Colorado Elk hunting unit 18 DIY

[Foldem]

Just curious how you picked unit 18? It wouldn't be my first choice just by looking at harvest statistics and it's proximity to Denver. Also, 2nd season has the lowest success rate on elk in most units, including 18. 1st season was 21% and 2nd is 7% which INCLUDES cows and calfs! Unless you know somebody that has hunted 18 and is steering you that way I would personally take a look through the stats and find a unit with better success for your first western hunt, then make sure it has publicly accessible land in it. I don't think harvest success is as important once you've got a few hunts under your belt and start learning what elk do when the pressure hits but when you are brand new 7% harvest is a recipe for not seeing an elk.

https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Hunting/BigGame/Statistics/Elk/2017StatewideElkHarvest.pdf

 

[dprice911]

Following this thread, I'm in the same boat. Few guys from KY who are experienced deer hunters embarking on a DIY Colorado Archery Elk hunt in September.

 

[Budman98]

Well we are headed to 18 as well, usually hunt west side in 421. We picked 18 because it cuts several hours off our drive and elevation is higher. We are thinking of going to Sheep Mnt to start. Anyone have any experience in that area? We are muzzleloading mid September for deer and elk.

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[Budman98]

Btw we are muzzleloading mid September, deer and elk.

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[HuntingAddict]

I've hunted there. Set up old tires in your yard and double stack them I would say at least 8 . Then practice walking through the openings . Almost like football practice. It will help so much. Lots of pixisticks . The stronger your legs are the better .

 

[fabes22]

I hunted that unit with a cow tag in first season rifle several years ago. I saw some elk but the only shot I had was on a bugling bull! Wish I had the either sex tag. Figures!

The blowdowns were only bad in certain sections. Its probably been 10 years already so maybe they have gotten worse. The elk were there though once we got back in far enough from those that were hunting close to the road.

Good luck!