Along with the Porcupine Mountains trip I mentioned in another post, I’m also planning an Elk hunting/ backpacking trip this October in the Flattops Wilderness in Colorado and was looking for advice from those who had visited the area. I have to admit that I am behind on planning for this trip and as a result, will probably not be successful in filling my tag, but I will look at this year’s trip as a scouting trip for next year’s hunt. I’m not going with an outfitter, so I don’t have to worry about trying to schedule that short notice.
First, is it too late for a nonresident to get a tag?
Also, how easy it to get a tag for the area you want assuming you are hunting in a wilderness area like this?
Finally, the area varies in elevation from 9000 to 12000 feet. I know the elk move downhill as it gets cooler. What elevation am I most likely to find them in mid to late October? Is there any specific temperature range that I am most likely to find them?
If I backpack in a few miles, how likely am I to run into other hunters. I’m ordering some topo maps and if the terrain is as forgiving as my research indicated I’m going to do 90% of the trip off the trails.
Feel free to share any related experiences that I may find helpful. I know I’m a bit behind in planning this trip, especially considering that I have never hunted elk before. Again, I’m looking at this year as being more of a trial for next year.
First, is it too late for a nonresident to get a tag?
Also, how easy it to get a tag for the area you want assuming you are hunting in a wilderness area like this?
Finally, the area varies in elevation from 9000 to 12000 feet. I know the elk move downhill as it gets cooler. What elevation am I most likely to find them in mid to late October? Is there any specific temperature range that I am most likely to find them?
If I backpack in a few miles, how likely am I to run into other hunters. I’m ordering some topo maps and if the terrain is as forgiving as my research indicated I’m going to do 90% of the trip off the trails.
Feel free to share any related experiences that I may find helpful. I know I’m a bit behind in planning this trip, especially considering that I have never hunted elk before. Again, I’m looking at this year as being more of a trial for next year.