Re: Anybody elk hunted zone 85 colorado
[Re: Choo]
#7224790
03/23/21 06:32 PM
03/23/21 06:32 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,862 Northeast Wisconsin
NE Wildlife
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,862
Northeast Wisconsin
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I hunted Just west of Aguilar in that unit on some private land that butted up to the Spanish peaks. My experience Was not a good one. Never seen an elk. The mule deer hunting would have been good though. It was the first season and they were not bugeling and it was warm out. Not much to make them move besides them hitting some water holes after dark. We had the Trujillo creek running through property and was one of the only water Sources in the area but it still didn’t help lol The areas was very ugly and dry with mostly cedars and some Popple and aspen in the higher elevations. It literally felt like I was in Mexico when in the town. Kind of a odd place imo
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Re: Anybody elk hunted zone 85 colorado
[Re: Choo]
#7224871
03/23/21 07:52 PM
03/23/21 07:52 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,750 williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,750
williamsburg ks
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Spanish speaking people have lived in that area since the 1600's. By the time the first rifle season opens rut is pretty much over for elk and hasn't got going for deer.
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Anybody elk hunted zone 85 colorado
[Re: NE Wildlife]
#7224984
03/23/21 09:37 PM
03/23/21 09:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 154 West Virginia
Choo
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 154
West Virginia
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I hunted Just west of Aguilar in that unit on some private land that butted up to the Spanish peaks. My experience Was not a good one. Never seen an elk. The mule deer hunting would have been good though. It was the first season and they were not bugeling and it was warm out. Not much to make them move besides them hitting some water holes after dark. We had the Trujillo creek running through property and was one of the only water Sources in the area but it still didn’t help lol The areas was very ugly and dry with mostly cedars and some Popple and aspen in the higher elevations. It literally felt like I was in Mexico when in the town. Kind of a odd place imo Yeah when I look at this place on google maps it looks like cedars, rocks, and a few fields of grass. Was told there would be alfalfa fields but when I see rocks in a field I know it ain't no alfalfa. There is a little bit of street view available on the one road and the ground looks to thick to see for very long shots. It also concerns me that the outfitter supposedly didn't want it this year cause his client bookings were down. The more I look at it the more uncertainty I see. Also concerns me that pretty much any fields or opening are along stream bottoms with road access that I would think would deter many from showing themselves.
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Re: Anybody elk hunted zone 85 colorado
[Re: Choo]
#7225159
03/24/21 05:58 AM
03/24/21 05:58 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,750 williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,750
williamsburg ks
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and a few fields of grass the elk will be feeding in those parks if they are there
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Anybody elk hunted zone 85 colorado
[Re: shepherd0610]
#7225357
03/24/21 10:57 AM
03/24/21 10:57 AM
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 154 West Virginia
Choo
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 154
West Virginia
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I raise cattle west and east of aguilar. we are in a severe drought down here. 1st rifle season is a hard season to hunt in 85. have to get as high as you can in spanish peaks wilderness to get into any real amount of elk. if there is snow on the peaks the elk will be down low. no snow usually means no elk low. the elk that stay low year around are on ranches that dont hunt or stay on tiny ranches and raid hay fields and then disappear in the hills during day. dont respond to calls. hard to pattern. 2nd and 3rd season are fun in 85 if have access to private ground and snow on the peaks. elk are getting shot at constantly so always moving. when i take kids hunting we just sit all day in a good elk corridor area. the bulls will come sneaking in hugging the terrain and the cows come running like cattle to feed. if the ranch you have access to has good water and canyon they feel comfortable and safe in. it might hold a small group bachelor bulls. down low there are a few good bulls. but in 85 down low if a legal bull comes in, shoot it. if you dont he will jump a fence and get shot by someone in neighboring ranch. 85 is broken up ranches. lots of 40, 60, 80, 100 acre ranches. the good hayfields are usually all leased out by outfitters. and they protect and patrol ground religiously. been known to harass the elk to keep them from leaving land they hunt. unit 85 is great unit for youth. my kids all kill cows, get a great long season and able to get them on alfalfa fields when every one else is done chasing them. Thanks for the insight. I noticed that when i pulled up the On x maps the properties where broke up into pretty small tracks and that also concerns me. I think from what i have seen from google earth maps and your alls info I'm going to turn down the offer. While i would love to go on an elk hunt i think ill sit this one out.
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