Leadville, CO

[OKHunter84]

I drew a first rifle elk tag in a unit near Leadville. I have been planning a scouting trip but a hip abductor injury, an unexpected work trip to CA and having to help coach my youngest boys football team due to a coach quitting are not going to let that trip happen it's looking like. I have a general area I was going to start at a few days before season starts and I've tentatively lined a packer up in case I shoot one in a nasty spot, just hoping to get some advice or confirmation.

I've helped guys out on here when I can, hoping I've put enough positive energy out in the universe to have a little come back my way.

 

[bz_711]

Congrats on the tag...I've shot bulls in all 3 units in that area...send me a PM with more details and I'll help if I can.

 

[sodaksooner]

I drew a first rifle elk tag in a unit near Leadville. I have been planning a scouting trip but a hip abductor injury, an unexpected work trip to CA and having to help coach my youngest boys football team due to a coach quitting are not going to let that trip happen it's looking like. I have a general area I was going to start at a few days before season starts and I've tentatively lined a packer up in case I shoot one in a nasty spot, just hoping to get some advice or confirmation.

I've helped guys out on here when I can, hoping I've put enough positive energy out in the universe to have a little come back my way.

PM me. We have hunted most of the units around Leadville. I may be able to give you some info.

 

[RevJim]

I hunted out of Leadville back in Novemeber of '82. I "thought" I was ready for those hills back then because I was working like a slave in the Texas Oilfields! ha Going from 70 feet above sea level to that area was "interesting"! I didn't get altitude sickness but my quads gave me trouble. Good luck to you, lots of Game there way back then anyhow. If you can catch a good snow, they bunch up closer to I70.

 

[ProStaffSteve]

I love that area, first vacation I took while in college was out there. Mount Elbert is the only 14er I’ve summited. Altitude sickness will get yea if you go that high but sub 12k you’ll be fine.

I didn’t hunt out west at the time but I looked for animals while out there. Saw some bucks, never saw a bull & a few cows.

I’d make the trip come hell or high water even just to sit above tree line and take it all in.

 

[Sand Wrench]

Make sure you take time to stop and eat at High Mountain Pies, best in the West!

 

[cnelk]

Good boots and lace em up tight. The slopes are steep.

 

[OKHunter84]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

I've done a few hunts backpack camping at 10k - 11k so I have an idea of what to expect. Just have to embrace the suck when you're a flat lander.

It's kinda like having kids, folks can tell you what it's going to be like but you really have no idea till you experience it.

 

[OKHunter84]

Make sure you take time to stop and eat at High Mountain Pies, best in the West!

Another guy told me about this, sounds like it's a must. Thanks!

 

[Trr15]

I did a goat hunt in the Frying Pan Wilderness back in 2021. Not sure if the area I was in falls within your elk unit, but I can point you toward one specific area to avoid.

 

[OKHunter84]

I did a goat hunt in the Frying Pan Wilderness back in 2021. Not sure if the area I was in falls within your elk unit, but I can point you toward one specific area to avoid.

Areas to avoid are just as helpful as anything!

 

[Ucsdryder]

Leadville isn’t the place I’d want to hunt after an injury. I’ve hunted it and killed a 300” class bull in one of the lesser units but damn it was work.

 

[cnelk]

Be sure to check out the historical Silver Dollar Saloon

 

[Lil-Rokslider]

I've got a sheep tag for the area west of Leadville that is open for the month of August. I've scouted several times and seen elk. I'll continue to get more intel between now and the end of August.

 

[OKHunter84]

Leadville isn’t the place I’d want to hunt after an injury. I’ve hunted it and killed a 300” class bull in one of the lesser units but damn it was work.

Nothing too serious. Just a little strain that screwed up my window for when I was going to scout. I'll be fine. If not, at least it sounds like there's good pizza in the area and an old saloon

 

[Bails-UK]

Be sure to check out the historical Silver Dollar Saloon



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Went there in 2014, what a place, lots of character and do a great burger..

 

[sodaksooner]

Make sure you take time to stop and eat at High Mountain Pies, best in the West!

This is the truth. We hit it every trip!