Need help with OTC colorado elk unit suggestion

[rbljack]

Looking for some advice. I've tried looking over the Colorado webpage, with their mapping program, and here is the situation.
My buddy lives in Minnesota, and I live in Texas. we both used to elk hunt together in the bighorns of WY, and then again in Idaho. we are going to try a few application drawings, but in the event that doesn't work out we may head to Colorado for an OTC rifle hunt.

The "meet in the middle" area would be Fort Collins. Looking for some assistance with picking a unit along that front and then south towards Denver. Moving west from Fort Collins or Denver is fine, but hoping to find something to keep the drive time down for each of us.

When we hunted in the past, we were able to get into wilderness areas which limited the amount of roads, hunting pressure etc. I'm overwhelmed right now by the Colorado mapping stuff. Would anyone be willing to share a good starting point on a few units they might suggest for OTC elk second or third rifle seasons with reasonable access. We don't care about trophy quality, and don't mind working for the animal. But at the same time there is no way we can get out that way to do any scouting in advance.

I don't need specific locations, GPS coordinates, etc....I understand people want to keep them to themselves. I just want a few starting points where we can meet up, drive into the mountains, then backpack in for a spike camp. No horses, or 4 wheelers here, just boot leather.

If you want to assist, but don't want the world to know, a PM is just fine too. Thanks to Rokslide, and hope everyone has a safe and Happy new year.

 

[IdyllwildArcher]

Go back to the CO website. Find the statistics. Look at the units and how many people are hunting them and look at the success rates. Take the units with the best success statistics then compare them with pressure. Divide the square miles of wilderness by the number of people hunting. Let the numbers shrink your options down to 2 or 3.

If I were you, I would not limit myself to a geographical area based on a direct line between you and your friend. You're already crossing several states to hunt, why not go a little further for a better hunt since you're coming so far? As far as that goes, I wouldn't limit myself to just CO OTC. If I could magically tell you that you'd both score on bulls in ID and get skunked in CO, wouldn't you choose the extra mileage?

Do the research. The hunt is a week or two long, the memories last forever. Don't limit yourself to several hours for the planning.

 

[Jeff Martin]

Go back to the CO website. Find the statistics. Look at the units and how many people are hunting them and look at the success rates. Take the units with the best success statistics then compare them with pressure. Divide the square miles of wilderness by the number of people hunting. Let the numbers shrink your options down to 2 or 3.

If I were you, I would not limit myself to a geographical area based on a direct line between you and your friend. You're already crossing several states to hunt, why not go a little further for a better hunt since you're coming so far? As far as that goes, I wouldn't limit myself to just CO OTC. If I could magically tell you that you'd both score on bulls in ID and get skunked in CO, wouldn't you choose the extra mileage?

Do the research. The hunt is a week or two long, the memories last forever. Don't limit yourself to several hours for the planning.

Some of the best advice I have seen in a very long time...

 

[AZ Vince]

Some of the best advice I have seen in a very long time...

I concur.

 

[Schnagelbagel]

I like his formula for picking areas! Gonna give it a try. I think a lot of guys myself included looking at new states to hunt get overwhelmed at all the options. We all want success and want to put ourselfs in the best area possible. There are so many gmu's and what might make one better than another. I've asked his question a few times not even looking for info on where just how to go about getting started and what other guys use for resources. Never get much input???

 

[1hoda]

rbljack,

I live in Fort Collins and don't hunt elk in the units closest to me. Several reasons, but bottom line if you can't scout and want 2nd or 3rd rifle season I'd look at some of the higher elk concentration areas. You'll get more pressure but at least you'll also improve your odds. Without scouting, you could spend the whole week of the season in a low density area and not find the elk. Talking to the biologists / game managers will only take you so far in that regard as well.

If I were in your shoes, I'd look at Walden / north park areas (GMU 6, 16, 161, 17, 171). This will be closest decent concentration to Fort Collins and are OTC areas. If you are willing to drive a bit further, I'd try the Flat Tops (GMU 24 is right in the center, and the surrounding units have high elk populations with decent odds). Both places are OTC units with Wilderness space, will give you a sporting chance at a bull, and have some nice Colorado scenery to boot.

To avoid the heaviest hunting pressure, get the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) for your area (they are free and available from each office) and then cross those areas off - you will avoid the ATV crowd then.

