Need Help with CO Unit 61

[CountingCoo]

Hello,

I've drawn a 2nd season bull tag for unit 61. I'm looking for some info from anyone who has hunted this season for bull or cow. I'm trying to figure out where most of the hunting pressure is going to be and just how far the elk are going to be pushed off of Divide Road. At this point I'm focusing my scouting on the oak brush areas at the base of the plateau and on some of the more remote canyons. I know that the Divide Road will eb crawling with hunters but I have no idea what to expect in the lower areas. Any help would be appreciated!

Regards,
Don

 

[BC1]

Are you a CO resident? 61 is a treasure. After archery, muzzle, and 1st season they could be lower. How many points to get in?

 

[CountingCoo]

Are you a CO resident? 61 is a treasure. After archery, muzzle, and 1st season they could be lower. How many points to get in?

I am a resident and it took 7 points for the tag.

 

[jls456]

Wow. you got a very Good chance at a bull (or a monster buck)!!!!!
I have hunted that area since 1979. Did very well,cause I have learned the area. Use to be able to buy your license at Gene Taylors in Grand Junction,over the counter...........now, I'm At 7 PP for deer and still didnt draw as a NR,however I have 17 PP for elk. Just waiting for the economy to improve. All I can suggest is get away from Divide Road.and walk. Make sure you have tire chains,though.
1, 33 " buck,1, 29"buck 2, 28" bucks,and more, and always a hell of a good time. Forgot, 2 Cow Elk...........and seen some nice Bulls ,but no tag.......

 

[richw]

give Rick Webb at dark timber outfitters a call @970 325 7268 hes a really good guy and could help you out he guides there and run pack trips in the summer and good luck
richw

 

[CountingCoo]

Thanks for the replies! I'm heading up this weekend to camp and scout. Have two good looking areas I'm going to explore.

 

[BigDog]

I second the advice of getting in touch with Rick of Dark Timber. I went out with them last year and got my first elk. They really know that country.

 

[manzanamangler]

colo elk 61 2nd season

i hunted the 3rd season for bucks in 2003. i only hunted in the north, near wolf hill. i saw 2 bulls, still with cows, a 5x5 and 6x6. they were out on the bluff/roadless area between outlaw and the upper mesa. if you have access to a motorcycle or trailbike, you can gain access to most trails. quads are stuck on jeep roads. i saw most of the game 1k plus yard off of the roads. i was told the better elk hunting was in the southern portion of the unit, 1 of the park areas. i also saw a good bull in yellow jacket canyon, but it is completely roadless. goodluck, let me know how you do and how many big bucks/bulls you see. i have 13 pts. for elk & 7 for deer. i might get to go back soon.

 

[CountingCoo]

Manzanamangler,

Thanks for the reply! I was planning on scouting Bear Canyon next weekend and will add YellowJacket as it's nearby. I saw a great buck a couple of weeks ago on top of the the flat near Wolf Hill. Can't find "Outlaw" on my maps but I think I know where you are talking about. Is this area NW from the end of the Plateau?

Thanks again!

 

[COHunter]

Curious to know how your scouting trips go. I plan on throwing my points in the pot next year for 1st rifle. Where you at in State, Eastern or Western slope?

 

[CountingCoo]

I'm in Ouray, not far from the Plateau. I plan to scout all summer and right up to the beginning of the season. I've done several trips up already and haven't seen many elk, and no mature bulls. I've been hiking midday for the most part though and staying down fairly low. Seems the elk are concentrated over in 62 at the moment. I'm starting to narrow down some specific areas now and plan to start doing some much more intense scoting strating next weekend.

 

[manzanamangler]

YES, IT STARTS AROUND WOLF HILL AND EXTENDS TO THE NORTH THE JEEP ROAD AT WOLF HILL TRAILS THE EDGE OF THE BLUFF AND ENDS AT A RADIO TOWER. OUTLAW MESA IS BETWEEN THE BLUFF AND GATEWAY. IF YOU HAVE HORSES I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO CHECK OUT TABAGACHE CYN. THERE ARE ALSO THREE CANYONS IN THE SOUTH. ONE IS THIRD PARK, I BELIEVE. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD HIGHER ELK NUMBERS. WHEN I HUNTED IT IN O3 THE MAJOR PROBLEM THAT I SAW WAS NOBODY LEFT THE TRUCK. WAY TO MUCH COVER FOR THE GAME TO HIDE. GOODLUCK

 

[CountingCoo]

That was the first area I circled when still looking at maps! Have not quite figured out how to get a bull out of there yet though. Would require some permissions from private land owners toward the highway. Gonna work on that. I have heard that the bigger bulls come out of the north end AND that the bigger bulls come out of the south end. Looking at outfitter pics I'd have to say that big bulls come out of both ends.

 

[snoopdogg]

Don't want to hijack the thread, but do any of you have experience with elk in 70 during the 3rd season. I'll take any suggestions or information.