Help two hillbillies?

[Bootlegger2]

My cousin from West Virginia and I are planning on leaving Kentucky the end of August and driving to Colorado for a DIY backcountry archery elk hunt. We are both in good shape, have our gear together and have experience moving in the mountains both here and West Virginia. We are planning on taking off work 10-14 days, and our main goal is to score, we would like to kill a huge bull, but if we are traveling that far it is not our main priority. We have elk hunted and killed a bull here in Kentucky. The two units we have our eye on are 43 and 78. If anyone wants to give us any info or suggestions, it would be appreciated. Those two units are not etched in stone, so we are open to suggestions. Thanks.

Ed

 

[crumy]

I don't know much about the Colorado units as I hunt only in Wyoming but I am from Kentucky originally. I lived there and Ohio until 2006 before moving to Utah and Wyoming. So the only advice I have for you is to not underestimate the impact of altitude. Even if you can run up and down the hills there, the mountains here are very different and way less forgiving. I live at 7200 feet elevation and hunted at 9,500 and 10,000 feet. I notice it. So going from 800ish to Colorado is going to hit you. Drink water and plenty of it.

 

[Bar]

I agree the altitude will be your biggest problem. The highest mountain in your states is around 4000 ft. You'll be hanging around 11,000ft here. Take it easy when you first get here get used to the altitude, and do some scouting first.

The secret to elk hunting is to scout way more than you hunt.

 

[The Night Stalker]

Email me and I will most likely have thought about your situation. How old are you? Why did you pick those particular units?

 

[Bootlegger2]

I would say I will have to do most of my scouting via Google Earth, and internet research. I know that doesn't compare to boots on the ground, but it is what it is. Would like to choose a primary and secondary spot to fall back to if the elk are not there. I have been to Colorado skiing the past few years and have not been affected by the altitude, however I do know that skiing is not as taxing as hiking with a pack. I know that 43 is very mountainous, and am thinking that maybe 78 is not as much so. Still researching and asking questions. Thanks again.

 

[Bar]

You missed my point. Scout when you get here. Don't just jump right into hunting.

 

[brunse]

I suggest 43. Stay close to the road. Lots of elk get left in the mountains due to spoilage after someone kills it while on foot 4 miles from the truck.

 

[Bootlegger2]

Got it Bar, cover ground and find them first. Maybe, hit up some of the locals for some information. If we could get some firsthand information like a good trailhead to even start from would be great to start using GoogleEarh and start planning. As far as spoilage, we plan on deboning and getting it out before the hunt for the second will begin. Already have it worked out, my cousin is shooting first because I killed one last year here in Ky.

 

[brewer427]

I suggest 43. Stay close to the road. Lots of elk get left in the mountains due to spoilage after someone kills it while on foot 4 miles from the truck.

Agreed, I think people overlook the fact of how hot it can be in august and September. How close were you to a road or horses when you killed your elk in Kentucky? I'm not trying to say I don't think your capable or ready, but make sure to read up on how to cool your meat in a creek or in the trees, anything to get the meat cooled as fast as possible. Especially if deboning, make sure the meat is fairly cool before throwing into the bag. I've seen to many guys throw a bunch of meet in the bag and head out, then it spoils while they make the trips out.

Possibly even think about having a generator and freezer/ cooler in your truck to help keep meat cool while remaining meat is retrieved.

 

[larryschwartz]

Altitude yes, but also realize that the mountains are two to three times a tall as the Appalachians so it will likely take you two to three times to get to the top compared to the Appalachians. I know it sounds obvious, and you may think I am being a jerk, but so many don't stop to think about this.

Also, chapstick and sunscreen due to the altitude and dryness of the air.

 

[Bar]

Higher altitude usually means it's taller Larry. You trying to be funny?

 

[crumy]

I think he means the actual ascent which is separate from the altitude

 

[The Night Stalker]

I have hunted West Virginia and a really bad unit in Colorado and the two are very compatible in steepness. It just that colorado is longer up in places. I hunt above 10000 and have always have taken Diamox. Research it through the sheep hunters and get your FP to write you a script.