Any help??

[Stevieray]

Myself and 2 buddies are driving to Colorado this year for our first elk hunt from South Carolina. Sorting through the endless pages of information on line to try to figure out where to go. We are planning a third season otc bull hunt on public land. Did I mention none of us have ever been over the Mississippi river. I've got a friend in Denver but he's not a hunter. I was wondering if we buy otc tags can we hunt any game unit allowing those tags or do we have to purchase one for a specific game unit? We are considering 441, 4, 5 or 31 and 32 in the western part of the state. We will have a side by side and 4 wheel drive but don't mind walking a few miles either. I would rather not get one than be around a thousand people hunting. Never done anything like this and any information would be greatly appreciated

 

[Arrows4Elk]

Hey Stevie,


The new 2016 Colorado Big-Game regs book just came out. You can download it on CPW's website. You should spend some time to get familiar with everything in it before your trip. Big game applications for 2016 are open now through beginning of April.


That said, for many units (excluding trophy GMU's) you can buy general OTC bull tags for 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. All rifle season cow tags are draw only, but many units don't require any preference points to draw one. If you are an archer, there are general OTC either sex and cow tags good for most units, again excluding trophy GMU's.


The one piece of advice I can give you is, get into the best possible shape you can before your trip. You will need to put a lot of miles on your boots in rough country and at considerable elevation.


Sorry, cant tell you which units to hunt ; )  Good luck!

 

[usmcvet]

Make sure to invest in chains for your tires and a winch. My first year out was third rifle season. I drove back into the NF when it was sunny. Coming out was a different story. If it wasn't for the sales rep at NAPA advising me to invest in chains I would have been stuck back there even though I have 4x4. It's not just the snow, rain will make those back roads extremely slick. Saw a whole bunch of guys sliding off trail and into trees.
Also, when you set up camp look out for widow makers. Back to that first year we had high winds come through and all throughout the night we could hear the huge pines smashing down. Pine beetles have devasted the pines leaving huge dead trees (widow makers) standing. It's hard to sleep at night wondering if one of those has your name on it.

 

[Stevieray]

Thanks for the help. Not much elevation or snow where we are from. We are all in pretty good shape. Ironworkers can't get to fat...  We are as ready as we are going to be just hoping this doesn't turn in to a very expensive scouting trip. SC has no limit on whitetails but alot of hunters so we are going to try to get away and see some different country. Again thanks

 

[montanaelk31]

I'll tell you what I tell to every new elk hunter on this site. Invest in the University of Elk Hunting Instructional dvd on this site.  Theres a link at the bottom of this page. Doesn't matter where you go in Colorado, you will have some people to deal with (just like Montana).  Don't let it bum you out.
Also, Elk hunting is the absolutely worst, depressing, and frustrating hunting you've ever done....until you get into the elk.  Luck can and will change in a matter of minutes. Stay positive...the elk are there! Good luck!

 

[usmcvet]

I'm from NC so we share similar elevations. Being in shape helps but it it's not an absolute protection from altitude sickness. If you drive out that helps rather than flying. Take ibuprofen at least 30 minutes before heading up the mountain and keep yourself hydrated. Go slow and steady making sure your body gets acclimated and you should be good to go.

 

[tn ehunter]

Like the guy said get chains the time I went out in CO I was in rolled up sleeves at lunch and by 5 there was 4" on the ground if I had not had chains we would not have got back to camp. Talk to your doctor about high altitude sickness it is like you are breathing through a small straw and you can get headaches to be careful but be prepared the weather is unforgiving also buy one ofthose new masks to help you breath better I do think they would be worth the cost. One thing I got off a hunting show wax your gun that way water runs off it. If you find where elk have been crossing a gap watch it I found one and went on up the mountain hunting and came back 3-4 hrs later and found bull and cow tracks over my tracks if I had just stayed put I would of saw what made the tracks. Get wind puffers and USE THEM a LOT. Carry a sling shot and you may get some grouse (mm good). Main thing have FUN and make MEMORIES!! Also take 1 extra gun just in case and make sure you have real good ammo or what ever you use also get a rangefinder. Make sure and take some Gatorade mix and drink 1gatorade for 3water and if you feel real tired drink more electrolytes ok(been there done that) get some magnesium and potassium and take them to help from getting so tired which you will be from all the walking. Good Luck remember always prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Those who fail to prepare prepare to FAIL!! 
Thanks DT in E TN    Eph.3:20      1st Kings 21:3