Unit 61 BEAR

coloradohunter · Aug 6, 2024

Two daughters and I, all got September Rifle Bear tags this year in Unit 61. We’re looking forward to spending our September weekends in that Unit. Besides learning new country, it would be amazing if either or both kids shoot their first bear. Bear or no bear, it will be fun to spend family time together and see and hear all those elk that live there!

Hunting near successful archery and muzzleloader hunters gut piles seems like a good idea.

If anyone knows of a historically good place to sit and watch for bears such as a specific hillside or even a good water hole to set up a blind on, and is willing to share, that would be awesome help.

Best of luck to everyone on your 2024 hunting adventures!

Thank you.

coloradoman · Aug 6, 2024

I saw there were 10 tags on the leftover list. Normally I would have grabbed one but I’ve only seen 9 bears since June so I held off.
Probably because of the heat this year.
I have a buddy that has a tag so we will see what we can turn up.

1989Cohunter · Aug 6, 2024

It’s more fun seeing and listening to the elk in my opinion.

coloradohunter · Aug 8, 2024

1989Cohunter said:
It’s more fun seeing and listening to the elk in my opinion.

coloradoman said:
I saw there were 10 tags on the leftover list. Normally I would have grabbed one but I’ve only seen 9 bears since June so I held off.
Probably because of the heat this year.
I have a buddy that has a tag so we will see what we can turn up.

coloradohunter · Aug 8, 2024

If we find a bunch of active elk, we’ll pass along the info to any elk hunters that we meet. Hopefully they in turn kill an elk and stink up the place with elk guts. Win! Win!

Shadowden · Sep 6, 2024

I'm up here now for my first fall bear hunt. I used 13 or 14 points so was surprised to hear there were leftover. I understand it usually doesn't take that many; I just have never made it a focus even though it is a big bucket list hunt. This is beautiful and rugged country.

I've seen a bear most every day. Mostly in the morning and one in the afternoon. The afternoon bear was running a well known marked trail. The ponds in my general area are being dominated by cattle. I'm not sure if that keeps bear away or not but there is no sign around them whatsoever. I don't have a 4 wheeler but agree that would be better than using my truck.

Elk have been vocal back in the North Bear Canyon area. Didn't see good mast, berries or any sign for bear though. Have also seen a couple heavy and tall mule deer bucks.