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Q:
I'm trying to put together a pretty in depth scouting report for a certain unit in Colorado. What would all you guys include in yours. So far I have: estimated deer and elk population, preference points needed for a tag, a map showing the wintering and migration areas for both elk and deer, and last years harvest statistics
Question by hunterboy. Uploaded on March 10, 2012
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Answers (9)
You might want to add some topo maps that show terrain and aerial photos if you can get them. Google Earth?
Also land ownership and access across private property is a big one. Not all roads on maps crossing private land to BLM or state land are accessible. Some first hand knowledge of the area helps, too. Wintering and migration areas are helpful, but that is based on weather as much as anything. Elk will show up on the migration routes at some time or another, but guessing when in the short seasons is another matter. Good luck!
What the access like for vehicles and on foot. Camping regs? Water sources. Places to stay if weather gets bad. Nearest medical treatment. Sources of resupply for your or animals. Public/private land ownership.
There are probably more but that what I come up with off the top of my head. Have fun, Colorado is an awesome place to hunt.
Good idea.
I miss hunting when I was a kid. Nothing was posted and no one cared. Land was considered open if it wasn't posted. And no body sued the landowner. Farmers welcomed you. Where I hunted was once owned by my great grandfather who sold it off in parcels that were never built on. Now its a )(!@&(@& mall. I miss those days.
Now I would be afraid of hunting anywhere not 100% guaranteed public land or I didn't personally know the owner.
The DNR site for Colorado offers a lot of good information including harvest info and range info.
Check with the local courthouse in the area you are wanting to hunt. They have all the land ownership records as well as maps.
Another thing you might check on, is weather records. Just look at the average temps over the past 30-50yrs and it will give you an idea of what to expect.
Another quick note, depending on what kind of gear you're bringing, make sure you know where the nearest store is that can help you in the event of equipment failure. i.e. if your bow hunting find out where the nearest bow shop is located.
All the above is good information too.
Check out the Colorado Hunting Atlas from the Division of Wildlife. You can pull up satellite images of the entire state – zoom in on any area pretty close. It has other views and overlays showing public land boundaries, summer and winter elk range and other details. Pretty cool tool. I tried posting a link, but the site apparently won’t let me do that. Just do a search for “Colorado Hunting Atlas” and you’ll find it.
What is the easiest way to get to the area you want to hunt, then find another way. It can get crowded in the Colorado mountains during elk season. Sometimes the hunters move the deer for/towards me other times I have to find another avenue of approach. Try to guesstimate wear hunter pressure will send the animals and set up a plan to intercept them.
Thanks for all the help. I think I have my report for this unit complete. I ended up including:
1. Satalite map of the unit
2. Topo map
3. Road map
4. Elk/mule deer wintering area map
5. Elk/mule deer summering area map
6. Last years harvest statistics
7. Preference points needed for tags
8. Last years draw summary
9. Deer/elk population estimated from the state
10. Public/private land boundaries
This report should be a good reference source for this year
call the DOW office for that area for the most up to date info right before you go. it's good that you are getting prepared ahead of time. some don't.
Post an Answer
You might want to add some topo maps that show terrain and aerial photos if you can get them. Google Earth?
Also land ownership and access across private property is a big one. Not all roads on maps crossing private land to BLM or state land are accessible. Some first hand knowledge of the area helps, too. Wintering and migration areas are helpful, but that is based on weather as much as anything. Elk will show up on the migration routes at some time or another, but guessing when in the short seasons is another matter. Good luck!
What the access like for vehicles and on foot. Camping regs? Water sources. Places to stay if weather gets bad. Nearest medical treatment. Sources of resupply for your or animals. Public/private land ownership.
There are probably more but that what I come up with off the top of my head. Have fun, Colorado is an awesome place to hunt.
Good idea.
I miss hunting when I was a kid. Nothing was posted and no one cared. Land was considered open if it wasn't posted. And no body sued the landowner. Farmers welcomed you. Where I hunted was once owned by my great grandfather who sold it off in parcels that were never built on. Now its a )(!@&(@& mall. I miss those days.
Now I would be afraid of hunting anywhere not 100% guaranteed public land or I didn't personally know the owner.
The DNR site for Colorado offers a lot of good information including harvest info and range info.
Check with the local courthouse in the area you are wanting to hunt. They have all the land ownership records as well as maps.
Another thing you might check on, is weather records. Just look at the average temps over the past 30-50yrs and it will give you an idea of what to expect.
Another quick note, depending on what kind of gear you're bringing, make sure you know where the nearest store is that can help you in the event of equipment failure. i.e. if your bow hunting find out where the nearest bow shop is located.
All the above is good information too.
Check out the Colorado Hunting Atlas from the Division of Wildlife. You can pull up satellite images of the entire state – zoom in on any area pretty close. It has other views and overlays showing public land boundaries, summer and winter elk range and other details. Pretty cool tool. I tried posting a link, but the site apparently won’t let me do that. Just do a search for “Colorado Hunting Atlas” and you’ll find it.
What is the easiest way to get to the area you want to hunt, then find another way. It can get crowded in the Colorado mountains during elk season. Sometimes the hunters move the deer for/towards me other times I have to find another avenue of approach. Try to guesstimate wear hunter pressure will send the animals and set up a plan to intercept them.
Thanks for all the help. I think I have my report for this unit complete. I ended up including:
1. Satalite map of the unit
2. Topo map
3. Road map
4. Elk/mule deer wintering area map
5. Elk/mule deer summering area map
6. Last years harvest statistics
7. Preference points needed for tags
8. Last years draw summary
9. Deer/elk population estimated from the state
10. Public/private land boundaries
This report should be a good reference source for this year
call the DOW office for that area for the most up to date info right before you go. it's good that you are getting prepared ahead of time. some don't.
Post an Answer