Colorado 82/86 early rifle

HUNTNUT

FNG
Joined
Jan 8, 2018
Messages
51
New member, first post. Gotta start sometime. Wondering if anyone has any recent experience with the early rifle hunt in Colorado 82/86. I am familiar with the area and not looking for places to go, just wondering if it worth the non-resident points required to draw the tag.
 

ahlgringo

WKR
Joined
Mar 27, 2014
Messages
1,031
Steep, Steep Country. Beautiful- use to elk hunt there during archery season both 82 and 86. Every drainage has an Amish camp in it now- so moved on to different grounds. Did see some nice bucks in there though. Bring your fishing rod as well, most of those high mountain lakes hold a good population of greenbacks, most of them are pretty uneducated fish.
 
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HUNTNUT

FNG
Joined
Jan 8, 2018
Messages
51
I have archery hunted the unit for mule deer several times and had an early rifle tag about 15 years ago. It has been 5-6 years since I have been above timberline and didn't know if anything has changed recently. Used to see some really nice bucks but not a lot of positive things have been said lately. Oh yes, it is very steep and difficult to get from one drainage to the next without hiking 5 miles down and then 5 miles back up.
 
Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
55
Steep, Steep Country. Beautiful- use to elk hunt there during archery season both 82 and 86. Every drainage now has an Amish camp in it now- so moved on to different grounds. Did see some nice bucks in there though. Bring your fishing rod as well, most of those high mountain lakes hold a good population of greenbacks, most of them are pretty uneducated fish.

An Amish camp? Please explain...I've never come across an Amish camp before.
 

bowhnter7

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
257
Location
Colorado
Anyone mention that this country is steep?

Seriously I would not burn points for 82/86.
 

ahlgringo

WKR
Joined
Mar 27, 2014
Messages
1,031
An Amish camp? Please explain...I've never come across an Amish camp before.

Around Westcliffe, there is a large population of Amish/Mennonites. If you drive through Westcliffe you will see the road signs warning you to watch for horse and buggy's. Now- what I didn't know- is that most if not all of the men of hunting age (and a lot of the female population) bow/muzzie/rifle hunt elk. Most also have access to/own horses. So pretty much every drainage that holds Elk in 86 (and most in 82) will have an Amish camp- Wall tent/horses, etc in it. Now to each there own, and they have every bit as much right to be there as I do. BUT- I have noticed the quality of the hunting go way down due to the increased pressure in hard to access areas. Therefore- I have chosen to move elsewhere.
 
Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
55
Around Westcliffe, there is a large population of Amish/Mennonites. If you drive through Westcliffe you will see the road signs warning you to watch for horse and buggy's. Now- what I didn't know- is that most if not all of the men of hunting age (and a lot of the female population) bow/muzzie/rifle hunt elk. Most also have access to/own horses. So pretty much every drainage that holds Elk in 86 (and most in 82) will have an Amish camp- Wall tent/horses, etc in it. Now to each there own, and they have every bit as much right to be there as I do. BUT- I have noticed the quality of the hunting go way down due to the increased pressure in hard to access areas. Therefore- I have chosen to move elsewhere.

Interesting...thanks for the information.
 
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HUNTNUT

FNG
Joined
Jan 8, 2018
Messages
51
Looking to hunt 86 mainly. Anybody been there during early rifle and know where the outfitters like to go? Would hate to hike 4 miles up a drainage and find a horse camp. Then have to hike down 4 miles, over 3 miles to another area, and 4 more miles up. You get the routine. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've been in 86, and if I do not apply and draw, send me a pm and i can tell you about the area.
 
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