First time DIY elk hunt Colorado unit 56

[Chase-n-Texas]

Hello everybody I am planning a trip for 4th rifle season in Colorado unit 56. This will be my first elk hunt and I was looking for any advice for this unit. Obviously I'm not looking for any personal honey holes or secret spots but just general advice. I have been looking at it with Google Maps and the onX app, but that can't replace any boots on the ground experience. Also if you have any other first time elk hunter advice I'd appreciate it thank you.

 

[Deleted member 28227]

Never hunted that particular unit... but the town of Salida is 7,000 ft and the tops of the peaks are 14 so be prepared to be hunting at 8500-9500ft. My advice with any CO unit is to get out of the truck hike in at least 2 miles and find a good place to sit and glass. There should be snow up high by 4th season so you will want to be looking at the lower elevations and likely hunting the edges of private as likely the elk will be feedings in the valley bottoms on private and beading on the public.

 

[ChrisS]

Get in shape, have boots that fit.

 

[Chase-n-Texas]

Thank you for the info

 

[BrokenArrow]

I have hunted the units west and north of there, more towards Gunnison and Leadville. But, they are adjacent units and terrain.
It will be steep hunting. Conditioning is key. Distance from the road is best. WLLM said to go to a glassing spot and I agree. Pick them out from there and don't waste your energy if you don't know where they are.
The best conditions for me during 4th seasons have been the 3-4 days after a 4" snowstorm. The elk are herded up and easier to see moving to lower country. 12-10K feet. It will take 12"+ to move them out and down to the valley onto private (7-8K feet). It is possible to catch them transitioning. The weather will be pivotal that time of year. Be prepared for full on blizzards up high, or it could be dry and 50 degrees. 50 degrees is nice to hunt in, but makes spotting/stalking animals difficult. You will never know what the conditions are until you get there.
If you do get a little off main roads for your camp and it snows, be prepared to get out fast or have tire chains for all 4 wheels. It gets epic pretty quick. Good Luck!