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 on this hunt will vary greatly depending on the season hunted. During the archery, muzzleloader, first rifle, and second rifle hunts that cover September and October, one can expect to be at higher elevations ranging from 7,000–9,500 feet in high mountain plateaus and ridges. Here, intermittent meadows are found 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 making the country appear very open.

Archery and muzzleloader hunts will take place at the heart of the rut and use a mixture of calling, spot and stalk, and wallow hole hunting. Bulls can be receptive to calling into the first rifle season but this will vary from year to year. Traditionally the first and second rifle hunts will be primarily spot-and-stalk hunts that will require many hours atop vantage points glassing for bulls. The late rifle hunts are often overlooked but this is a 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 and then making a stalk. Hunts can be tailored to individual physical preference but hunters can expect to hike 2–4 miles daily. Physically, the late rifle hunts are easier as they take place in lower elevations and typically require less hiking.

This outfitter and his team of professional guides live on the edge of the unit and understand how to operate an enjoyable, safe, and successful hunt. The area will be scouted through glassing and trail cameras throughout the summer and before 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 trailer, or furnished wall tent camp, which are provided. In certain circumstances, spike camps consisting of small canvas wall tents or dome tents will be used to access the far reaches of the unit where camp trailers do not have access due to poor road conditions.

If you have questions about 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 1-800-755-8247 or email us at TAGS@trophyadventures.com.