Most elk will be at higher elevations during the early seasons above 8,500 feet in thick timber and oak brush. Distribution changes in relation to weather and hunting pressure; so hunters should be prepared to adapt to conditions.
Elk are well distributed in all Middle Park units. Bull to cow ratios are good because the area is fairly steep and heavily timbered. Generally, trophy bulls are rare (a few are taken every year) because bulls are managed for hunter opportunity.
Successful hunters avoid the main roads and hunt the dark timber and deeper canyons.
The elevation in this area ranges from 5,742 feet to 4,429 feet. Terrain : Moderately rolling to moderately steep plateaus to steep canyons. The vegetation consists of Shortgrass prairie to piñon, junipers and shrubs. Limited cottonwood riparian.
Early seasons find elk anywhere from 7500ft to above timberline. With increased hunting pressure and snow, herds tend to move to remote areas or private lands - away from roads and hunters.
With increased hunting pressure and snow, herds tend to move to remote areas or private lands - away from roads and hunters. The wilderness areas are a good bet for success but hunters must hike or horseback as motorized travel is prohibited.
Finding bulls is tough. They have survived by knowing how to avoid hunters. Concentrate on rugged terrain away from other hunters. Weather often dictates the success rate in this area.
Elk hunting is good but requires hunters to pursue animals in challenging terrain. Overall success rates for elk hunters in unlimited units in the San Luis Valley are generally lower than the statewide average.
Large blocks of private land in GMUs 35 and 36 provide refuge areas and can make hunting difficult.
Elk are well distributed in all Middle Park units. Bull to cow ratios are good because the area is fairly steep and heavily timbered. Generally, trophy bulls are rare (a few are taken every year) because bulls are managed for hunter opportunity.
The southern 30 percent of unit usually holds more elk than rest of unit. Twin Peaks and Lake Creek are a good place to drive through on Hwy. 82 scanning for elk. Keep in mind this is very high country with elevations not going far below 9,000 feet.
Hunters are advised to be in good shape and to hunt well away from roads. Elk will move to difficult terrain when hunting pressure starts; so be prepared to hunt canyons or thick timber.
Elk are well distributed in all Middle Park units. Bull to cow ratios are good because the area is fairly steep and heavily timbered. Generally, trophy bulls are rare (a few are taken every year) because bulls are managed for hunter opportunity.
Hunters are advised to be in good shape and to hunt well away from roads. Elk will move to difficult terrain when hunting pressure starts; so be prepared to hunt canyons or thick timber.
You will need to get away from the roads. There are lots of legal bulls as the area is managed for quantity of bulls rather than trophy status. Hence, trophy bulls are present but relatively rare.
Big, 300+ size bulls are common. The elk tend to stay put over the seasons. Movement is weather dependent. Overall, elk are scattered throughout the unit. Hold out for a good bull as the average size is around 305.
The elk herd is well distributed with good hunting success expected. Elk are scattered throughout the forest and on private lands. Most elk stay at higher elevations (8500- 10,000ft) in thick timber and oakbrush.
Elk are found throughout the unit, and most will generally be found between 8,000 feet and 10,000 feet in elevation. This is a "high-country" unit with numerous 14ers in the area. The area around Shavano provides good elk habitat for early seasons.
The elk herd is well distributed with good hunting success expected. Elk are scattered throughout the forest and on private lands. Most elk stay at higher elevations (8500- 10,000ft) in thick timber and oakbrush.
Elk are plentiful throughout the Upper Yampa area. Licenses are also readily available, but hunters should not rely on leftover license availability as these herds approach population objective. CPW has been working to minimize crop damage and significant
Hunters applying for limited tags in Western states have lamented in recent years about preference point creep. Is preference point creep wide spread or limited to a few coveted units? We break down the data to answer the truth about point creep.
While as hunters and stewards of conservation we strive to maintain legal status while hunting, we are undoubtedly human and bound to make mistakes.
When applying for a limited license, a preference point is awarded when an individual is unsuccessful in drawing their first-choice hunt code.