As for the harvest stats, look at them then forget them. They are a mix of public / private, guided / unguided, lots of road access, wilderness, etc factors. I honestly don't find them very useful beyond a glance - maybe I'm just too dumb to use them effectively and to their full advantage.

Use Google Earth and topo maps to compliment the CPW Hunt Atlas should help also. I"ve found the HuntExplore maps to be useful when hunting new areas as they have a lot of information, well worth the $16. As with anywhere, the further you hike from the road the better your chances will usually be.

As for the game managers in each area - they can be a resource. The earlier you get in touch with them the better your chances are but don't be disappointed if you never hear back from some of them. Call the CPW Hunt Planners to get you started with the specifics here- it's a painful process but probably the best route.


Let me know if I can offer any more help. Good luck and enjoy the hunt!!

 

[rbljack]

All great inputs yall....I appreciate it. And as Schnagelbagel said, all the data becomes overwhelming when your searching from so far away for an area to hunt that you cant get to prior to hunting season. From what I saw on google earth, the areas closet to fort Collins looked more like a winter habitat, with lower lying foothills. We aren't against driving to a different area either, its just the point of origin that I found on the map. From there, I started doing the research on what Colorado has to offer. As I get a few recommendations, it helps that I can go back to the maps of the GMU's and look around more.

 

[bz_711]

rbljack,

I live in Fort Collins and don't hunt elk in the units closest to me. Several reasons, but bottom line if you can't scout and want 2nd or 3rd rifle season I'd look at some of the higher elk concentration areas. You'll get more pressure but at least you'll also improve your odds. Without scouting, you could spend the whole week of the season in a low density area and not find the elk. Talking to the biologists / game managers will only take you so far in that regard as well.

If I were in your shoes, I'd look at Walden / north park areas (GMU 6, 16, 161, 17, 171). This will be closest decent concentration to Fort Collins and are OTC areas. If you are willing to drive a bit further, I'd try the Flat Tops (GMU 24 is right in the center, and the surrounding units have high elk populations with decent odds). Both places are OTC units with Wilderness space, will give you a sporting chance at a bull, and have some nice Colorado scenery to boot.

To avoid the heaviest hunting pressure, get the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) for your area (they are free and available from each office) and then cross those areas off - you will avoid the ATV crowd then.

As for the harvest stats, look at them then forget them. They are a mix of public / private, guided / unguided, lots of road access, wilderness, etc factors. I honestly don't find them very useful beyond a glance - maybe I'm just too dumb to use them effectively and to their full advantage.

Use Google Earth and topo maps to compliment the CPW Hunt Atlas should help also. I"ve found the HuntExplore maps to be useful when hunting new areas as they have a lot of information, well worth the $16. As with anywhere, the further you hike from the road the better your chances will usually be.

As for the game managers in each area - they can be a resource. The earlier you get in touch with them the better your chances are but don't be disappointed if you never hear back from some of them. Call the CPW Hunt Planners to get you started with the specifics here- it's a painful process but probably the best route.


Let me know if I can offer any more help. Good luck and enjoy the hunt!!

Great info!

I have limited experience with only one unit, and only archery season OTC, so no idea what the elk are doing by gun season. Personally I like steep/rugged terrain, dark timber, and either Wilderness or poor access to keep the ATV's away and stay away from the "road" hunters. And even though the dark timber limits your range with a rifle, I think it would also limit the other rifle hunters you see...and there's nothing wrong with close shots. This is all "still hunting" style and not the spot/glassing style that many prefer...but it's what I've grown to love with a bow in hand.

The few times I've phoned a ranger district office, they have been very helpful, as well as the CPO's that have stopped and checked us while hunting.

I also think finding a unit that appears to fit your needs in the future would be nice also to start learning an area better for future hunts.

Good Luck! Please share your progress...

 

[crzy_cntryby]

Remember everyone wants to hunt close to where they live. Near FC, Denver and the Springs get a lot of lazy pressure. Enough to bump and ruin your hunt. Ihoda is right, go a bit further out.

 

[zman]

Looking for some advice. I've tried looking over the Colorado webpage, with their mapping program, and here is the situation.
My buddy lives in Minnesota, and I live in Texas. we both used to elk hunt together in the bighorns of WY, and then again in Idaho. we are going to try a few application drawings, but in the event that doesn't work out we may head to Colorado for an OTC rifle hunt.

