Colorado GMU 18 - Need some guidance (Elk)

[DoubleM]

Hello,
My wife and I both have either sex Elk tags (1st rifle) for Colorado GMU 18. This is the first year I have managed to get her to agree to hunt so I am trying really hard to get her into some animals so she becomes addicted like the rest of us. I am not looking for herd bulls, freezer queens are perfect for us. This is the first time I will be hunting this unit so I am looking for any advice (even if it is where not to go). I plan on doing as much "boots on the ground" scouting as I can from now until the 14th as well as via the computer. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[CObuglechaser]

Hey DoubleM, I've hunted 18 for the last 4 years. Are you planning on packing in for camp or base camping? I have some good spots if you're willing to hike into the wilderness area about 4-5 miles.


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[LongWayAround]

I ran into a bunch of elk in the aspen groves between pockets of steep, heavily downfallen timber in an adjacent unit last year while I was deer hunting during third rifle. There was minimal snow at higher elevations so I would imagine they were around earlier in the year.

 

[DoubleM]

Hey DoubleM, I've hunted 18 for the last 4 years. Are you planning on packing in for camp or base camping? I have some good spots if you're willing to hike into the wilderness area about 4-5 miles.


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We will be packing in. We are willing to go wherever the Elk are. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[DoubleM]

I hear the unit is heavily hunted but there are Elk in there if you are willing to work for it. I am just trying to narrow down the search. Thanks.

 

[coloyooper]

I've got a cow-only 2nd rifle tag and a muley buck the same season. I was wondering the same about 18 - I've only hunted north of that unit but since archery was a bust this year, I need to get some meat in the freezer!

 

[DoubleM]

I've got a cow-only 2nd rifle tag and a muley buck the same season. I was wondering the same about 18 - I've only hunted north of that unit but since archery was a bust this year, I need to get some meat in the freezer!

Same here. My wife and I had either sex Muley tags and did a whole bunch of Bow hiking....didn't even see one deer and we were out at least 20 some days...brutal. We need to get some meat!

 

[coloyooper]

well hey, best of luck to ya! My baby mama won't be making the trip with me but she'll be just as mad if I come home empty handed.

 

[CObuglechaser]

DoubleM, pm sent.


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[cmietzner]

Ill be up there the same time. Maybe ill see you around. Ive got a buddy that has a place in Grand Lake, so Ill be driving/hiking in everyday. My only advice is make sure you know where RMNP starts. I watched a guy shoot a cow 2 years ago on the other side of the river (RMNP), not long after I saw a few Wildlife officers talking to him.

 

[wooduckman]

I think half of Rokslide has the same tag . I'll be there as well- first time I have had this tag so unfortunately can't offer up much advice. Looking at maps, there's one big chunk of ground without a lot of roads- if you're looking to go deep that may be your only option. Wish I had more advice for you, but don't have high hopes of filling my tag and am looking at it more of a 5 day camping trip!

Heath