Question for North Park Hunters

[Hammy]

Question for those who have experience hunting 3rd season, specifically CO 161. My dad drew a cow moose tag that is valid for any of the 4 rifle seasons in 6, 16, 17, 161 and 171. We’re planning to focus our efforts in 161 based on some experience in that unit as well as recommendations by the local bio. 3rd season is the timeframe we have to work with this fall.

In general, if we were to get to 161 the Wednesday before the opener of 3rd rifle, would we have much difficulty finding a decent campsite for a wall tent setup? Either in established campgrounds or even just decent sites in the NFS or BLM?

Here in WA, in the popular OTC spike elk hunt areas, we see a lot of “ghost camps” set up the weekend before the opener. As I work out logistics for our hunt, I’m just curious if this is something we might have to be prepared for when we roll in a couple days early to set the tent, cut wood and scout. I know this hunt is heavily hunted for elk and hoping to get a feel from those who have more experience than myself for that area, season.

Appreciate any input.

 

[Treeshark]

I sent you a PM.

Personally, I would welcome the elk hunters with open arms for this hunt- more eyes the better and I would think many if not most would want to help someone get a moose.

 

[Hammy]

For sure. Thanks for the PM.

 

[Commutair]

You should be ok finding a spot as the campsite are pretty big. PM me if you have any questions

 

[wytex]

Curious as to why you would wait til Nov for that cow?
I'd hit it early and get her down well before the snow moves in.

 

[Hammy]

Agreed. However, that’s just the time frame we have available to go. We had originally applied and our party struck out drawing anything in CO 3rd season so we made different plans for the fall. Then dad found out a couple weeks later from CPW that he was next on the alternates list and the first nonresident had returned the tag. We told dad to get the tag and we would make it happen. So here we go!

 

[wytex]

Makes perfect sense, lol.

Best of luck to Dad !!

 

[elkduds]

Curious as to why you would wait til Nov for that cow?
I'd hit it early and get her down well before the snow moves in.

Like elsewhere in CO, especially the north, be well prepared for substantial snow accumulation during 3rd season.

 

[trb]

By 3rd season you shouldn’t have a problem besides snow/moisture impacting some roads. Lots of car camping in the area.

 

[Hammy]

Yes, the real potential for access issues with snow or just breaking down camp and getting off the mountain, are a major concern of mine. For that reason, I might try to stay close to county road 6/state line road to base camp from. Would think the amount of road traffic on that main artery would keep the road fairly accessible- is that fair to say?

 

[dgrom]

Any advice on 1st season ? Are the number rebounding ? What about wolf pressure ?