OTC Colorado Archery Elk opportunity

[perm_dogg]

I'm sure this has been discussed at length elsewhere, but I'm getting dizzy trying to get a straight answer. Here's the low down;
- want to go DIY hunt on public, set up camp, fend for myself
- not picky on Bull or Cow, don't care about trophies
- willing to just buy small game and get my feet wet.- have gear and experience
My big concern is WHERE do I goe? Where can I go park a truck and head into the hills to bow hunt without trespassing?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Anywhere with an open season and public land.

 

[perm_dogg]

Anywhere with an open season and public land.

That's what I'm struggling to find. Some say there's tons of available areas. Others say the days of OTC are gone. I also tried emailing CO DNR but no responses. Give me a town and I'll pack the truck. Ha ha

 

[WeiserBucks]

Nobody is going to tell you where to go in particular.

 

[perm_dogg]

Nobody is going to tell you where to go in particular.

So I've noticed I get it. But I'm not asking for a particular spot. Just a general area to start. Like, "try the Gunnison area" you know "Learn the lay of the land" and all that good stuff. It's going to be a shot in the dark regardless.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Not trying to be rude but you're not going to receive that kind of information from this crowd. Research the regs, secure a tag and go enjoy yourself.

 

[ShakeDown]

Page 39 of the big game brochure. Pick a unit and find National forest and / or BLM.

 

[realunlucky]

So I've noticed I get it. But I'm not asking for a particular spot. Just a general area to start. Like, "try the Gunnison area" you know "Learn the lay of the land" and all that good stuff. It's going to be a shot in the dark regardless.

Ok try the Gunnison area there are plenty of elk there

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

 

[perm_dogg]

Page 39 of the big game brochure. Pick a unit and find National forest and / or BLM.

View attachment 763004

Appreciate this. Kinda where I'm confused. All gray "valid" units are legally huntable with a tag? I'm honestly just trying to avoid driving all the way there without a solid place to park and possibly camp if needed.

 

[ShakeDown]

Yes all gray are valid. Shoot for W of I25, not much E of Denver.

 

[ShakeDown]

Also, I would not recommend near Gunny… as those 5 surrounding units are draw only

 

[perm_dogg]

Also, I would not recommend near Gunny… as those 5 surrounding units are draw only

Thank you! Exactly the type of advice I need. Appreciate it.

 

[CarterHunt]

Look for big brown signs that say "_______ National Forest" in cursive

 

[ScreamingPotato]

OP, you've got a little more homework to do before anyone here can even be useful.

Give CO game and fish a phone call, they're going to answer a lot over the phone. It seems like you may be confused over public land use rules, not all states have true public land so I can understand it can be a foreign concept. Mostly national Forest and BLM usually you can use, assuming it overlaps the boundaries of your OTC unit. Also you can actually call and speak to Forest service people if you're really confused. Heck you can walk into a guard shack and talk to them in person. You need to know where you're at especially if you're super confused, get the one-state subscription to OnX maps app and learn how to use it. It will help reinforce your knowledge.

 

[Elktaco]

Montrose. Unit 62 and 65. Ton of public land.

 

[Praynprey]

Not trying to be a jerk, but packing up the truck during the second week of archery with only knowing the destination is a recipe for an unfilled tag, disappointing/horrible first experience and possibly disaster. Most people spend a year trying to figure out how to make it happen. Couple questions you need to ask:

*Do I have the right gear for the mountains? Temps range wildly down to below freezing with snow and possibly 80s during the day. The wrong gear will get you hurt
* Are you in shape to be able to hunt at 10,000 ft?
* Do you know the regs?
* would it be better to wait so you can plan better?


Also as a side note OTC Archery will be eliminated in CO next year.

 

[perm_dogg]

Been "studying" for at least a year. Just forgot to do the most important part. Figure out where to go. I have the gear. (Stupid expensive gear at that. And yes I know expensive doesn't mean perfect)
I workout 5 days a week at minimum, hike with 50lbs up and down hills or "train" constantly. More in the past few months. Outside of hunting, I love primitive camping. It's a passion. I've climbed a mountain in MTY MX in gym shoes and a cell phone for a light (not smart!) Other than never Elk Hunting. I think I check all the other boxes. All fair questions/concerns. But as most tell me. "just gotta get out and do it and go from there"

 

[Dos Perros]

I think a one-state OnX membership would be worth it here.

 

[perm_dogg]

I think a one-state OnX membership would be worth it here.

On X Elite guy here Although, admittedly, not 100% familiar with the ins and outs of the app. For everyone's information in hopes to not sound quite so ignorant.... I am actively researching and looking into all this rigorously. Every day. This is my dart at the board attempt for an easy button. Ha ha

 

[sndmn11]

Thank you! Exactly the type of advice I need. Appreciate it.

There's no OTC units around Gunnison, so, not exactly.

"just gotta get out and do it and go from there"

Try that on any BLM or USFS land in the gray shaded units in the map above.