Scouting for elk is as much about learning the country as it is about finding elk. Now 4 hunters were 100% successful, but I bet they were all local guys that knew exactly where to go.Antlerless elk hunters did even worse (zero for 72). They will be in places where most people don’t want to go. I’m looking to help change his mind and try a new unit? Any additional advice (gear, tactics, etc.) After 20 years of hunting the area, that will be hard to replace.Perhaps they are more satisfied with their hunts despite no harvest than you are.I have a question for you. Been there did that, l am a 85 year old retired Elk hunter. Any chance of finding out from you the best areas.
You have been hunting for 4 years. If you were in my situation, what unit would you hunt if it were your last shot at a bull elk? I have been out elk hunting a couple times here, but have not had any success.
Or will you have to climb to find them?Your hunt is only a 5 day hunt, so you don’t have time to mess around. I just finished reading your DIY Elk Hunting Guide, thanks!!! Don’t get into the habit of hanging around camp in the middle of the day. You will learn what you need to know.Thanks for all the great info. Look for flat benches in steep terrain. (Moved to this post by Backcountrychronicles.com)Paul: Sorry for the slow response, but I’ve been visiting relatives back in NC and VA and fishing. old, coming in fall of 2019 to hunt elk in unit 70, This is my first time out west to hunt,can you tell me anything about this unit.I think we hunt the 3rd rifle season.Do I start my hunt high or low,any tips would be very helpful. A lot of hunters, but most of the hunting was done walking the forest in the area of Navajo Peak. I have been using OnX data along with other state available data but was wondering if you had any experience with this unit and if you had any recommended areas to start with. For hunter success, neither unit made the top 20, but two of those unites were above the state wide average (GMU 74; 24th place at 12.8% success & unit 77, 27th place at 12.3%). I’m from Lebanon Junction Ky. Any elk in the location? Would love to hear your feedback!Hi Hannah: The management of Unit 74 has changed over the past 20 years. Hi Hannah: The management of Unit 74 has changed over the past 20 years. I feel this creates an oversaturation of hunters. Also looking at area 35 Any insight on the options would be welcome. I will be hunting 1st season rifle on the Hermosa Creek Trail Head just above Durango. Colorado unit 74. Didn’t get a shot, but had a nice one at 70 yards the first evening at dark, was full draw but didn’t shoot. Of course, some areas can get very crowded, but with a few days to scout, you should be able to find less crowded areas.Also, some hunters will go deep to find elk and they almost always bump elk (I know I bump elk that other people may get to see), those elk have to go somewhere and they might just run over you.These tables are just to help you get started with the selection process. Thanks in advance.Hi Caegan. I finally got my elk this year in an area I had never scouted or hunted before. I will probably be limited to where I can hunt before another 10 seasons pass.But looking for easy access will probably guarantee you will be crowded with others looking for the same.One reason I recommend the first time a hunter goes to a new areas they should choose a unit where lots of elk were harvested. Joined May 5, 2017 Messages 63. Are the fire roads in good shape or should I try to travel with just the truck? Not just the days you find elk.What a great read. I wish someone were trying to get a package for me… I would probably trade it for an Alaskan Fishing trip, because I know where to find elk and I prefer to do it myself anyway.I have drawn a 1st season elk tag for units 77, 78, 771. What tips do you have for going on such a short hunt? Our group has plenty of hunting experience(just not with elk) and most of us are avid backpackers so mobility and terrain shouldn’t be a limiting factor. But there is no substitute for actually hunting. You will either find elk or the elk signs will tell you if you need to go up or down. Do you have any suggestions on areas I should scout? This year, it took me 22 days (11 days into 3rd season). Some days I put 12 miles or more on my boots and I am willing to go to the hard places and do the hard work. So it’s time for the grand and great kids to take over. Spend more time learning how to access your unit and getting into shape than crunching numbers. getting my wife and kids their elk. Heaviest tree cover in the Southern Rockies will be on North facing slopes.