Durango area is beautiful country. It’s pretty rugged, but lots of elk! I’ve hunted several times further North up 550 in the Ouray area and it’s absolutely gorgeous country!
I've also hunted 65, 62, 74 and 55 a lot, but very high altitude hunts and further from home so I started trying 78 and really like it. Good luck to you as well in 711 and sorry I'm not familiar with it to give some tips. Good luck in NM as well, that'll be a blast hunting private!
I'm not familiar with 711, never hunted there. I've been doing OTC in CO for 30yrs w/ modest success. I'll be in 78 this year. Been going to 78 the last 3 yrs.
Last bull I shot was in 2016 outside of Chama in northern New Mexico. Been on 4 OTC hunts just over the border from there in CO since and haven't hit pay dirt, but lot's of action. Going again second season and I'm due!