. Do I need to hang my food in trees or should I be good?

4.) Much of this hunt will be similar to others, but throw any input at me. I will listen.

 

[The_Jim]

I don’t hunt 34 but do hunt the second rifle season.

I prefer to bring an atv, it’s especially nice when those roads get muddy. I don’t like to beat up my truck if I don’t have to.

I personally don’t bring a side arm when I’m carrying a rifle.

I just put my food in a tree next to my tent to keep rodents out. It’s only as high as my arms can reach.

 

[OneShot]

If you’re worried about a bear, just buy a bear tag and you’re guaranteed to not see one. JK!
I wouldn’t worry much about bears or wolves. I’ve muley hunted quite a few units the past 10 years straight and have yet to see a bear.

Some units an ATV helps and some it doesn’t. Don’t know anything about the roads or access in 34 to answer that question
Be prepared for all weather conditions. Last year during third was hot and tshirt weather. The year before during 3rd never got above freezing with lots of snow.

Good luck

 

[LongWayAround]

I have never hunted 34 specifically, but...

1.) I would bring it.
2.) No. Not necessary.
3.) Same as Jim. I worry about rodents, not bears.

 

[Theringworm]

Know the rules and regs regarding atv use. They require an OHV permit and your rifle must be stored in a case and cannot be on your person while riding the atv.

I only bring a sidearm if archery hunting.

If it's a group of us and we are "truck camping", we keep the "kitchen" a good distance away from our tents. If I am solo, spiked out, food goes in a nearby tree.

 

[Lytro]

I've hunted 34 a handful of times. I wouldn't worry about bears, especially if you're carrying a rifle. I would bring the ATV to get around quicker if the weather is good, but it will be pointless if it snows enough.

In 2022, everyone evacuated from the flat top because of snow depth and 40+ mph winds causing drifts. Search and rescue ended up going in to get some people out. Access could certainly be an issue. Make sure to have some lower elevation backup plans if you intend to hunt the top.

 

[maxx075]

If you’re worried about a bear, just buy a bear tag and you’re guaranteed to not see one. JK!
I wouldn’t worry much about bears or wolves. I’ve muley hunted quite a few units the past 10 years straight and have yet to see a bear.

Some units an ATV helps and some it doesn’t. Don’t know anything about the roads or access in 34 to answer that question
Be prepared for all weather conditions. Last year during third was hot and tshirt weather. The year before during 3rd never got above freezing with lots of snow.

Good luck

I'm doing my first western hunt in a few weeks and scouted a sow and cub last weekend...

 

[OneShot]

I'm doing my first western hunt in a few weeks and scouted a sow and cub last weekend...

In the summer(July-Sep) when we go fish the same units we hunt, we see plenty of bears. When my buddies go up and archery hunt those units, they see enough bears to buy bear tags. When we go back during 2nd and 3rd season, we haven’t seen a bear