Colorado Elk GMU 14, 4th Season

[FNHFNP45]

Hello all,

I was lucky enough to get a rifle tag for GMU 14 near Steamboat Springs for 4th season this year. Unfourtunatley due to my work schedule I will not be able to scout before heading up and I have never been to this unit before. Any advice on where to set up my camper to be near some good spots would be great. Thanks everyone.

 

[Mason326]

Pretty broad question. Check out Colorado Hunting Atlas, should give you a better idea of what to expect as far as where elk will be. Either wintering grounds or refuges from 2nd/3rd season hunters (or somewhere between the two). Most places you will have to go a mile+ on foot from anywhere you can get a camper into to get to spots with less pressure. Be flexible and have multiple spots you can go to depending on weather and other hunting pressure. Higher up if it's warmer and less snow, lower down if they get blow off by snows, different types of cover/vegetation, et cetera. If you cannot get into these hard to get spots on foot (and even if you can), try to observe what other hunters are doing, and use their pressure to try to predict where they will be pushing elk to if any are in the area.

Start playing with google earth yesterday if you aren't already proficient with it. That and topo maps will help you get a lay of the land as far as terrain and cover.

Good luck and stay safe!