Unit 40- Colorado Trophy Bull Elk

Unit 40 in Western Colorado is one of a select few units in the state managed to produce “trophy” bull elk. Regardless of the season hunters can expect to target bulls in the 320-340 range with bulls up to 370 coming out of this area every year.

The terrain encountered on this hunt will vary greatly depending on the season hunted. During the archery, muzzle loader, 1^st rifle, and 2^nd rifle hunts that cover the time periods of September and October one can expect to be at higher elevations ranging from 7,000-9,500 ft in high mountain plateaus and ridges. Here you will find intermittent meadows among timber tracts primarily made up of fir, spruce, and aspens. As the rut ends and seasons change the bulls will move into lower elevation rolling hills with intermittent steep, ledged canyons. Much of this area only contains shorter pine, pinyon, oak, and big sage which makes the country appear very open.

Archery and muzzle loader hunts will take place at the heart of the rut and use a mixture of calling, spot & stalk, and wallow hole hunting. Bulls can be receptive to calling into the 1^st rifle season but this will vary from year to year. Traditionally the 1^st and 2^nd rifle hunts will be primarily spot & stalk hunts that will require many hours atop vantage points glassing for bulls. The late rifle hunts are often overlooked but this is a true “sleeper hunt” in terms of trophy potential and overall hunt quality. The low desert lends itself to glassing these big bulls up from long distances then making a stalk.  Hunts can be tailored to individual physical preference but one can expect to hike 2-4 miles per day. Physically the late rifle hunts are easier as they take place in lower elevation and typically require less hiking.

This outfitter and his team of guides whom live on the edge of the unit are true professionals that understand how to operate an enjoyable, safe, and successful hunt. The area will be scouted through glassing and trail cameras throughout the summer and prior to the opening of each hunting season to ensure each client has the maximum opportunity to be successful.

Lodging will consist of a cabin, modern camp trailers or furnished wall tent camps which are provided. In certain circumstances spike camps consisting of  small canvas wall tents or dome tents will be used to access far reaches of the unit where camp trailers cannot access due to poor road conditions.

If you have questions regarding this hunt, have drawn a tag and now wish to locate the right outfitter, or would like assistance applying into the Colorado elk draw – please contact WTA TAGS at 1-800-755-TAGS(8247) or email us at TAGS@trophyadventures.com