Need info on unit 61 in Colorado for elk/mule deer

[NORTHMAN56751]

Wondering if anyone has some info. on GMU 61 in Colorado for elk and maybe mule deer hunting.

Our group has now accum.. 12 prefernce points (4 of us) and are looking at applying for this unit this coming year (09') .
2 of us also have 6 mule deer points and it looks like we have a chance of drawing those also.

Wondering what to expect in this area as far as terrain, sizes on average bulls/bucks, good areas to look at.

Looking at hiring an outfitter also, preferably a horseback hunt.

Any other areas that would be better with these amount of points???

Would appreciate any information given.

Thanks,
Brett

 

[riplake]

Slim info , but hope this helpd a bit.

I hunted in the Unit on the other side of the canyon from this hoping a big boy from that unit would get lost.

Didn't work.

My friend who has hunted Colorado for 20 + years is at the same point level youi are and he is applying this year as well. We also ran into an old outfitter who has hunted that country for 30 + years and he said the biggest bull he's evr seen was in that unit.

It appears very steep and a lot of timber. Hope someone else has first hand info for you.

Good Luck!

 

[Hieb]

Three of us hunted the second season last year. Two of us got bulls, a raghorn and a nice 5x5. We hunted the north end of the unit up on the flat. After one of two days, most of the elk in this area moved off the top and down into country that was almost impossible to pack an animal out of (almost straight up and down and too steep for horses.) The elk were still mostly on public land, but you would have to pack an elk out downhill toward the public road if you shot one down in there. The only problem with that is that you must cross private land to get to the road. Since the ranch is selling landowner tags from four to six thousand, I kind of doubt that they would give permission to cross their property without a pretty high access fee. We hunted hard the entire season in this area. Can't speak for the other seasons or other areas in the unit as we spent the entire season hunting this one spot. I have a feeling that the first season is much better. As far as deer go, we only saw one good buck during the hunt. Apparently the deer took a pretty hard hit during the winter.

 

[Speckmisser]

Northman, with 12 points you may get drawn. It's worth the points, though. Lots of great elk in there, and if you can find your way around the private land boundaries, it's not too inaccessible.

If you're interested in an outfitter for the area, the guy I hunt with does both 61 and 62, and has a lot of success on both sides... as long as the client's expectations are realistic. 400 class bulls don't hide behind every tree, I don't care where you hunt, but he and his crew know how to find the big boys.

The outfitter is Rick, at Dark Timber Outfitters ([url]www.darktimberlodge.com)[/url]. If you decide to give him a try, tell him Phillip recommended him. I don't get anything out of the deal, but I want him to know I'm telling folks about him. He's a stand-up guy, and if things aren't right (they almost always are) he'll make them right.

Oh, as far as mule deer... I don't know if this is the best place to burn those points. There are some good deer in the area, but from all accounts, they're not like they used to be. I've seen some that made my California eyes pop out, but compared to some of the other CO deer I've seen, they weren't much more than average.

 

[NORTHMAN56751]

Thanks for the help.

What about unit 40? I was looking at the stats. and it looked like a person could maybe draw there.
True?
Mule deer any good over there?

Hunt codes. I thought i had them figured out, but ..........what's the diff. between
EE, EF and EM (EM07601R) on the hunt codes?
Example above - does that mean - male only, unit 76, 1st rifle season?

How can someone tell by the code if it's mainly private or public land?


Brett

 

[Lives2Hunt]

I used to hunt elk alot with my dad and his retired Marine Corps buddies in CO, south of those units though. Any who, I believe EE means Elk Either sex, and EF- elk female (cow) and EM - elk male (bull). I believe the hunt code you threw up there; you interpreted correct. As for the code and land (public/private) I dont believe you can tell that from the codes. I hunted 66/67--77/78/751 areas and we didnt ever get info on land availabilties we just knew the areas a little bit. You probably have to get maps, call local area outfitters or CDOW. I know in some states big game reg/brochures they state % of "huntable public" land. I dont remeber if they have that on the website or in the regs.

 

[Speckmisser]

I only know 61/62, so can't offer much help on other units.

You've got the codes figured out. Your example is dead on. Make sure you use the right code on your app, although I have to say the CO DOW has been great about calling me to correct a couple of errors over the years.

Topo maps will offer the main public lands areas, but the only way to find small in-holdings and other private land parcels is to do research on the specific area. That can be pretty time consuming unless you have the resources to head out and scout, which is why hiring a guide can be a good bet for your first trips to an area. Keep in mind that CO tresspass law puts the burden on the hunter, NOT on the land-owner. You are responsible for knowing if you're on someone else's property, even if it is not posted.

 

[NORTHMAN56751]

Thanks for the info.

I am going to call some more outfitters and see how it looks.
I have heard now that with 12, you might have a chance to draw this year. Chances aren't as great as i thought.
I talked to one outfitter tonight and he said we'd have about a 35-40% chance to draw!!!

 

[SDHNTR]

Read the odds data that the CO dow puts out. That will answer your question for sure. Or do a little google work, there are a few free hunt odds data sites out there. I wouldn't necessarily take what one outfitter says, you'd be better off to find out for yourself.

 

[jls456]

I applied for Non -Resident Bull elk this year and didn't draw,even with 14 PP's. I also have 6 PP,s for Deer,but I am sure 7 or 8 are needed. I first hunted Unit 61 back in 1981,and shot a huge buck on opening day,only to see even bigger bucks as the week wore on. That is when you could stop by Gene Taylors in Grand Junction and purchase your Licences OTC. They had tables set up in the front to get your Licenses. We hunted every year back then and got to know the area and the animal habits very well. Its tough nowadays to learn an area when you can only draw every 6-7 years. I do have a suggestion if you do draw for that unit. Do not shoot the first buck you see. Be selective,and hold out as long as your patience will allow you. I also have come home with nothing by being too picky. Elk are where you find them.Get away from the road and rent a horse if you can,as that altitude is a killer. Lots of USFS land and there is some BLM along Highway 141. Go early and scout. One good thing is that in a totally limited area such as this,the quality of the animals have improved dramatically. My personal best is a 32",but they are all trophys when you apply faithfully that long.