units

[SierraFool]

With all the OTC units to choose from how did you choose your first elk hunt? I will be hunting archery opener so I know that elk should be in the higher areas.
I am used to hunting deer in bachelor herds above timberline but I\'m sure I will have to drop down a bit right? Anyone that hunts early archery that can shed some light on this let me know....

 

[americanbwana]

What is your camping preference? Camper, tent, bivy?

How far are you willing to walk in a day?

As for me, I\'m planning on setting up my spike camp @ 10 k or so. My new area has elevations from 9200 - over 12 k within a three mile radius.

AB

 

[cohunter14]

This question seems to be coming up a lot lately. The first thing I will say is that there are many ways to go about it, and no way is right or wrong. You could just as easily throw a map on the wall of the available OTC units and throw a dart at them. But you could also look at heard sizes, CPW statistics which show number of hunters as well as success rate (although the success rate is nowhere close to a solid number). I would also suggest calling the CPW offices in those areas and speak with the wildlife officer. Typically, they handle a pretty good size area and can tell you if one area or unit is better than another.

Like I say, there is no right or wrong decision when it comes down to it. Basically every unit west of I-25 holds elk (and some east of I-25), it is just a matter of finding them once you decide on where to go.

 

[SierraFool]

I like the dart idea!!!! with limited scouting time and it being my first elk hunt i mine as well....

 

[cnelk]

My first elk happened before the Internet was even gleam in Al Gore\'s eye.
These days I think with the internet, the probability of find some good elk spots should take a few hours online and then some boot leather to confirm.

Even tho I have hunted my areas for 25 years, I use the below link A LOT!!!
And Google Earth too

<!-- m --><a class=\"postlink\" href=\"http://ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu/huntingatlas/\">http://ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu/huntingatlas/</a><!-- m -->

 

[SierraFool]

Now thats a tool!!! Thanks!!!

 

[sojourner65]

About the stats page, how do they arrive at the total number of hunters in a specific WMU? When you buy OTC, do you specify, or is there a survey you must complete?

 

[americanbwana]

It is an estimate.

They\'ll usually nag you about the survey within a month from the closing day.