Flat tops wilderness area colorado help

[Whitetail113]

hello everyone i am planning on hunting the 2nd rifle season for elk in the flat tops wilderness area in Colorado in unit 24. I was wondering if anyone has hunted there and have had success or have no success. any tips on hunting it or any info at all would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[buglelk]

Whitetail113,


I have never hunted there, but I've been there and it's beautiful elk country. You should have a great time. My guess is that like in most areas, if you hike hard, you'll find elk and have a good hunt. Good luck!

 

[MATT STRAW]

Whitetail,
I have hunted there the last 2 years and this will be my 3rd year. I helped a friend haul out a cow the first year and had an opportunity at a bull that just didnt happen. I got a cow last year opening morning. Like Corey said its beautiful and as soon as you see it you will know why it holds the states/countries/worlds largest elk heard. I have hunted near trappers lake and the entire valley going into it will hold elk. there seems to be lots of hunter traffic on all of the trails on the east side of the valley, picket pin, skinny fish etc. But for good reason, lots and lots of elk. the west side of the valley has alot of hunt traffic but almost all the shots heard seem to come from the east side, whatever thats worth. I think any where you decide on if you hunt hard and do your research and know what elk will be looking for you'll have a good hunt and possibly some opportunities at a bull.  Good luck!

 

[wapiti_will]

Been hunting unit 24 the last 6 years and harvested 4 elk.  My advice...find the nastiest looking, steep, thickly timbered hillside....then find the best food source nearby...then pick a strategic ambush point in between the two and be there before shooting light on opening day of the season.  Hasn't failed me yet.
Also, recommend you have tire chains for your 4x4.  I've had to deal with massive mud holes and feet of snow up there.  Guys have to get rescued up there all the time.  Few years back it was completely dry one morning...the next morning there were 20 inches of snow on the ground.  Good luck out there

 

[moonie]

DOes anyone have any suggestions on area 12 (I think just to the north of that area)? I live too far away (23+ hours drive), so any advice would be helpful. Thanks and God Bless.

 

[cliff6]

Every guy with a rifle hunts here,  Way too much pressure for me. We were drop camped in 3 hours by horse from Budge's outfitters and after opening day had hunters all around us. Tons of drop camps spotted all over the back country because of the large number of outfitters here. I would look at a drop camp anywhere else in the state.