I'll be hunting 2nd in 54 this year for the first time. I spent the last 18 years hunting late seasons (3 then 4 when it was created) a bit east in 551. Rugger terrain for sure, but I think 54 is going to be a bit of an eye opener! I'm taking a group of out of state guys from another hunting forum who would likely never have the chance to hunt elk in CO otherwise. Came to the decision to hunt 54 based on the tag situation...it was a group decision, I pushed very heavily for 551 due to knowing the area but hey, that is democracy for you! They also opted for 2nd due to cold weather, again after ignoring me saying there could be 5ft of snow or 70 degrees...but again, I digress.
For you guys that have hunted it before, especially recently in 2nd or 3rd, what were the crowds like? That is one thing I relished about where I normally hunt, not many people in their right mind choose 551 in the middle of November, its damn cold that close to Monarch LOL.
