Flattops GMU 25 and 26 or no?

[cshore93]

I'm having 2nd thoughts about the flat tops for 3rd season rifle. Im worried by the time I get there all of the bulls will be on private land because of the pressure. This is my first hunt so of course I'm getting a little stressed out. What do you all think? Is the flat tops worth it in November?

 

[les welch]

I would not. However that's me, I have my reasons for me. You might have totally different thoughts or expectations.

 

[camping1601]

I talked to an outfitter in there this year and they're done in there after the second week because of the chance of weather.

 

[westrnwild]

Its hot this year.. so weather, unless it changes quickly its not enough to drive them out. However, the massive hunting pressure is enough to drive them out. If you think out side the box and get away from the rds and guys with horses and things like that you can find animals. Colorado always gets over hunted so have real expectations.

 

[5MilesBack]

Is the flat tops worth it in November?

That totally depends on where, the weather, and exactly where that pressure was.

 

[DangerDunn]

I just got back from hunting the Flattops during first rifle. Like others have said, it is a warm year. There were some elk down in the valley on private land but most were still up on top in the dark timber and snow hasn't pushed down yet.

 

[12ring]

You could contact Cliff Gry of Flattop Wilderness Guides, he probably would have good scoop. Last year I was there for deer the first week of November, the last couple days after some snow, a lot of the elk were still hanging at the top near the south rim.

 

[cshore93]

You could contact Cliff Gry of Flattop Wilderness Guides, he probably would have good scoop. Last year I was there for deer the first week of November, the last couple days after some snow, a lot of the elk were still hanging at the top near the south rim.

You really think a guide service is going to let me in on that info? Haha

 

[cshore93]

That totally depends on where, the weather, and exactly where that pressure was.

Looking in between Darby and sheep mountain. Also possibly West Mountain

 

[5MilesBack]

You really think a guide service is going to let me in on that info? Haha

Sure.

But given your next post about where.....I definitely wouldn't call Winterhawk and ask them.

 

[Cliff Gray]

Epic warm year so far. Elk highly dispersed. Elk are never all on private, even in dead of winter.

The units you mention and the Flat Tops Wilderness encompass a huge area. Nothing wrong with a 3rd season hunt. Weather will control where you can hunt, just like anywhere else. Be cautious on some of the high elevation roads (leaving vehicles where you can't get out after a storm) and have a safe hunt.

There is nothing to be stressed about. Given this is your first hunt, in a vast wilderness area, you should have almost nil expectations other than getting a flavor for things and getting your bearings. You might get lucky and kill a bull that made a mistake that day, but just remember that is what it is. It takes a bit of time to be comfortable and become effective in these OTC areas. Almost every bull is worked for.

Cliff

 

[ChrisA]

Sure.

But given your next post about where.....I definitely wouldn't call Winterhawk and ask them.

Got a nice chuckle out of that.

Chris

 

[les welch]

There is nothing to be stressed about. Given this is your first hunt, in a vast wilderness area, you should have almost nil expectations other than getting a flavor for things and getting your bearings. You might get lucky and kill a bull that made a mistake that day, but just remember that is what it is. It takes a bit of time to become effective in these OTC areas. Almost every bull is worked for.

Cliff

I HIGHLY disagree with the above sentiments^^^^^

 

[cshore93]

I HIGHLY disagree with the above sentiments^^^^^

What do you think Les?

 

[les welch]

Sorry, should have elaborated, just busy.

Cliff said that you basically shouldn't have any expectations other than you could possibly get lucky and/or a bull might make a mistake.

I think a "majority" of luck is made, not all, but a lot anyways. Yes on occasion people get lucky here and there without doing anything right.

IMO if you put forth the time scouting, do the right things (basic hunting skills), and work hard you should EXPECT more than just a camping trip. Speaking for myself, I've hunted CO, WY, ID, NM, and MT for elk. I've killed bulls in all of those states on my first trip to the unit except MT. The weather beat me in MT in 2015, so I pulled out early and went to CO for an OTC unit and had a great hunt. In WY and CO I've hunted multiple units, again killing elk on my first trip to the unit. On two of those trips I killed bulls the first day, on two other trips I've killed the second day. All of my trips are DIY, public land.

I'm not saying it's easy, not at all. Just saying if you plan to go into a hunt with no expectations, and that if you do connect it will be just blind luck that a bull made a mistake, you are setting yourself up for failure. It's easy to have excuses ready before arriving, and that just makes it easy to work half assed, throw in the towel early, etc.

Have multiple plans ready, be prepared to work, and expect to kill one.

Good luck.

 

[tyeager2964]

I will say being a first year elk hunter I would agree with Les.

Myself and 3 buddies saw more than 30 elk this year. 2 legal bulls, no shots. We prepared as much as we could scouted as much as we could. Made mistakes. If we wouldn't have been blown out on Sunday evening then I would think we would have had a high chance of success the next 2 days in our original location. (we had two groups of elk patterned pretty well by Sunday afternoon and eliminated a decent amount of territory). We changed locations and after a day were on elk again. Unfortunately it was the last day and being to aggressive we chased them off the mountain early afternoon. It was a fun day with animals moving everywhere.

I really don't feel that anything bad happens when you set the bar to high, but set the bar low and complacency might set it.

Bottom line I think is this

Work hard and accept the results that occur

 

[Cliff Gray]

I'm not sure we really disagree. I said "Almost every bull is worked for." I'd echo your sentiment that guys shouldn't make excuses off the bat, that will diminish their ability to potentially harvest and their ability to learn for future hunts. I don't disagree with your thoughts on that.

The rest of my statement is based on a statistical fact. I get 20-30 calls per year from DIY guys coming for their first trip. 3-4 of those guys will harvest, but they all will leave a lot more prepared for their next hunt. A guy who kills a bull on his first elk hunt is partially/majority lucky, period. I don't care how good of a hunter you are on other species, or how hard you can click your mouse on google earth.

I love this one "Work hard and accept the results that occur", I think that is great advice. good luck!

 

[ChrisA]

Any recent elk movement reports from this area?

Thanks,

-Chris

 

[drrice]

I had to do all map scouting when i went for the first time last year and we found more wall tents than elk when we were there. Seemed like every good looking spot on the maps had a wall tent in the middle of it.

 

[ChrisA]

One was probably mine second rifle. It's crowded to be sure. Never been third rifle though, hoping things clear out and the weather turns to bring the elk down.

I did buy a SO Cimarron and stove this year so I could get away if it warrants.

Other than archery in unit 49 ten years ago, a small area of unit 25 second rifle is all I know. The first year, 2013, was awesome but still crowded. Then the last two years stunk with warm weather, a d-bag outfitter and more people.

So we are seriously thinking of axing the trip. Have two days to decide.

Thanks,

Chris