First time elk hunt. CO unit 80 questions

[crazyhawksfan]

Ok guys so first off I want to say this site has been great and I realy appreciate you guys and your knowledge. Its helped me alot already. Anyway a couple buddies and I are planning a diy first time elk hunt to Colorado this September. So with that has come many hours spent behind the computer trying to decide on a specific unit or units. After looking at the stats and taking into consideration this is are first time hunting in the mountains we're kinda leaning towards unit 80. I guess the main reason is it appears to be slightly less intimidating then some of the other units that have large wilderness areas. So my question is does 80 get over run because of that or is it no worse then any other otc unit? Should we be looking elswhere? I guess if anyone cares to share a little let me know. Thanks guys.

 

[lak2004]

The eastern portion is mostly private land, but the western portion has some good access. Im not sure what you think is intimidating about other units though, lots of good options in that part of the state. Elk will probably be up high until snow pushes them down. Probably run into some people, but no worse than other areas I would guess. Good bulls come out of that area every year.

Where are you coming from? Ever hiked at 8000+ feet?

 

[KMD]

I guess the main reason is it appears to be slightly less intimidating then some of the other units that have large wilderness areas.

For that very reason, that spot will be attractive to any other travelling hunter researching online. Also, local hunters can hunt 'easy access' areas at their leisure, and have a home field advantage of hunting in their backyard (so to speak)

The southern OTC units are logical choices for the droves of non-res. hunters driving up from the south. After a long haul, they pick the closest spot/unit that looks 'good', and find out pretty quick that it looked good to all the other non-res. hunters, too! If you think like everyone else, you'll be sharing the woods with them, come September...

Just sharing some advice, one non-res. hunter to another. Good luck, be safe & have fun!

 

[husky390]

Topos can be deceiving, there's some nasty steep terrain in that unit.

 

[crazyhawksfan]

Ok so let me reword that. We're not intimidated by any of the units. Its more of a question of if since its are first time if we should maybe stick to hunting more from a base camp as opposed to backpacking deep into a wilderness area. Also I have heard a variety of opinions on hunting wilderness areas. What do you guys think? It being are first time is it worth packing into say the weminuche wilderness or the san juan or should we stick to hunting a place like unit 80?

 

[lak2004]

If you can do the backpack trip into the weminuche I don't think you would regret it. There are some nice bulls in there.

 

[crazyhawksfan]

Hey thanks for the tips so far guys! Anyone else have any info they'd care to share. We're still looking at unit 80 just trying to figure out if it's worth hunting or if we need to be looking at an entirely different unit.