BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

Seeker · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 4

My brother and I are planning our 1st Colorado Deer hunt this year. We will hunting in Unit 3rd Rifle season. Would appreciate any input from anyone who knows this area.

gpcinc · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Posts: 34

where are you from? are you using a guide service? if so, who? thanks. scott.

Seeker · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 4

I am from a small town in the Northern California Foothills. We are not planning to use a guide. I am used to still hunting Blacktails through heavy cover, and in addition to trying to get some ideas of where to hunt that unit I am also trying to determine how I may need to adjust my hunting style to that terrain and species.
Would appreciate any advice you could give.

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2661 Location: Colorado

By still hunting, I'm assuming you mean a blind or stand, correct? That sort of technique is not very common here, not that it wouldn't necessarily work, just don't know many who do that. Be prepared to stalk your mule deer and do some hiking, best times are dawn and dusk.

I have not hunted 62, but have hunted near it and am somewhat familar with the area. If it were me I'd start on the western side of the unit on the Uncompahgre Plateu that borders near unit 61, then work my way southeast standing in the national forest.

Also you'll be hunting 3rd season so be prepared for cold weather and dress in layers.

Good Luck.

Seeker · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 4

Bitmasher, Thanks for the help. Actually, by still hunting I meant moving very slowly through the woods. It sounds like this may be the way you are saying this area is generally hunted. Will I be dealing with country that is more forested or open in that area?

cowgal · Joined: 10 Mar 2002 Posts: 1022 Location: Colorado

Welcome Seeker! Unit 62 has varied terrain, desert between Grand Junction and Delta. Further south and towards the canyons/plateaus you will have sagebrush mixed in with some evergreens. Some forest, but I'm guessing our forests are very sparse compared to what you're used to in northern California. You can count on lots of open terrain with little cover. We do not have thick underbrush & bushes, except along the river bottoms.

Good luck! Its beautiful country, bring good hiking boots & as was previously stated, the weather could get cold that 3rd season. Dress in layers.

Seeker · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 4

Gowgal, Thanks for the help. It sounds like I may need to invest in a good spotting scope.

cowgal · Joined: 10 Mar 2002 Posts: 1022 Location: Colorado

Yes a spotting scope is definitely helpful, as well as good binoculars.

Don't forget to pick up some good topo maps too.

Good luck!

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2661 Location: Colorado

Binoculars definitely help. Good Luck!

danield · Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Rockport, Texas

I have hunted unit 62 for the last 10 years or so, hunted the 3rd season a couple of times. Definately need to be prepared to deal with stronger snow storms and the temps. at night get below zero on a regular basis. The hunting is better the deer are more in the rut so that is definately an up thing. There are some big deer in this unit but hunting pressure has made a significant difference in finding them. Every year we take atleast one deer over 200 inches, and always take atleast one 30 incher or better. The deer in the third season are almost to the point of dropping down off of the divide road area simply because of the temps and hunting pressure up until that point. I met a guy from cali. when I was up there a couple of years ago and actually helped him pack out his deer. He drove a motorcycle/dirtbike around--very nice guy. Definately work the cedar country during that season. There will be a few good timbers bucks sticking it out in the higher parts of the unit but they tend to be difficult to find. Word of advice take an excellent pair of binoculars and try to glass as much country as you can. It works pretty well. Hope this helps!

9_er · Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 11 Location: utah

danield wrote: Idifference in finding them. Every year we take atleast one deer over 200 inches, and always take atleast one 30 incher or better. s!

wow, i would love to see some pics

9er

Wayne Mostrom · Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 1 Location: SW MICHIGAN

[quote="gpcinc"]where are you from? are you using a guide service? if so, who? thanks. scott.[/quote]
Scott...Just came back from a hunt with my son. We both got a huge Elk bull on a 4 day hunt..good accomocations..good food ...excellent guide in unit 62.
The camp name is "Camp David Outfitting" . They are located on route 90 West of Montrose and have a very large private acreage to hunt. Phone # is
970 252-1582 or "rdavid@gwe.net"
from:mostromsurvey@comcast.net

danield · Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Rockport, Texas

No not using a guide way to expensive and really hard to find an outfitter that know the deer and will treat you right. Dont get me wrong you can find one but I would rather hunt on my own. Congrats on your bulls, it is going to be a good season with all the rain they had earlier on in the year. Good horns hopefully!