Unit 49
Contributors to this thread:Colorado
From: Lexus423
06-Jan-21
Been a Colorado resident for almost ten years and now that the kids are a bit older I’m headed out on my first archery elk hunt in 2021. Hoping to use my 7 PP for Unit 49. I am planning to hunt the second half of the season after ML and perhaps a few days around Labor day. I grew up hunting whitetail back east and I have OTC rifle hunted elk here in CO a few times. I am really looking to fill the freezer although a nice bull would be a nice extra. I have started scouting the unit on the internet and hope to make several scouting trips this summer. I have an ATV and I am willing to put in the extra miles needed to give me a better chance. My main concerns at this point are accessibility and camping. I plan to hunt from Buffalo Peaks and south. I don’t want to show up and be left searching for a place to set up camp. Are there a lot of pull off camping areas? I was considering reserving a forest service campsite but noticed that ATVs are not allowed. I am also having a hard time deciphering what roads are open to ATVs only and which ones are for all vehicles. Any suggestions for a better map to use would be appreciated. I would appreciate any PMs for some general suggestions. I am not looking for any honey holes just for some general directions on areas to avoid or focus on so I don’t spend days driving around aimlessly and can put boots on the ground.
From: kadbow
06-Jan-21
Plenty of pull off camping. You will find spots on your summer scouting trips.
From: Treeline
06-Jan-21
Definitely no need to reserve a campsite and the campsites aren’t necessarily where you want to be... Plenty of roads to get around to various parts of the unit.
From: Lexus423
07-Jan-21
Any other units worth waiting for? And not 10 years down the road. I have 7 PP and figured I would burn it here
From: Elk Noob
08-Jan-21
Unfortunately you're kind of in no mans land with 7 points. 7 is more than i'd use on 49, but there aren't many other options for you. No point in waiting on some of the 10+ point units because you'll likely never catch up with our current system.
From: Ramhunter
10-Jan-21
Buffalo Peaks is a great unit to hunt elk in. Good ratios, good population, and because it is limited through the draw the age structure exceeds that of typical otc units.
I say why not? It is a hunt, not a store for a shopping excursion. If you live close enough to scout, go for it. Beautiful country and you’ll have a wonderful experience and you may just tag a trophy bull to be very proud of.
From: elkster
17-Jan-21
I had those same questions last year in my preparation to hunt 49. Flew there to scout and all my questions were answered. Camping spots are abundant, ATVs access is easily figured out if you are there (not so easy online). You don't mention which map you are using, but trails illustrated and Mytopo are good. Onx is a helpful app. For the points you have, 49 is a good time.
From: Jaquomo
17-Jan-21
The National Forest has a MVUM map which shows which trails and roads are open to which types of vehicles. You can download it or get a paper copy at the Ranger District office. Good reference, because sometimes trails are open to 4WD vehicles but not ATVs, and vice versa.
From: Adventurewriter
17-Jan-21
I have hunted it several times...some say you will see scores of elk I don't think that is currently true. There are a few 300 plus bulls but 98 percent are going to be in the 280ish and below area....I saw if you see a solid 5 or any six you better shoot even if it is early..
From: Quinn @work
18-Jan-21
^^^^ This. 49 is not much better than OTC you're wasting your points.
From: PECO
18-Jan-21
So maybe 49 doesn't have a 300+ bull behind every tree, but it has to be a lot less crowded than OTC right?
From: Huntosolo
18-Jan-21
My experience in 49 is lots of elk but lots of recreational folks too. In fact, my OTC preferred unit doesn’t even remotely approach the numbers of people you’ll see in 49.