Unit 4 is a great area for elk. Lots of public land in that unit, however it does get a lot of pressure, plus second season is very popular.

Are you planning on camping? Lots of public campgrounds (primitive) in the Black Mountain area.

I'm not as familiar with unit 55, but my guess would be that the number of elk will be lower in that part of the state. Maybe someone from that area can help out a bit more than I can.

Right now the northwest corner of Colorado has the largest herds of elk in Colorado. In fact they're way over populated and the DOW is eager to get their numbers down - quickly!

Thanks for the info. We will be camping and backpacking. Any specific places you'd suggest in gmu 4? We are on foot for hunting and 4 wheelers for getting to camp if we have to. Also, if you know of any other good over the counter bull units I'm all ears.

Thanks for the help.

left message on other post.

Unit 4 would be your best bet but like said before it can get real crowded. Good luck and keep us posted.

How bad of a crowd are we talking? We're planning on getting in as far as we can hike to get away from the crowds. Is that possible in Unit 4?

even in the roadless areas you will see orange hats all day. last year we counted 40 people in one day, and we were packed in about 5 miles.

Is it worth my time to even go there? If not, I may go to GMU 55 because it's huge. If you think I still have a good shot at an elk (bull only) I can deal with a crowd, but I'd rather not.

I think Unit 4 is a great place to hunt. I have archery hunted it for 10 years now 5 bulls and 3 cows. I also hunted first rifle last year, and will do so again this year (extra cow tag). Personally I would forget the ATV. They close all trails and logging roads in the unit right before the hunt (Walkin or hrse only). Anywhere else a road is open you could drive a compact car down, the roads are pretty decent overall. There are a lot of hunters, but there are in just about any over the counter unit. If you can walk and get off the trail there are ususally a lot of elk. I am always amazed even during the archery hunt, how many people will not leave the trail. Good places to start are the north side of California park (saddle mountain), and lopez creek. Camping is pretty much first come first serve. I have always been able to fins a spot, and then I usually just hunt out of camp. I am most familiar with those areas. I have not hunted the western side of the unit near Black Mountain as much, but it seems the eastern edge has more Bulls, but that just may be me talking. One thing I have found is if you hunt an area and you are not seeing anything, don'd go back, try a little further down the road. The elk move around a lot there, and some days they just do not like certain, areas. I like to hike so I tend to go back in several miles to get away from everyone, but even during rifle season I have yet to go a day when I don't see elk