Colorado Elk Unit 9

[jlchester5045]

I understand that this tag is less than desirable, but I’m looking for any insight someone can pass on. It’s a first rifle bull only elk tag for Unit 9. Outside of the lack of public land, is there anything else I should be aware of?

I know there’s options for trespassing fees, guided private, and drop camps but this is a budget hunt so those options out. Anything would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Basically a charitable donation to the CPW if you are not a landowner that actually has animals that use your land

 

[fishslap]

I understand that this tag is less than desirable, but I’m looking for any insight someone can pass on. It’s a first rifle bull only elk tag for Unit 9. Outside of the lack of public land, is there anything else I should be aware of?

I know there’s options for trespassing fees, guided private, and drop camps but this is a budget hunt so those options out. Anything would be helpful. Thanks.

There is zero huntable public land in unit 9. You will not be hunting elk there on public land. Any private land that holds elk would likely be a high fee or leased by an outfitter, if you could even get access.

 

[PathFinder]

Irked is right. If you don't have property, or access to it, that tag is just a piece of paper. There may or may not even be elk down that low for first season; if they are, it will be in someone's alfalfa field.

 

[fishslap]

Also, no one is doing a drop camp in unit 9…

 

[jlchester5045]

OnX shows 37,000 acres of CO government land. Is that not available to hunt?

 

[Hnthrdr]

OnX shows 37,000 acres of CO government land. Is that not available to

Nope it sure isn’t, unless you can convince Larimer county to open it up so you can hunt it, it’s county owned open space, 0 hunting allowed ( unless you draw in their special raffle in Feb)

 

[jlchester5045]

Well.. I truly appreciate it. Although I feel like a complete idiot now.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Well.. I truly appreciate it. Although I feel like a complete idiot now.

You from Co or out of state? Could be worse, could have gotten busted trying to hunt the open space and gotten a stupid big fine or something, there are otc opportunities if you are R or NR, look there

 

[jlchester5045]

No, I’m from Georgia. This will be our third time hunting Colorado. I was just searching through the leftover tags and came across this one. This will be the first time I purchase and do refund paperwork on the same day.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I’ll suggest otc rifle, 2/3 season west of the continental divide. I mean it could be a lot worse you could have made the trip and found out what you know now after at 1500 mile drive… and not be able to get a refund

 

[jlchester5045]

Yeah that's true. If it comes down to it, we will pick up a cow tag.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Yeah that's true. If it comes down to it, we will pick up a cow tag.

Cow tags are all limited, out side of e/s archery or first rifle, just a heads up the states only otc tags are for bull elk

 

[jlchester5045]

Yeah. Theres still lots of options of leftover tags currently. I can get a cow tag that way. If not, we will pick up a bull only OTC tag. I appreciate the help.

 

[cnelk]

Turn that tag back in and get something with more public land

 

[jlchester5045]

That’s the plan. My brother and I always do this trip together and this year his schedule knocks out 3rd rifle for us. Gonna find us something in 2nd or 4th.

 

[jlchester5045]

I really appreciate all the help! Got it refunded and picked up a fourth rifle for unit 34. Much better from the public land side.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I really appreciate all the help! Got it refunded and picked up a fourth rifle for unit 34. Much better from the public land side.

Good luck brother, bring chains for coffee pot and lots of orange!

 

[jlchester5045]

Although far from ideal, it’s better then Unit 9 haha

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Personally I would have just went OTC 2nd season.

Good luck this year