Colorado GMU 81 connection

[blmedlin]

Hey Guys -

Looking to connect with someone familiar with Elk in GMU 81 Colorado. First time in GMU 81 for me. Have pre-scouted aerials and access points. I would appreciate connecting with someone who bow hunts this unit.. Sounds like there is heavy pressure, but given the amount of ground I would guess their are pockets where one could avoid heavy crowds. My experience thus far is in unit 71. I am interested in trying to new ground and with any luck create some new connections to mutually collaborate. I noticed the PM feature has disappeared so feel free shoot me an email if you are willing to assist in feedback - [email protected]. Thanks in advance to those open to sharing some thoughts.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

I noticed the PM feature has disappeared

It didn't disappear, you're now required to make at least 10 posts before utilizing the PM feature. Makes it so that you at least contribute to the forum before trying to benefit from it.

Good luck in your search.

 

[chasewild]

It didn't disappear, you're now required to make at least 10 posts before utilizing the PM feature. Makes it so that you at least contribute to the forum before trying to benefit from it.

Good luck in your search.

hhahah.

 

[swampokie]

Why 81?

 

[trophyhill]

You are correct. You have to find the pockets. That's the hard part

 

[Nickofthewoods]

And even if you do find a good Pocket, there's a good chance you were followed.

 

[LostArra]

Rifle or bow?

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[Laelkhunter]

Rifle or bow?

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He didn't specify in his query, but did want to connect with someone who does bow hunt (4th sentence). That leaves me out, I only rifle hunt 78/81.

 

[LostArra]

He didn't specify in his query, but did want info from someone who does bow hunt (4th sentence). That leaves me out, I only rifle hunt 78/81.

My bad speed reading

Take extra spare tire if heading to Platoro and beyond.

I used to bow hunt wilderness areas there. Rarely saw a human.
I would recommend doing everything possible to check grazing permits during September. We had a camp smashed by cattle while out hunting. Another time a huge flock of sheep with a human shepherd and two Great Pyrenees moved into our hunting area. All in wilderness areas.

Also go light and carry your camp on your back. The area is steep and traveling to and from a camp wastes too much time. We also would find the elk late then leave them at dark. I didn't have the proper gear at the time but always regretted not just camping where we stopped hunting each evening





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[blmedlin]

Rifle or bow?

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Archery. Thanks

 

[blmedlin]

My bad speed reading

Take extra spare tire if heading to Platoro and beyond.

I used to bow hunt wilderness areas there. Rarely saw a human.
I would recommend doing everything possible to check grazing permits during September. We had a camp smashed by cattle while out hunting. Another time a huge flock of sheep with a human shepherd and two Great Pyrenees moved into our hunting area. All in wilderness areas.

Also go light and carry your camp on your back. The area is steep and traveling to and from a camp wastes too much time. We also would find the elk late then leave them at dark. I didn't have the proper gear at the time but always regretted not just camping where we stopped hunting each evening





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Thanks for the response. I have put a call into the National Forest Service regarding the cattle and sheep. Rio Grande is the area of interest at this time. Again, I appreciate the feedback.

 

[blmedlin]

Why 81?

Honestly, 78 would of interest as well. I am currently reviewing the Rio Grande (SW) part of the Unit. Certainly not married to this area, but in review of the data it happened to jump out. I am certainly open to any additional thoughts one would be willing provide. I live in Iowa, so I am somewhat limited to using my Onx and GoHunt for information. Thanks

 

[swampokie]

If u didn’t like 71 then u Probly won’t like 81 honestly.

 

[njdoxie]

Also go light and carry your camp on your back.

Easy to say, but extremely few are capable of carrying camp on their back day after day. But it sounds good when you’re rested and far away from steep hills.

 

[LostArra]

Easy to say, but extremely few are capable of carrying camp on their back day after day. But it sounds good when you’re rested and far away from steep hills.

Agree but just wish we could do it one or two nights when we found elk. Just hunting away from camp with a tarp and sleeping bag would have worked. Carrying much more in that terrain especially with all the huge deadfall spruce would be hell.

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[Bbell12]

My bad speed reading

Take extra spare tire if heading to Platoro and beyond.

I used to bow hunt wilderness areas there. Rarely saw a human.
I would recommend doing everything possible to check grazing permits during September. We had a camp smashed by cattle while out hunting. Another time a huge flock of sheep with a human shepherd and two Great Pyrenees moved into our hunting area. All in wilderness areas.

Also go light and carry your camp on your back. The area is steep and traveling to and from a camp wastes too much time. We also would find the elk late then leave them at dark. I didn't have the proper gear at the time but always regretted not just camping where we stopped hunting each evening





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My experience has been the opposite then; it’s been very difficult for us to get away from people, even 10 miles back.


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[LostArra]

The trailhead we used had zero horse trailers. We were hunting about 4 miles from trailhead.

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[blmedlin]

The trailhead we used had zero horse trailers. We were hunting about 4 miles from trailhead.

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Hey LostArra, can you shoot me a quick PM as I haven't met my 10 posts to message you. Just had a quick question for you. Thanks

 

[LostArra]

Incoming

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[bawana]

If possible I'd go before muzzy season, the southern areas above Chama NM get hit hard by the muzzleloaders, and they have a lot of horse camps set up in those areas.