Help with hunting White River National Forest

[xcutter]

Haven't fully made a decision on which unit to hunt. I've been researching the kill stats on the Colorado website. Unit 45 looked good. Me and my buddy are planning to go that same week or the week before. If we pick that unit I will be sure to send you a pm. I appreciate the help. I have no idea what to expect going out there. Is there enough room and elk to hunt in unit 45 without me ruining anyone's hunt? I don't like moving in on someone's quarry and messing up there hunt. In my mind it would be like me moving in on a gobbling turkey that someone is already working into range. That's the only thing I have for myself to compare it to in Indiana.

 

[COlineman78]

FYI, I was up in Holy Cross Wilderness this past weekend at Missouri Lakes and while we were there noticed some fresh track appear coming over the pass and right down the hiking trail by the lake. I must've either been asleep or having too good of time fishing to notice cause I sure didn't see 'em. Great area, only about 3 miles in and right at tree line, but you're going to have to fight off hunters, campers and day hikers. I was amazed that they would come walking right down the path with so many people around, but they must know it's not hunting season. A quick less than 1 mile hike over the pass will put you into a much less traveled area, so it may be a good place to consider setting up base camp.

 

[xcutter]

Thanks I appreciate the tip. I will research that area along with unit 45.

 

[xcutter]

Has anyone hunted Unit 14? How is the hunting there? A lot of hunter during archery season? Would it be best to go there the first two weeks of September before the muzzelloader season starts? Are ATV's allowed in Unit 14? Water plentiful?

 

[xcutter]

Anyone familiar with hunting unit 14 in Colorado?

 

[bridgerbenson]

I hunted in 214 last year right next to 14 and we had elk around at all times. 14 is the next unit east and from what I read, it had pretty decent success last year. We went too early and didn't get much action. Killed one cow. This year we're not going till the 16th to hopefully get in on more rutting action.

 

[zman]

Hello,

I am planning an Elk hunt next year 2016 to the White River National Forest area in Colorado on a DIY hunt. I have no knowledge whatsoever of this place as I am a new Elk hunter. I am looking for any information that can help me on my hunt. I went to Utah in 2014 to the Unitas and only saw a couple elk on a 11 day trip. I come home empty handed but had an absolute blast and learned a lot of what not to do when hunting elk. I'm definitely hooked on Elk hunting for life. I would really appreciate any pointers. I will be going with archery equipment. I might do a bivy syle hunt? Not for sure yet. I have several questions. Again I'm new to Elk hunting so any info that you would like to share is welcome. A cow Elk will make me just as happy as a big bull.

Good area to hunt that isn't over populated with other archery hunters?

What time of year is the best for archery hunting? Rut?

Weather conditions to be prepared for?

If camping in a camping area where? Fresh water around?

Is the area accessible by ATV? Walk only? Not afraid to walk just be nice to know.

Where can I get maps for specific areas?

Spent four days last week in unit 25. Mostly riding horses and fishing but keeping an eye out for elk sign. Not sure what it will be like next year but their was an awful lot of grazing pressure from cows where I was (way up the east rifle creek drainage). also some sheep and their protector dogs which look pretty tough.. Definitely a lot of elk in there too. Somewhat surprisingly the elk were not on the ridge tops but down in the valleys at 8300 or so. But that could have just been the ones I saw... Don't know. But roads everywhere. So you will see other hunters. I would plan on walking a lot and moving around if needed as the elk will get pushed.They have had a load of rain there this summer, area is very lush.
According to the guys, they have been cracking down a lot on off trail atv use in the area.
Pm me if you want, I'll be hunting an otc unit this year, not The area you are asking about.
Hope this helps.

 

[Edub]

Xcutter, do you have any preference points? I am not sure, you will have to look at the draw stats but if you can draw unit 12 let me know. I can put you in a really good spot that will have what you are looking for.

 

[JG358]

How far do you usually have to go in the woods to get away from people?
How deep do you go to camp? 3 miles? Is this a good distance to start?
I don't want anyone to ruin my hunt or me to ruin anyone else's because I'm moving in on an elk that is already being hunted.

With the number of people willing to go deep now a days, Their really isnt any getting away from people in White River. We camp about 5 miles in and still see a lot of folks on horseback and foot. Use them to your advantage, study the maps and find good hinding holes and escape routes.

 

[xcutter]

Edub I don't have any preference points. I will look into Unit 12. I appreciate the help. I will send you a PM.

 

[brettb]

how about come out learn an area, hunt it and learn as you go and make yourself a better hunter in the future. How do you think everyone else learned/figured out theyre special honey holes???? not by asking questions on the internet.

 

[xcutter]

brettb you are absolutely right. I'm not asking for anyone's honey holes. Those should be earned from my own hard work. I asking more for general answers of what and how to hunt there. Maybe areas that I should avoid because of specific reasons? Start on the ridges?

I appreciate any help that anyone would like to offer.

 

[mproberts]

Hahaha.. brettb strikes again..

Maybe this whole internet/forum thing isn't for you man. Don't bother asking about gear either.. brettb will be sure to tell you to spend the money try it all and learn the hard way!