MULEPACKHUNTER Report post Posted October 10, 2013 So I have been saving and planning for a Colorado trip early archery OTC either sex. I have narrowed down to about 3 units with the main one being unit 74 north west of Durango, anyone have any experience in this unit? Not looking for spots to go of course, I have a plan of attack A, B, C, and a fishing pole if those don't work out but just wondering about conditions, hunter density and such. I will be packing 2 mules so I will be off roads for sure. I may or may not get up there to check it out so just wondering about odds and ends if I can get them. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorange Report post Posted October 10, 2013 If no AZ tag next year and things work out otherwise, I might be up there with you...not sure what units yet. Unfortunately no info to share as I'm just starting to think about things too. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZBUBBA Report post Posted October 11, 2013 What exactly do you want to know, I hunted that unit for several years, lots of elk there, I'd say go in behind the ski resort above Durango. Since you have the mules you can have a lot of country all to yourself if you pack in far enough. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MULEPACKHUNTER Report post Posted October 11, 2013 Thats the key there, LOTs of elk. The success rates are not very high and hunter density is lower than other units. I am guessing due to the fact that there is alot of off road land in there. I have heard alot on the ski resort and several guys I have talked to are headed there so I will avoid it or like you said ride on past several miles. Really just looking for what weather to expect, maybe where to fish in there, If there were like 200 groups camped in the campgrounds stuff like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted October 11, 2013 I hunted it about 15 years ago with a friend who hunted it every year. He got a cow I went home empty handed. We rented a horse and a mule from an outfitter and rode in each morning from our camp at the end of the road. Never saw another hunter and we were at about 10,000. I did see lots of coyotes every day. We went in through Purgatory then headed south probably another 10 miles or so until we ran out of road and camped in the pines. I would ride 8-15 miles each morning on the horse while my friend rode the mule. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot about horses during the hunt. Mainly that they are like kids and need a lot of fussing over each day before you get to do your own business. My BIL lives in Monument and wants to get into Elk hunting so I picked him up a rifle locally to send him so he can practice and get in shape for the hunt we (me) are planning for next fall. I'm not sure where we will end up but it will not be on horseback. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AntlerObsession Report post Posted October 11, 2013 I'm a guide in unit 74 and 65 and was just up there week before last. Pm me and I'll let you know what to expect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MULEPACKHUNTER Report post Posted October 11, 2013 Much appreciated, PM sent. Not seeing other hunters sounds like a good deal to me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
