First Elk hunt Solo in GMU 85 CO Words of wisdom?

[KMock]

Report?

 

[trophyhill]

howd it go hflier?

 

[hflier]

Sorry, I haven't updated. My work schedule screwed me into only 4 days in the woods. I was unlucky enough that 2+ days were heavy downpour, so I was stuck in the Paratipi. I did see some elk, none close enough for me to get at. I got to witness some bulls sparing, that sight alone was enough for me to never want to miss a season again. This was my first Elk hunt. Things I learned; Kifaru rocks! My pack was awesome. Next time, I am taking a bigger shelter, so if I am stuck for a period due to weather I have room to move. I need to be in better shape than I thought, that starts now for next season. I quit smoking on the trip home! Been cig free for amost a month now. Allow enough time. Next year I will go for 9 days. I will also do at least 2 scouting trips, although, I think my location was very good for not having scouted. Lastly, I will have a damn Mule Deer tag, they were running around me like squirrels. If I had a tag, I would have had several shots!

I will say, my pack list was almost perfect and that was largely due to the information I have obtained on this forum, so thanks!

Ron

 

[hflier]

I am resurrecting this thread and will continue to do so every so often through my hunt this year. My fitness program is underway. I am running 3+ miles 3x per week. Lifting for upper body strength 2 days per week and I am hiking 4 miles + with my pack twice a week. I have also quit smoking. I still need to drop about another 18 pounds to meet my weight goal but I am charting my progress and have moved to a cleaner diet. This year I am going to pack in to Colorado Unit 44 with two other experienced Elk hunters from my family that reside in PA - or if they don't get it together, I will be doing a solo in Unit 85. Which ever unit I decide, I am also going to try and draw a Muley tag. Last year they were running all around my tent and I didn't have a tag. I'll update about once a month. It will keep me on track I may also ask a few questions between now and then to ensure I am fully prepared. This year I am determined to do it right. I am 50 and that says it all. Can't waste any time.

 

[trophyhill]

. Check out the vital diagraphms found on line and stay away from the shoulder blade. Enjoy your hunt and good luck!

ask and you shall recieve

 

[Hookem3119]

Hflier,
My bro-in-law and I did our first elk hunt last year in 85 as well. We packed in during the second season, but did not have much success. It got pretty crowded on the public land, and aside from hearing a few shots the first morning, there wasn't much action. The elk had all moved to the large amount of private land in the area. We did see a ton of sign from the the rut though. So this year we are going back in archery season. I just made a scouting trip over the 4th of July and found elk. I would love to compare notes if you are interested. We live in Houston so it is hard to tap into the local knowledge. I also do a lot of solo backcountry hiking, so we are probably looking at the same type of terrain. Good luck.

 

[realunlucky]

Just read through this pretty impressive that you quit smoking on the drive home and I hope you get rewarded this season for your hard work

 

[35chaffinj]

I have purchased a OTC either sex archery tag for CO. I am planning on hunting GMU 85 because I have been there before camping and I can drive there from Tulsa, OK in about 10 hours. It is my first Elk hunt and I am doing a solo backpack hunt. I am in decent shape, although I want to loose about 10 more pounds over then next 7 weeks or so before the hunt. I am 50 years old, but most people think I am under 40, so I am hoping physically I am going to be able to hang.

I have learned a ton of things from this site and the Kifaru site and I feel my equipment is first rate. I have been training with a pack over the last few months and feel my #55 load will not be too bad on me (I have a Kifaru T1). I am concerned about the elevation and so I plan to spend some time at 8,500 feet and move up from there.

I am a decent shot with my Hoyt Turbo Hawk, but will be keep practicing hard until I leave. I don't expect much this year except to gain experience and enjoy the outdoors. So if I get one of either sex I would consider that to be a major victory since I have never Elk hunted.

Your pointers and advice considering my scenario would be appreciated.

Ron

Hey Ron - I'd love to chat about your experience in the area. I'm from Tulsa, OK as well and heading to Unit 85 this year with an archery elk tag in my pocket! How was your experience, what did you learn, what would have you done differently, etc.?