Colorado GMU 4, 1st Rifle Season

[BOWHUNTERZ7]

Hi, This will be my first trip out west for elk. We decided to hunt gmu 4 based on the amount of elk and we have a buddy that allowed us to camp right outside the routt national forest. Thing is, we are going to do most of out hunting by foot from camp. So we will be hunting places near mt welba, mt oliphant, and black mountain.  Would this be worth hunting in the first season or should we just get in the truck and go somewhere else. I know it will be hard to get away from other hunters in this unit but we sure would like to put the effort in to do so.  Thanks for any help

 

[BOWHUNTERZ7]

Also,How can you figure out which roads are closed in the national forests.  The routt is loaded with roads but I know some of them close during hunting season. Im trying to get as far away from roads and other hunters as possible.

 

[Speezer87]

I camped and hunted out of freeman res a couple years ago during 2nd rifle season. didnt get into any elk but did see tons of sign, fresh rubs, and a couple older wallows.  We did like a 6 miles loop up black mountain and down the west side back to the res.  I would say for 1st season if it is still hot get up high, or into some darker north facing timber.  you shouldnt have a problem getting away from roads, they are some big patches of roadless woods in there.  But as far as telling what roads are closed and what isnt trying looking up routt national forest and look for the road closure table.  Should give you some idea as to what is open and what isnt, my biggest thing is trying to figure out before I get to my spot if the road is travelable or not (is it too rough for my car)  Hope this helps, and best of luck to you

 

[jvanhoy]

Good luck. Ill be hunting unit 5 for archery here in 3 weeks. Google CO hunting atlas. Go to it and put in your unit than on the left click mvum (motor vehicle usage map) this will overlay any roads that are open for travel including motorcycle only and four wheeler trails. You can change the map on the right hand side to sat image or topo maps. It's pretty awesome.

 

[BOWHUNTERZ7]

Thanks for the replies.

Ill have to check out the colorado hunting atlas, sounds like it will be useful. What would you do opening morning of 1st rifle.  Try to catch them on their normal feeding and bedding habit? Or try to find the area of timber they will go to after other hunters start chasing them.

 

[jvanhoy]

I've only archery hunted but I've read alot on the hunter induced migration of elk from nat forest to private land in those units. I would belooking for travel routes and pinch points in between where most hunters will access and the private they will push elk to. Good luck hope you bust one!

 

[BOWHUNTERZ7]

Thanks for the help.  The colorado hunting atlas has been very useful.

 

[jvanhoy]

No problem. Good luck Ill let you know how unit 5 goes. Your tag should be good for it also.