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.
The elk population is holding steady and herds are at objective levels. You'll find them distributed widely throughout the eastern portion of the unit. Elk will move quickly into thick aspen, evergreens and rugged terrain with hunting pressure.
The herd is growing, well distributed and hunting is rated as good. 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.
The elk population is holding steady and herds are at objective levels. Animals are distributed widely throughout the eastern portion of the unit. Elk will move quickly into thick aspen, evergreens, and rugged terrain with hunting pressure.
Elk occupy all habitats and areas of the DAU at some time of the year. Densities are low in the open portions of South Park elevation habitats year-round, but especially during the summer when most elk move up to traditional calving and summering areas.
The large elk herd occupies all available habitat. The later seasons are usually better, especially on public land, due to snow and hunting pressure pushing the elk out of the adjacent units. The success rate is very good on late cow elk hunts.
Elk populations remain strong throughout the Gunnison Basin. Aggressive herd reduction during the 2012 and 2013 seasons was implemented to address agricultural damage issues. Subsequently, there has been a noticeable decline in the population which has re
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.
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 bullÑthe average size is around 305.
Elk occupy all habitats and areas of the DAU at some time of the year. Densities are low in the open portions of South Park elevation habitats year-round, but especially during the summer when most elk move up to traditional calving and summering areas.
Good cow hunting opportunities. The best hunting is in remote areas, mostly at high elevations, where the elk tend to hold up in pockets of green timber and aspen. Check out the Texas Mountain area and Rat Hole Ridge.
Hunters must be prepared to walk into remote and forested areas. Do not expect to see elk from roads or areas open to OHVs. In early seasons stick to cool areas on north-facing slopes in the spruce/fir and aspen forests.
Elk summer range generally includes areas between 9,500 and 11,500 feet in elevation. These areas usually become available to elk as snowlines recede in mid to late May. The majority of elk in this area winter at elevations between 7,000 and 9,500 feet.
Elk herds within the Central Front Range are either residential or seasonally migratory. Residential herds are found year-round at low to moderate elevations.
The elevation in this area ranges from 5,296 to 4,282 feet. The terrain consists of flat to gently rolling hills. The vegetation consists of short grass prairie with interspersed farmland and limited cottonwood riparian.
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.
The highest success rate for bull hunters occurs during first season, but expect hunting pressure there. Animals usually move to lower elevation private lands as hunting pressure increases.
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. We recommend Blue Mountain and Moosehead Mtn, but be prepared for rough terrain.
Better elk hunting at higher elevations from about Cameron Mountain north to Trout Creek Pass. Be especially cautious around private property in the center of the unit.
The herd tends to stay in the coniferous timbered areas until late in the season, moving to lower elevations with snow and hunting pressure.
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.
When applying for a limited license, a preference point is awarded when an individual is unsuccessful in drawing their first-choice hunt code.
Deer and elk are the most commonly hunted species in Colorado. But hunters also go to the high country to pursue other magnificent big game animals: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bears, moose and mountain lions.