New to Western Hunting-Seeking advice

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CountryRoadsElk

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My family and I have picked up tags for Colorado GMU 34 in 3rd season. We are unable to take from work for early scouting, but would be very appreciative of any advice or help. No one in the party has ever hunted mule deer before, One of our hunters is 75 years old with somewhat limited mobility. Does anyone have any advice on where to start or general tips?
 
I'm a non-resident and no nothing about GMU34. However, I often hunt western states totally blind as you are about to do. There is a ton of information on the web if you look for it.
1. E scout - either onX or Go Hunt.
2. Watch the Colorado DOW videos on youtube about GMU34 - then email the warden that made the video and ask your questions - I have found most DOW wardens in CO will provide you with great insight for the areas that they patrol.
3. Get good glass & tripod - let the glass do the walking for the older hunter with limited mobility.
4. When you arrive visit national forest office, BLM office, DOW office closest to GMU 74 - ask questions and get maps - they are more than willing to point you in the right direction. Looks like there is an office in Glenwood Springs.
5. Bring tire chains
 
Ah, good old unit 34 :eek::eek:. If youre lucky the weather will be fair and you wont get stranded up there. If youre unlucky, you may never hunt again after a unit 34 experience as your first. Bring chains, winches, and anything you may need to fix/get unstuck a broken rig. I know a guy who used to hunt 34, never could get anyone to go with him. Not trying to be a d!ck (although its what I do best), but you should be prepared for a difficult time that time of year up there.

HOWEVER, IF the current indian summer conditions persist and some deer stay up high because they havent been pushed down by the wraths of he!!, you could have a decent time. Itll be one or the other.
 
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Do your research on where the deer are going to migrate to if weather pushes them out of the high elevation. Harsh weather up high can be an advantage, eliminates real estate for you to cover, shows tracks in snow, etc.
 
Cannot emphasize this enough - whether you are in snow or mud.
" Bring chains, winches, and anything you may need to fix/get unstuck a broken rig"

Strike up a conversation with all hunters you meet on the road, the locals at the grocery store, guys at the gas station, whomever- you will be surprised at what information you will receive - and vice versa, pay it forward. Maybe you can help somebody fill a cow tag, or whatever.
 
JPC6000 said:
Cannot emphasize this enough - whether you are in snow or mud.
" Bring chains, winches, and anything you may need to fix/get unstuck a broken rig"

Strike up a conversation with all hunters you meet on the road, the locals at the grocery store, guys at the gas station, whomever- you will be surprised at what information you will receive - and vice versa, pay it forward. Maybe you can help somebody fill a cow tag, or whatever.
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If you need chains, then you shouldn't be there.
 
As others have mentioned, it is a tough unit with too many hunters. But it's not all doom and gloom. There's actually quite a few animals taken in 34 every year. And believe it or not, some of those animals are actually big. Take those tags, get on the mountain and have a good time.
 

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