Looking to connect with someone familiar with Elk in GMU 81 Colorado. First time in GMU 81 for me. Have pre-scouted aerials and access points. I would appreciate connecting with someone who bow hunts this unit as that's my plan. Sounds like there is heavy pressure, but given the amount of ground I would guess there are pockets where one could avoid heavy crowds. My experience thus far is in unit 71. I am interested in trying to new ground and with any luck create some new connections to mutually collaborate. Thanks in advance to those open to sharing some thoughts.
Colorado GMU 81 ELK
- Thread starter blmedlin
- Start date
windymtnman
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2014
- Messages
- 484
I live just North of GMU 81, and while I haven't hunted down there for many years, I do go there in the Summer months on pack trips with my horses/mule/burros. It's a big place, and if you're not familiar with it, it could deliver some surprises if you're just internet scouting it on Google Earth? I've talked to folks that think they can just hike into the wilderness off of FR 250, from the Conejos River valley, but then when they get there, see that some of those trails have a tremendous elevation gain in only a 1/2 mile hike. There are some trails with 35 switchbacks to the top! Now imagine packing an Elk out of there. Another thing that some don't realize, is that in the Summer months, it's a popular place for backpackers and people fishing. So, you can look at the vast wilderness online and never imagine that it's been stomped on all Summer. Take the trailhead going into 3 Forks on the Middle Fork of the Conejos River. That parking lot is huge for a reason. It's full of vehicles all the time once Winter snows are gone. I've met people in their 80's 6 miles in. The other thing I look for when I'm down there is Elk ground sign. Some places there isn't any. You're welcome to PM me if you have questions???
Bigjay73
Well-known member
He's spot on about Colorado wilderness. Hike in 5 miles on a Thursday in the summer, there will be 50 people already there, and 50 more on the way.
Turkeybuster
New member
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2019
- Messages
- 2
Been hunting there over 25yrs.....p.m me.
Crash87
Active member
I head out there about every year, normally 2nd or 3rd rifle. Did you have any luck?
How did it go? I'm looking at this unit for archery, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
kwyeewyk
Well-known member
He stuck around for about 4 days after posting this thread, didn't even see the first response or the offer of advice from someone who's hunted it for 25 years.
elkduds
Well-known member
1. Welcome to the forum.
2. C'mon, man.
Gotcha, thanks for the heads up
noharleyyet
Well-known member
Sometimes ya forget how many jug lines you put out.
J
Jason73
Guest
There's some big bulls in there. You gotta take a right at the 3rd big Rock. It's really big ya can't miss it. Then cross the part where it's really grassy with small rocks. You'll do great!
kwyeewyk
Well-known member
Your question is kind of a show me how to catch a fish question, but I promise you if you stick around and pay attention you can learn to drive the boat, rig the bait, catch whatever fish you want, process it and cook it. Seriously, there are some amazing hunters that hang out here.
J
Jason73
Guest
Exactly what was said. It's a process you have to learn. Embrace it and you will succeed.
Southern Elk
Well-known member
80/81 went draw this year for archery. No more OTC.
I owe a couple of apologies to those who did follow up me with no response on my end. Ended up on RokSlide and to be honest dropped the ball in logging back into this forum. For follow up, I did hunt Unit 81 for a couple years and had success getting into some elk. Like any area, it takes a couple years getting familiar with the pressure, elk and of course overall strategy. We brought meat home but it didn't have any horns for those interested. Happy to share experiences through DM if anyone needs any.
Happy to share some feedback, but probably best over Private Message. Feel free to shoot me a message.
cravey117
New member
I've hunted Colorado for the past 4 years all in Unit 14 OTC. Was with a friend who's and amazing caller and was fortunate enough to harvest a couple of good bulls with my bow. This year my wife and I are hunting 80/81 for the first time and I'd be grateful for any advice.
cravey117
New member
How did your hunt turn out? I'm going there this year for the first time after 4 years in Unit 14. I'm starting at the High Plains Drift Inn on 15 September.
