I'm sure it's on here, and I'm sure I could piece the info together, but I'm hoping to avoif eliminating units 1 by 1 if there's another option (computer time goes to school these days). Here goes...
I'm going to be joined by some friends next year for what is shaping up to be a 2nd season (rifle), OTC, public land, DIY dealio. Good dudes, but a very wide range of experience (none of them have done a DIY western hunt, most have done some guided big-game hunts and probably a decent variety of other hunting), an even wider range physical fitness amend them (ranging from legit athletes to... otherwise), etc.
To an extent we'll be limited to road camping, ATV's, and whatever the least motivated/physically fit person can manage from there. My experience is limited to the middle of the state (Gunnison), and I can't think of anywhere I've hunted that didn't involve a steep climb (and a couple hours of it) to get where I wanted to be. That seems to do okay for car camping and a bit of physical exertion. One or two just aren't up for 1000ft elevation change first thing in the morning (according to me, not them).
If possible, I'd also love to be in an area nearby where 2 of us could pack a camp in a couple miles and start hunting from it. The areas I've been seem to fall short here; anywhere you've walked more than 2 miles from a road, you're not getting deeper, just getting closer to the next road.
I think I've tempered expectations pretty well, and they aren't gonna pitch a fit if we don't all take record bulls or anything, but if this unicorn GMU had some shiny sign on the ground and a more-than-zero chance that they'll have an opportunity while hunting the low-hanging fruit, that'd be pretty cool.
Basically, I'm looking for a pool. A public pool. One with a deep end and a shallow end. Beautiful lifeguards, lack of Snickers bars floating in the water, and a parking lot I won't get robbed in are all just "fluff" if we can just find the damn pool.
My gut is telling me that means going to the Western edge of the state, but if anyone wants to throw me a bone, point me in the right direction, etc... much obliged. Just want everyone to get out alive, have some fun, have a... reasonable chance of success, and allow me and another guy to be within a hike and ride on the ATV away from the main group.
This might be feasible, but if it's the dumbest thing you've ever heard it won't hurt my feelings to say so. But... if you tell me this might not be a disaster you'll might just make my day!
I'm going to be joined by some friends next year for what is shaping up to be a 2nd season (rifle), OTC, public land, DIY dealio. Good dudes, but a very wide range of experience (none of them have done a DIY western hunt, most have done some guided big-game hunts and probably a decent variety of other hunting), an even wider range physical fitness amend them (ranging from legit athletes to... otherwise), etc.
To an extent we'll be limited to road camping, ATV's, and whatever the least motivated/physically fit person can manage from there. My experience is limited to the middle of the state (Gunnison), and I can't think of anywhere I've hunted that didn't involve a steep climb (and a couple hours of it) to get where I wanted to be. That seems to do okay for car camping and a bit of physical exertion. One or two just aren't up for 1000ft elevation change first thing in the morning (according to me, not them).
If possible, I'd also love to be in an area nearby where 2 of us could pack a camp in a couple miles and start hunting from it. The areas I've been seem to fall short here; anywhere you've walked more than 2 miles from a road, you're not getting deeper, just getting closer to the next road.
I think I've tempered expectations pretty well, and they aren't gonna pitch a fit if we don't all take record bulls or anything, but if this unicorn GMU had some shiny sign on the ground and a more-than-zero chance that they'll have an opportunity while hunting the low-hanging fruit, that'd be pretty cool.
Basically, I'm looking for a pool. A public pool. One with a deep end and a shallow end. Beautiful lifeguards, lack of Snickers bars floating in the water, and a parking lot I won't get robbed in are all just "fluff" if we can just find the damn pool.
My gut is telling me that means going to the Western edge of the state, but if anyone wants to throw me a bone, point me in the right direction, etc... much obliged. Just want everyone to get out alive, have some fun, have a... reasonable chance of success, and allow me and another guy to be within a hike and ride on the ATV away from the main group.
This might be feasible, but if it's the dumbest thing you've ever heard it won't hurt my feelings to say so. But... if you tell me this might not be a disaster you'll might just make my day!
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