help with Colorado gmu 3 and 301

[Hunting affair]

For my 1st elk/deer hunt with out any point i put in for unit 301 and unit 3. i know that this unit will have a ton of pressure.So i was hopping to get there few days before archery season opens and do some scouting. This being my first hunt out west im making a 2000 mile drive and hoping for a good hunt. If anyone has any helpful info it will be greatly appreciated. im hoping to set up camp in area that wont be to far from my truck but im willing to hike 3-4 miles to find game.

 

[brettb]

during that time of year, be glad if you even see elk. I'm not saying there arnt elk there, its just those units are more of a 96% migration route units. And where i personally have seen elk that time of year, the vast majority are on private around the agriculture fields. Ive been out a few times already looking at elk and they just arnt there like normally this time of year. good luck on your hunt either way

 

[brettb]

darn it, I forgot to make sure you are hunting archery correct?

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

You'll do alright hunting deer though. Lots of roads through that country.

 

[krueger]

I think that is a OTC for elk, so don't limit yourself to trying to find elk in unit 3 and 301. Head east or south east of there to get into more elky areas. Not many elk those units that time of year.

 

[Hunting affair]

Yes that is OTC elk unit I believe that I will be allowed to hunt more then just that one unit but not sure yet.. Driving in is there a better place then other to start with setting up my camp. Krueger you are saying to head east or south east could you be a little more specific with out letting a cat out of the bag . Thanks

 

[krueger]

Yes you can hunt any OTC unit with an OTC elk tag. unit 3 and 301 are mostly low sage brush country where the elk winter at. Almost all the elk that winter in 3 and 301 migrate into that area from the east or southeast. East is more high country where the big populations of elk will be at during archery season. There will be a fair amount of mule deer in 301 and 3 during archery season but very few elk. unit 4, 441 and 5 are limited units i think, so don't try to elk hunt there. But look into the other units around them if you are looking for elk.

I have seen elk in unit 3 during september but not very many. Look to the very west side of the unit 3 during archery if you want to find elk.

 

[Hunting affair]

How easy is it to drive and set up camp near your truck in that area.

 

[whitingja]

Easy to find places to set up camp, but be ready for alot of other people around you, It is frustrating there because of the popularity of area, and ease of access. But have managed to get a deer every year I have hunted there. Not huge deer tough. Focus on rocky hillsides, the bucks sit and hide there during the day. Only move during early morning, and after dark come rifle season. Have seen people get elk, but lucked onto them while they were migrating.

 

[Hunting affair]

Should I concentrate on a specific part of the unit ? Is one part better then the next

 

[whitingja]

Find the cedars, you will find deer. Also focus on the steep canyons.

 

[Hunting affair]

Whitingja from my understanding both units are sage/ desert like with small amounts of trees. Is there better parts of units that you could recommend with a landmark in mind I'm making a. 2200 mile drive would love a starting point to my hunt .

 

[whitingja]

Cant remember exact road, but just a west of Craig off of highway 40. It's been a couple years since I've hunted there. There are a lot of little ravines there too. I just sat in a good looking area til noon, and let the other hunters push. Also, there is farm land there with alfalfa fields. Sit next to those fields. Hope this helps.

 

[Hunting affair]

Awesome Ty I'll start my research as soon I find out what unit I got drawn for. Any help on gear