Colorado Elk Hunting

[kansasity]

I am booking a elk hunting trip for 2012 in CO in units 48, and 49. Any help on where to stay, area's to hunt, ect? I think we are thinking of the Leadville area. Thanks for any help. Mike

[Stu]

Is this a DIY hunt, or are you going w/ an outfitter (fully guided or drop camp)?

[kansasity]

Originally Posted by Stu

Is this a DIY hunt, or are you going w/ an outfitter (fully guided or drop camp)?

Stu, this is a first timers do it yourself trip. I've never elk hunted but it is my dream hunt. A kid I know has some family out there that want to pay me back for a rescue we did for a young man named Jacob. Thats all they do is fish, hunt, and scout I guess. I dont know alot about it to be honest with you.

[USArmy11]

Units 48 and 49 are tough walking. Get a good pair of boots and start out high with good optics (binos work fine for me and are smaller) and start looking sunny side of open mountains. Start picking your way down to the bottoms after the sun has been up for an hour or so when they move into cover again. Not sure what season you are hunting, but the Rut is middle to end of Sept and goes through Oct depending on the weather. Make sure you pack warm clothes but be prepared for hot temperatures as well. I wish you all the luck in the world!! I am going up to 161 to secure yet another bull during bow season. I hope this year will make it 4 years in a row with some bone on the wall. Let me know if you need anything, I hunt all over the state and have been personally to 48 and took out a cow in 2010.

[fireboat]

Originally Posted by kansasity

I am booking a elk hunting trip for 2012 in CO in units 48, and 49. Any help on where to stay, area's to hunt, ect? I think we are thinking of the Leadville area. Thanks for any help. Mike

Unit 48 is a draw only unit for Elk unless you can buy some landowner vouchers. I've been hunting #48 for the past 6 yrs. Send me an e-mail I might be able to help.

[Morton]

Just Curious ... what do the people do that drew tags for the areas that burned? Are they just SOL?

Morton

[USArmy11]

Originally Posted by Morton

Just Curious ... what do the people do that drew tags for the areas that burned? Are they just SOL?

Morton

The unit I grew up in is up north of Fort Collins. I am not hunting this year due to being deployed, however from what I have heard from my family back home is that they will give you an option to hunt a different unit. Or you can sit on the couch and watch hunting shows. If it was burned, I would have to choose another unit. Check out north of Walden out by Pearl. Its up in the routte. Great area 4 bulls with my bow in 4 years. Over the counter either sex bow tags too. Deer and rifle are another story though.

[Morton]

Thanks for the response ... at least people have some options ... I just didn't know.
Thanks for your service.

Morton

[DTC]

Along with the good walking boots, make sure you break them in real well beforehand. If you are a flatlander (like myself), it may take you three days to adjust to the altitude. Those three days will kick your backside, so do whatever you can to get in shape.....if you can run 3-5 miles comfortably before hand you will be in decent shape...also, toning up via some moderate weight lifting would not hurt either. Good luck!!