Would you go back to this sign in CO archery?

[SilentPursuit]

Came across this sign while out last year in an undisclosed unit. My issue is that the unit is a draw for archery and probably not worth burning my whole 2 points. I’m thinking I’ll do OTC while it’s still around for us residents. I know for sure there is a decent resident herd but they quickly retreat to private and hard to access places. Biggest issue is that I cannot go scout before season as access is through a STL and is only open for big game season. Getting back there would be a 2 day hike through other accesses. Lots of bear activity as well. I do have knowledge of the area as I had amazing private access before I started hunting out here.

 

[Djacker]

A couple trees that are tore up isn't much sign to base a hunt on. Is it worth looking at again, sure. Think bigger picture.

 

[bz_711]

Did you find a lot of steamy fresh scat?

 

[cnelk]

No

 

[neil.hansford]

I wouldn't spend 2 days hiking in to look at a couple of old rubs. That kind of sign can be found in any unit that has elk.

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[SilentPursuit]

A couple trees that are tore up isn't much sign to base a hunt on. Is it worth looking at again, sure. Think bigger picture.

That’s kinda what I was thinking

 

[SilentPursuit]

Did you find a lot of steamy fresh scat?

Nothing fresh but I was in there in 3rd rifle

 

[Hnthrdr]

Absolutely… camp out on it… he will show back up at some point…

 

[SilentPursuit]

I wouldn't spend 2 days hiking in to look at a couple of old rubs. That kind of sign can be found in any unit that has elk.

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Once season is open I can get in there in just a few hours. I’m drawn to hunt that resident herd but mostly because I have spent the most time in that area. Everyone has kinda confirmed what I was thinking. Just seems like an overlooked place that definitely has bear deer and elk activity.

 

[SilentPursuit]

Absolutely… camp out on it… he will show back up at some point…

I do hear and read a lot about how elk do tend to come back to the same areas. Stars would have to align perfectly to catch them if I can’t scout though. I know it’s not a super pressured area at least in early season. Especially not being open to recreational use.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Out of state spot?

 

[Hnthrdr]

I’d look at the harvest stats and go with a high harvest rate otc unit

 

[SilentPursuit]

Out of state spot?

No, the State Trust Land used to access the large public land can only be used in big game seasons while hunting. I could do a multi day trip in before season coming in through different access point, but I think that time could be spent better scouting the other units and spots I’m looking at.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Gotcha, yeah it can be a coin flip, just remember no matter how good a spot looks or how much sign if there aren’t elk there… there aren’t elk there

 

[SilentPursuit]

I’d look at the harvest stats and go with a high harvest rate otc unit

I’m not too trusting with the harvest stats, I know many tight lipped locals that harvest elk every year out of the general area. I’m actually supposed to tag along in 4th rifle this year but I’ll go for a antlerless to not step on toes with the group. More just wanting to learn the style they hunt as they are quite successful.

 

[SilentPursuit]

Gotcha, yeah it can be a coin flip, just remember no matter how good a spot looks or how much sign if there aren’t elk there… there aren’t elk there

Most certainly, I was in elk sign all last season and no elk to be seen. I got a bow just so I can get out earlier in the season and try to catch them before they move to private.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Most certainly, I was in elk sign all last season and no elk to be seen. I got a bow just so I can get out earlier in the season and try to catch them before they move to private.

Good idea

 

[Ucsdryder]

I’ve seen rubs from the pavement. Elk are very brave when it’s dark outside. One rub and a SWA, probably 40% success rates on the harvest stats too. Keep looking…

 

[Kyle C]

I would say no. Keep looking for spots.

 

[SilentPursuit]

I’ve seen rubs from the pavement. Elk are very brave when it’s dark outside. One rub and a SWA, probably 40% success rates on the harvest stats too. Keep looking…

Thanks for the advice, I have also seen spots with tons of sign but you will never catch them in there during a hunting season.