The "meet in the middle" area would be Fort Collins. Looking for some assistance with picking a unit along that front and then south towards Denver. Moving west from Fort Collins or Denver is fine, but hoping to find something to keep the drive time down for each of us.

When we hunted in the past, we were able to get into wilderness areas which limited the amount of roads, hunting pressure etc. I'm overwhelmed right now by the Colorado mapping stuff. Would anyone be willing to share a good starting point on a few units they might suggest for OTC elk second or third rifle seasons with reasonable access. We don't care about trophy quality, and don't mind working for the animal. But at the same time there is no way we can get out that way to do any scouting in advance.

I don't need specific locations, GPS coordinates, etc....I understand people want to keep them to themselves. I just want a few starting points where we can meet up, drive into the mountains, then backpack in for a spike camp. No horses, or 4 wheelers here, just boot leather.

If you want to assist, but don't want the world to know, a PM is just fine too. Thanks to Rokslide, and hope everyone has a safe and Happy new year.

If the both of you are making a big commitment in time and money to go to Colorado you should call Jeff @ Antler Quest. Basically you tell him what you are looking for and he scouts for you. Prices vary, but I was headed out there last year for a 1st time hunt so I spent $750 with him and he got me photos, maps and sent me into a backcountry area and described where and how I should hunt. I found elk. Didn't kill one but that was more my fault than his... Anyway, check it out. Best money you'll spend on a first time hunt.

 

[Foldem]

If the both of you are making a big commitment in time and money to go to Colorado you should call Jeff @ Antler Quest. .

I would recommend that anybody considering this do some background research on Jeff Coldwell's wildlife record before you make a decision to support his business or not.

 

[Warren1726]

I would recommend that anybody considering this do some background research on Jeff Coldwell's wildlife record before you make a decision to support his business or not.

Yeah quick search shows this dude is not who you want to hunt with.

 

[HuntHarder]

Interesting read on Mr. Coldwell.. What a sh#@ Bag..

 

[Shrek]

From what I can find he pleaded guilty to a series of wildlife violations back in 2007 and paid a big fine and lost his hunting privileges for 22 years. He has paid and will continue to pay until 2029 but at what point do people let it go ? He's running a scouting service not hunting and we all need to make a living , even those who've sinned. Should we be condemned to hell forever for our sins or is there forgiveness for those who have paid their due and repented ? He plead guilty and did not fight or appeal and from what I could read he confessed when confronted by the Game Warden. Imo he's been held accountable for his actions and paid and from here on should be allowed to resume life in full. I'd bet the guy knows a lot about where to find game , needs to make a living , and you may want to pay for knowledge that you can't reasonably obtain on your own. I'm not into buying intel but you may be and he might have what you want. The hang them from a higher tree and piss on their grave crowd are probably over compensating for something and on the fast track to hell themselves.

 

[Foldem]

Never said hang 'em high and I have nothing to hide shrek, but thanks for the insightful accusation. I simply choose not to support people that have poached for profit and are still working in a hunting related business. I'm sure the op would like to know who is being recommended to him.

 

[Foldem]

And "some" wildlife violations was poaching multiple deer and leaving them to rot, minus the trophy heads of course. He used to be somewhat of a hero to guys on boards like this. Went by the handle deerking.

 

[Shrek]

Never said hang 'em high and I have nothing to hide shrek, but thanks for the insightful accusation. I simply choose not to support people that have poached for profit and are still working in a hunting related business. I'm sure the op would like to know who is being recommended to him.

So you feel he hasn't paid a high enough price and feel he should continue to be punished more and more extensively by not being able to offer scouting services ? Sounds like a higher tree and continuing to punish even after punishment has met out ie pissing on their grave. WWJD ?

 

[realunlucky]

Paying for scouting, photos, and maps on where animals are at!! WTF


Go hunt a high fenced ranch

This statement is out of line period.

 

[realunlucky]

I've never done it but it doesn't challenge ethics. Guess it's different to you if you panhandle the net for it

 

[HuntHarder]

Shrek.... Would you let a convicted thief run your finances for your company? He served his time in prison, so he must be good now....