Rookie looking for OTC advice in CO

[Oobray]

Hello guys, I'm a rookie elk hunter (never been actually) from oklahoma. I'm a season whitetail hunter and I'm hoping to do an otc either sex hunt next September. I'd like to keep it not too far from Trinidad. Mostly because I figure the closer it is to home the more likely I am to be able to get a scouting trip or two in this summer. Anyone with any tips? I don't mind backpacking (although I'll be by myself) and I've got a decent 4x4 if I have to/can drive forest service roads. I'd like to shoot a bull but I'm sure I'd be happy with almost any bull, but I would be ecstatic to shoot a cow too. I shoot a recurve so 25yds is about my limit. Any guidance would be much appreciated.

 

[justinspicher]

Send me a pm with your number. I'll help in anyway I can. I'm out in SW Colorado and hunt with a recurve as well.

 

[W.D. Crawford]

View attachment 45316 Here is something to keep you going! A Colorado recurve Bull.

 

[Jimss]

Once you have a unit narrowed down I'd get out some topos and circle the biggest chunks of land with 0 roads or trails. Your best bet for success is to get 3 to 5 miles off the road so you get away from road hunters. Most road hunters are usually willing to hike that distance. OTC means GOBS of hunters so do everything in your power to find isolated spots to hunt! Where there are roads and trails in Colo OTC units expect to have company!

Just remember, once you get a bull down you have a long ways to pack them out. A boned bull plus backpack camp will likely take around 3 to 5 trips to haul out. A If you are alone it can be a challenge getting a bull out in Sept before it spoils! There is an incredible learning curve for hunting OTC elk in Colo. It may take several years before you start figuring things out....so dig in and give it your best shot!

 

[Oobray]

Thanks for the advice. Justin I'll send you a PM. I'm open to any units in southern Colorado, any suggestions? I know it's going to be tough to pack this thing out (should I be lucky enough). Especially by myself. How much meat boned out should I plan for? 300#? That'd be atleast three trips. Assuming the terrain would allow me to carry 100# each time. And because I only weigh about 175# that's probably wishful thinking.

 

[justinspicher]

Anything is possible......until reality sets in. I personally believe four or five trips with a lighter load is better than a couple heavy loads. But that's just me. I'm planning on spending the entire archery season in our wilderness area down here. You're welcome to come out. I scouted it several times last summer and will scout again this summer.

 

[Felix40]

I'd expect more like 200 pounds of meat. That's still gonna be 3 trips unless you are in awesome shape or on tame terrain. Then plan on going back for camp. Just remember when scouting online that it can take 8-10 hours to cover 3-4 miles depending on the terrain. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Just go into the whole hunt with the expectation that it's gonna be a lot harder than it looks and you will have a good time.

 

[Jimss]

As Justinspicher eluded to, it may be a great idea to go out during the summer to scout and get a feel for what you are up against. That will definitely give you a running start once hunting season comes along. As I mentioned before the learning curve on country elk hunting is incredible. Most guys tend to pack way to much gear and clothes which makes it nearly impossible to remain very mobile....and will poop you out! You'll get a feel for what you should have left home as well as what you may need. If you are from low elevation you'll also get a feel for what a 50 to 80 lb pack feels like in steep country at 8,000 to 13,000' elevation!

 

[wewarev]

Justinspicher, I sent you a pm

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[ElkNut1]

My advice is to give yourself a bit more of a chance by being proficient out to 35 yards with your recurve!

ElkNut1

 

[KMT]

It seems like most of my elk range from 190 to 240 pounds of meat. Not antlers, or hide or skull...meat only. If you're by yourself, count on that plus everything else, ncluding your camp if you pack in. And that's probably another 45-50 pounds. 3 or 4 miles looks really easy on google earth. It's a whole different story when you're walking in the woods. You have plenty of elevation changes and deadfall to contend with while lugging a 70-100 pound pack. It can be done. Only you know what you're capable of.

 

[W.D. Crawford]

My advice is to give yourself a bit more of a chance by being proficient out to 35 yards with your recurve!

ElkNut1

Good advice!

 

[HOT ROD]

A lot of good advice here. Pick a unit that fits Ur hunting style. U have to find the elk to kill them. I think to many people find a good spot. May be sum fresh sing from a day or two. And they just stay put. Keep moving until U find them..Dont be afraid of moving camp. Or just trying another spot in the unit. Try to stick with the unit that U pick. It will take a couple years to learn it well. And the elk that are in it.. To many people think the grass is greener on the other side... Go with plan A,B.C&D.... good luck

 

[JD619er]

I agree with HOT ROD...research and pick a unit and learn that unit because there are elk there you just have to find them!

 

[cnelk]

No need to go deep when you learn your elk country!

My son in 2015 - Colorado OTC Public Land

http://vid207.photobucket.com/albums/bb62/cnelk/2015_ Cole Archery Elk/DSCN7983_zpsv4gjbvl4.mp4

http://vid207.photobucket.com/albums/bb62/cnelk/2015_ Cole Archery Elk/DSCN7996_zpsxbp4jyor.mp4

Good luck!

 

[TurkeyBowMaster]

25 yards will put you outside of where at least 75 percent of elk are killed so I would put any pressure on myself to get better. Sure, try to get better but don't let it consume you. It easy to regress with a recurve when putting pressure on yourself to get better so you have to be careful how you go about it. I know because my shooting over the summer regressed enough that I felt it would be unethical to hunt with it and just took my compound. Got a 24 yardish shot with it broadside standing still and probably could have killed it with my recurve but who knows.

I started focusing on the shooting process rather than the results and I am pushing 30 yard accuracy for elk size game at the moment.

As far as Colorado elk, Justin has offered to help so take what he is willing to give. Its commendable how trad guys help each other.

 

[njdoxie]

Anything is possible......until reality sets in.

Oh so true! Especially when you're sitting behind a computer well rested and well fed.

 

[Oobray]

Thank you guys so much for the advice. I think I'm going to statist the 25 yard limit. More so for the worry of lack of energy with a recurve past that distance than accuracy. I can consistently shoot 3D white tails to 40yds but I'm not sure my 504gr arrow going 155fps at release would penetrate enough at 35yds.

 

[Transition Wild]

If you do end up doing a scouting trip, I would spend the majority of your time locating access to certain areas so that you have multiple options to fall back on if plan A & B don't work out. Yes, you want to find sign and try to locate elk but there are too many factors to know where they will be when you get out to hunt. Best of luck - either way, you will have the time of your life!

 

[Whip]

Thank you guys so much for the advice. I think I'm going to statist the 25 yard limit. More so for the worry of lack of energy with a recurve past that distance than accuracy. I can consistently shoot 3D white tails to 40yds but I'm not sure my 504gr arrow going 155fps at release would penetrate enough at 35yds.

25 and under can do it. I've killed 4 bulls and a couple of cows all at or under 25 yards (closest was 8!), and all with a recurve or Longbow. A lot of what determines your potential shot distance comes from your set up. Put yourself in a place where a close shot is likely. You can do it!