CO OTC archery elk - looking for a partner

[azpredator@work]

Ever dreamed about hunting Co OTC elk? Or maybe, thought about it, but didn't know where to start? I've done it 3 times and will be heading there again this september. I would like to cut costs this year and am looking for a partner to help share costs. I know the area - it's beautiful and there are plenty of elk. Let me know if you are interested. Will be leaving Friday hunting for 8 days and returning Sunday - unless both tag out early. Not worried about experience just looking for a mentally strong hunter - I don't like whiners. Might be hot ('08), might be cold('09), elk may be silent('08), bulls might be broken('06), bulls may have cows('09), mountain lion may be in area('08), etc. There are always a hundred different scenarios a hunter must overcome to be successful. PM me with any questions and if you are interested. Thanks,

 

Wade

[Jcubed]

Dang...if I didn't just have surgery!

[mr.smith]

What is the estimated total cost ($595 for tag plus...???)not counting food? Been thinking about the otc archery hunt. Not sure if I could pull it off since I just bought a new bow. But still considering. Also what specific dates?

[azpredator@work]

I have done it solo 3 times for right around $1600 - everything included. Fuel, tag, food, etc. 13 days, 9 days & 11 days. I would like to hunt prior to muzzle loader season, but it hasn't mattered in the past so i am not firm on the hunt week. I've seen it hot the 3rd week of september and it snowed 8 days straight the last time i was there the 2nd week of sept.

[Big Browns]

I'm in for next year. What has your success ratio been? I would really love to go next year with you.

 

Adam

[6ANut]

Buying a house starting a family but love to tag along in a few years if possible. Looks like its a blast. BTW thanks for the rangefinder.

[IA Born]

I'm 3.5 weeks out of shoulder surgery so this year's a bust for me, but if I don't draw in AZ for next year, I've let my wife know I want to head to CO for the OTC. I'd definitely be interested a year from now!

[pwrguy]

This is a great opportunity for someone! I have found that learning the area is alway's 50% of the battle, so going with someone that has been there and done that is a great opportunity. I sure you will have takers on your offer. Unfortunately I have decided to get out of the stick and string way of harvesting

[azpredator@work]

I'm in for next year. What has your success ratio been? I would really love to go next year with you.

 

Adam

'06 - I spent the majority of the first week "hiking" around with the bow in hand hunting / scotuing while trying to learn where the elk were at. In Colorado everywhere looks like good elk country, but it can be hit and miss. Most of the hunters seem to be hunting where the elk "were" instead of where they're "at". I passed 4 smaller branch antlered bulls and shot a nice 6x6 280" class bull on the morning of the 12th day during a rainstorm. Searched for him 'til dark of the following day. Hands never touched antler.

 

'08 - Opening morning found me on a 300" class bull coming down the same trail I'm walking on. I dropped down to a lower trail and the bull passed at 16 yards. I was at full draw - still don't know what the heck happened! I couldn't pull the trigger and that encounter has haunted me ever since. That was a great year. Hunted the week of a full moon and the elk were active mid-day. Lots of small bulls = lots of encounters. I shot a 320" bull above the spine, but below his back in "no man's land" at 13 yards. I watched him walk up the trail with the other bull unfazed. Ended up arrowing a nice 290" 6x6 on the 9th day.

 

'09 - Snowed nearly every day. 4.5 hr stalk to 30 yards of a bedded 320"+ bull. My shoulder popped out of socket when I drew my bow and that was that. I lost 4 days of hunting due to my shoulder. When I could finally draw my bow again I had 2 more encounters on different days with that bull and ended up shooting a 260" 5x6 at 13 yards on the 10th day during a downpour. Hands never touched antler.

 

I should draw wyoming next year, but if I don't I'll definately be heading to Co again. I go every year I don't draw a tag.

[metau]

AZP,

Last year a buddy and I did this same thing, we had a good time. Neither of us tagged out, but the experience was awesome. It makes a heck of a difference having that 2nd person to split costs with, as well as camp chores and someone to talk to for 2 weeks. What unit are you heading to? As I drew a tag here this year, he is going back this year by himself. I believe for the last two weeks. PM me your number and I can get it to him.

 

Mr Smith,

Last year it worked out to about $1300 total for each of us, but that was for a two week hunt + travel time. We also managed a scouting trip about 5 weeks before the season, which was beneficial, and that was quite an affordable trip save for used replacement tires from two flats. He ended up getting a new set of tires before our trip, and no other issues while we were there. Truck was an F150, loaded to the hilt. We also had a bit set aside to do some fishing and maybe stop at moab or arches on the way back if we tagged out early.

[azpredator@work]

AZP,

Last year a buddy and I did this same thing, we had a good time. Neither of us tagged out, but the experience was awesome. It makes a heck of a difference having that 2nd person to split costs with, as well as camp chores and someone to talk to for 2 weeks. What unit are you heading to? As I drew a tag here this year, he is going back this year by himself. I believe for the last two weeks. PM me your number and I can get it to him.

 

Mr Smith,

Last year it worked out to about $1300 total for each of us, but that was for a two week hunt + travel time. We also managed a scouting trip about 5 weeks before the season, which was beneficial, and that was quite an affordable trip save for used replacement tires from two flats. He ended up getting a new set of tires before our trip, and no other issues while we were there. Truck was an F150, loaded to the hilt. We also had a bit set aside to do some fishing and maybe stop at moab or arches on the way back if we tagged out early.

 

Metau,

Unit 80/81. I always feel bad for the guy that runs into me after 7-8 days not seeing anybody. I wonder what they think..."that guy wouldn't shut up!" is what I imagine

 

To answer a few questions. I set up a nice comfortable base camp. Tent, shower, shade, grill, icechests, etc. I bring a quad because a lot of the trails won't allow utv's wider than a quad. I also bring my bivy setup in case the elk decide to leave their core areas or I want to explore more country. The mountains are rugged, but the elk trails are numerous. I let the elk tell me what to do...hunt high, hunt low, hunt silent, call, hunt bedding area, hunt transition zones, etc. The main thing is to hunt all day long. I won't tell you how to hunt and I would expect the same.

 

Did I mention the sheds? I camped close to a group from Arkansas the first year and the amount of sheds found was remarkable. The sheds in the pic was after 1 day when everyone committed to hauling them out of the woods. Usually, I'm so exhausted or far from camp I leave the sheds for the next poor soul who wants to pack them out.

[Big Browns]

I love the pics! My wife would love to go shed hunting up there. I'm planning on going with you next year. Should be a lot of fun.

 

Adam

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

AZ Pred,

I sent you a pm, I am interested in going with you. I have 2 weeks off and am hunting deer here in AZ but would sack my week 2 to go up and help on your hunt and split cost. Let me know

I can call, video, pack meat, cook. I am organized and game for any hunt situation.

[ylclaret]

Wondering if you have already finished your hunt and if so how it went? I had to cut my hunt short by a few days here in Az and although I had a blast I didn't get one down. I'm seriously considering doing this next year, cause there is no way I can wait another 5 years to get a tag after experiencing it this year.

[firstcoueswas80]

Give Me About 6 Months Notice Next Time You Are Going And I Am 100% In. I Have Wanted To Do Something Like That For Years!