Have you done any map scouting. There are areas close to roads that hold elk. Everyone thinks all the elk are high in this umit and that's not 100% true. Yes there are definitely more elk high but elk can be found lower too.
One other thing you might consider is only have 2 or 3 of your group apply for a tag. The others go along and help out on the hunt and the next year the others draw and help out. Spread the hunt out over 2 years, it will be hard for a group of 5 to find ,kill and pack out 5 bulls in one hunt.......
If you each have 16 I would look into
Unit 49 1st rifle or muzzleloader
Unit 66 muzzleloader
Unit 76 1st rifle
Unit 12 muzzleloader
You are several years away from drawing any unit 61 tag
I agree go Colorado this year. You didn't mention if you were going gun or bow? I would apply for a 1st rifle season tag some where. Units 12,23,24 have alot of elk(and elk hunters) but would be a good place for a 1st hunt. Just my 2 cents
88man maybe I'll see you out there! Ha! If your buddy does draw let me know if you want to exchange any info or help each other out in any way. My dad should also draw and I will be going with to help out. I have hunted the unit during bow season but never during the rifle. Hopefully the elk...
If you are a bowhunter I would wait on 61 archery. 61 is definitely a step or 2 above unit 76 in terms of quality and hunting there during the rut is an awesome experience. 76 is not bad itself of course but it is alot of rough remote country , where 61 is alot easier to hunt due to the terrain...
Just found this website guys! My dad drew this tag and i'll be going going along as the guide. I've been studying my topos nightly the last couple weeks trying to get a feel of the terrain/ lay of the land. Neither one of use have ever been to this unit and was wondering if anyone has any...