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Old guy doing archery mule deer unit 53

I should draw unit 53 archery mule deer in Colorado. Will be 69 in September and would like to do this solo , same area did my first MD hunt almost 40 yrs ago. Have spoken to game and fish in 2 offices but no in field (game warden) advice. Ideally would get an airbnb in Paonia and day hunt but willing to camp, maybe have a son tag along Have had some ups and downs health wise lately but doing great now. Killed a bull in 76 last year at 12,300 and had lots of help packing him out but did a good bit myself. When younger killed several elk solo but life has changed. I can go almost anywhere the young guys do but a helluva lot slower. Live at sea level but stay in shape and usually take wife out for a vacation at altitude prior to hunt. #1 any up to date knowledge of winter kill, overall numbers and quality of MD in north end of 53 #2 if I decide to get an outfitter any suggestions #3 any knowledge of private land that would allow trespass fee hunting #4 if I am crazy just tell me , can’t hurt my feelings. I’ll return the tag and burn points later. Have 22 but don’t rifle hunt , might change my mind and take a rifle some day. Given changes in age, health , $$ I feel I’m running out of runway. Didn’t draw anything else so far this year so I’ll find some sort of cancellation hunt if I nix this one. Thanks guys.

Have a great hunt.

JMO, take your son(s), daughter(s), brothers and anyone else you can find who will be an asset, and enjoy your trip to the fullest with the people you love the most.

I used to LOVE hunting Solo, but 30 years later, it has occurred to me that I don’t have so many hunts left that I am willing to pass up the chance to spend time with my brother or anyone else who will add to the experience. I put in for the draw this year in a unit where it would take something close to a miracle, but my brother & nephew are both likely to come up with tags for both deer and Elk. So most likely I’ll be tagging along as a spectator/pack mule, even though I’m at an age where I can’t take it for granted that there will even BE a “next year”. I’m already older than my dad’s father ever got to be, and rapidly gaining on where my Mom’s father topped out…

Anyway, maybe put the family first; I’m sure you know that we only get one shot at it….

I agree. Sons would love to go, not sure I would ask them to take that much time away from work without a tag. We were 3 for 3 2 years ago in archery MD in eastern plains ( oldest son killed 225 inch deer , youngest and I both 175) , 3 for 3 on elk the year before in the Gila and 3 for 3 the year before on WT in Kansas. I have ruined them and happy I did. Hope to find a last minute hunt for both of them

Hope you have the hunt of a lifetime! Solo or otherwise.

I've hunted 53 off and on for 30 years. Not the Northern part but darn near everywhere else! I don't know private land connections. You could call Needle Rock outfitters. I'm not sure if they are permitted in the potion you want to go to though. I had good luck with them packing me in and out. Also, Lands End if Tony is still guiding. If going solo, on public, it would be a huge advantage to bivouac because of the daily climb. If I decide to hunt MD in 53, it will be with a rifle most likely unless I wait till retired and take the entire month off.

Thank you elkster! I will hunt any part of the unit if I can find out about winter kill/ overall herd health and numbers. As much as I initially thought I would like to do a diy hunt I’m starting to get cold feet, especially if doing day hunts not a good option. Will check with your outfitters. If I find a last minute cancellation bow hunt for my sons I’ll turn the tag back in and go with them, whether I have a tag or not.

Thank you elkster! I will hunt any part of the unit if I can find out about winter kill/ overall herd health and numbers. As much as I initially thought I would like to do a diy hunt I’m starting to get cold feet, especially if doing day hunts not a good option. Will check with your outfitters. If I find a last minute cancellation bow hunt for my sons I’ll turn the tag back in and go with them, whether I have a tag or not.

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