Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Unit 74 Colorado

Anyone have any info on this unit? I have a friend that lives near there, but he does not hunt.

yes, whatcha want to know? It's an OTC bull unit, good elk population, not too much orange in the forest during most seasons, average success rate, a little below average trohy potential.

Most of it is very steep tough hunting as well. But, that does keep the orange to a minimum except right off the forest service roads.

Thinking about doing a drop camp with someone. What kind of elk should I expect? I have hunted AZ twice and CO once. I know AZ is easier to hunt, just wonder what I should expect. Should I look for the first decent 5x5 or hold out for a good 6x6?

That's up to you. Trigger discipline is a personal decision. If you need the meat, go talk to your local rancher about buying a steer. It'll probably cost you less and provide more meat. If you need to justify the trip to the wife by coming home with something, that's between you and her. If you won't be happy with 5x5s, don't shoot one. If you're only going to be happy with a Booner, pick another unit. If you're asking what to expect for antlers, the way I calculate it, the odds of making it to 4 years old in that DAU (not just 74), is between 12 and 19%. The chance of making it 6 is between 3 and 6%, depending on natural mortality. So if you see a step up from a raghorn, tyically a 3 year old skinny antlered 5x5 or 6x6, shoot him( but only if you'll be happy with him) because he's already bucking the odds.

I have been elk hunting 4 times and passed up many 6x6's a 6x7 and had about a 350 bull within 30 yards but could not get off shot. I have never shot an elk. I have never even taken a shot. I was kind of thinking I should break the ice, but I am not sure. I won't be until I am there. I donate more meat a year to Hunters for the Hungry then most people shoot.

I don't know many people in Colorado that let a good 5X5 pass. Heck, I don't know many that let a legal bull pass.....

In CO, minus the trophy units, its a mistake to pass if you want to kill an elk. If you want a trophy, then the decision to pass is on you. First legal elk generally gets some lead treatment.

exbiologist
yes, whatcha want to know? It's an OTC bull unit, good elk population, not too much orange in the forest during most seasons, average success rate, a little below average trohy potential.

Huntr
Most of it is very steep tough hunting as well. But, that does keep the orange to a minimum except right off the forest service roads.

I have to agree with both of ya . My favorite area, though I haven't hunted it in a few years.

I have hunted a few times not far from Mancos. Have had a little bit of luck there too in archery season. I don't think 74 is quite as good as 75 overall but there are definitely elk and some pretty decent ones too.

I will be in Unit 74 tomorrow well before first light helping a buddy on his archery hunt....

I am excited!