Anyone running a small private basecamp in GMU 85? Curious what’s worked for you

[Fred_WalsenburgRanch]

Curious how guys think about this—especially in 85.
I’ve got a 35-acre place near Walsenburg that I’ve used more as a basecamp than anything else. It’s been nice having a consistent spot and a hub for nearby public, but access/pressure still seem to drive everything in that unit.
For those that have done it—do you see value in a smaller private basecamp setup, or just stick to public? What would matter most to you—acreage, location, or access?

 

[cohunter14]

What would matter to me most is where the elk are and being close to them. Camping on your own private property doesn't make sense if you have to drive an hour to get to the elk. Now, if you had a home/cabin on there with amenities, then maybe it would be worth it.

At the end of the day, 35 acres is very minimal, especially when it comes to elk hunting. So, unless you have a special parcel that the elk frequent or frequently pass through, or it gives you access to public land, having that acreage doesn't do you much good.

 

[Westelker]

What would matter to me most is where the elk are and being close to them. Camping on your own private property doesn't make sense if you have to drive an hour to get to the elk. Now, if you had a home/cabin on there with amenities, then maybe it would be worth it.

At the end of the day, 35 acres is very minimal, especially when it comes to elk hunting. So, unless you have a special parcel that the elk frequent or frequently pass through, or it gives you access to public land, having that acreage doesn't do you much

What matters to me the most is immediate access to public (NF) and good elk habitat. I think the Silver Spur Ranches development is a bit too far from good public access.

I agree 100% with cohunter14, amenities are great, but doesn't always make sense if you have to drive an hour or so and then deal with crowds of hunters at a trail head.

To me setting up a Basecamp in good public land with immediate access away from the pressure gives you flexibility without having to drive back and forth each day. Spend more time hunting than driving.