Help me solve this dilemma

[rhendrix]

I have a preference point for mule deer in CO, I'm looking at applying in 74 (which appear to be a 100% draw with one point as a NR) or maybe 54 (which looks to be 42% with one point as a NR). I'd love to hunt in 54, but there is no way I will draw a second choice tag in 74 or 34 (where I've hunted before). So...I can either sit out a year, or hunt 74, or go hunt elk solo (which sounds like a monumental task honestly). I don't have the cash to fork over to go apply in Utah or anywhere else this year due to paying off some debt. So Colorado is the only state I'm choosing to apply and hunt in. Should I just burn my point and go to 74, is 54 worth the wait, would I be wasting my time and energy if I choose to sit out and hunt elk solo, since I'll be limiting myself to where and how far away I can hunt? Someone help me out here.

Ron

 

[Dromsky]

Put in for 54 and hunt OTC elk if you're un-successful in the draw. If you want to hunt every year you can with an OTC tag, you can scout 54 and be ready for next season. Find a buddy to take with you. Have fun.
my .02

 

[HOT ROD]

Good plan Dromsky.

 

[rhendrix]

Put in for 54 and hunt OTC elk if you're un-successful in the draw. If you want to hunt every year you can with an OTC tag, you can scout 54 and be ready for next season. Find a buddy to take with you. Have fun.
my .02

This is my ideal plan, just can't find someone to elk hunt with me.

 

[rhendrix]

Just realized that 54 is a draw unit for elk, I've got one elk point, not sure if I wanna burn it in 54. I know it'd give me a leg up, but dang that's a tough call.

 

[HOT ROD]

If U are hunting archery? I am pretty sure the archery elk tag can be drawn second choice. And keep an eye on the weather in Gunnison. They are have in a pretty bad winter.....

 

[5MilesBack]

would I be wasting my time and energy if I choose to sit out and hunt elk solo

It's never a waste of time or energy to go hunt elk.........solo or otherwise. I hunt solo most of the time.

 

[rhendrix]

Sorry should've specified that I'm archery hunting.

 

[rhendrix]

It's never a waste of time or energy to go hunt elk.........solo or otherwise. I hunt solo most of the time.

What's the furthest you've been back and killed an elk?

My only hesitation is that I go on my own, kill an elk, and can't get all the meat out before it spoils.

 

[5MilesBack]

What's the furthest you've been back and killed an elk?

My only hesitation is that I go on my own, kill an elk, and can't get all the meat out before it spoils.

Furthest was my "6-mile cow". That was stupid.

I've always been able to find a spot where I could put the meat to keep it cool long enough to get it out in good shape. Three years ago my bull was just under 5 miles and my GPS said it was 75 degrees at noon. I shot him at 10am. Hung everything in the darkest timber I could find, but if it had been necessary I could have hauled it a 1/2 mile and put it inside my trash compactor bags and put it in the creek.

 

[Tony Trietch]

Ron, don't let the fear of getting an elk out keep you from hunting! Line up a packer so that IF you get an elk in a spot that is to far in or if it's to hot, you have help. If you find elk close to trail head and notch your tag, pack it out yourself.

 

[Ranger619]

Ron,
I hunted 54 in 2013. PM if you have any specific questions.

 

[thinair]

Pm sent.

 

[rhendrix]

Bumping this up to the top:

La Plata/San Juan County are getting hammered this winter, as is Eagle County, should I wait until closer to the deadline and watch the snowfall totals to help me determine where to hunt?

I had made it up in my mind to use my point in 74, but seeing that the snow fall totals in La Plata/San Juan Co. right now has me worried about die off.

I don't want to drive 16 hours and see nothing but 2x2's and 3x3's, I already know where I can go to see that, it's in Utah. Any advice?

 

[W.D. Crawford]

I live near here, Cortez to be specific. We have had a lot of warm weather lately I spoke with a bio a couple of weeks ago and it looks like the Deer and Elk are going to be fine. Fwitw.

 

[bohntr]

You're a few years too late for both those units (mule deer), IMO.......54 has not rebounded from the 07/08 winter to date. 74 numbers are down as well. There are better alpine units for archery, IMO.

 

[rhendrix]

You're a few years too late for both those units (mule deer), IMO.......54 has not rebounded from the 07/08 winter to date. 74 numbers are down as well. There are better alpine units for archery, IMO.

Interesting you say that since I got similar information from a biologist recently.