Could Use Some Help/Guidance GMU 11, 3/301 . . .

[DHC]

Got my kid (12 years old) drawn for a Pronghorn (doe) license in GMU 11. The other kid (17 and never hunted) got drawn for Deer (buck) in GMU 3/301.

Problem is, I don't know either unit. Don't know where to set up camp or where to begin to look for decent hunting areas.

Not much time left to do any scouting myself.

If anyone has knowledge of the areas and is willing to share it, I'd be greatly appreciative. I'd really like for both youngsters to be successful with their first hunts - and the only thing I've been able to do so far is (hopefully) find GMU's to give them a reasonable chance of success (going by past harvest stats).

Thanks, in advance, for any assistance. Feel free to PM.

[spqrzilla]

If the tags were the other way 'round, I could give a bit of help. As I hunted deer in 11 once. Not sure where there is any speed goat habitat on public land out that way. Fortunately, speed goats are not hard to find. I'd get BLM land maps for the area - they are best for finding public land. Find the pronghorn by finding a high spot and glassing the sage pastures.

Also check the state wildlife area lists:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/StateWildlifeAreas/Pages/swa.aspx

As an example, Bitter Brush SWA is in 11 but I've not been there.

Since you are trying to set up a hunt for kids, I'd recommend you call the Meeker DOW office (970) 878-6090 and ask for either the DWM or whatever mammal biologists work that area. Ask them their advice for getting the kids set up. And you might ask if they know a private land owner who'd be willing to allow access to a friendly, polite family of hunters.

I think I camped last year just northwest of the intersection of CO RD 74 CO RD 17 (take CO RD 17 off of Hwy 40 some 20 miles west of Craig). That's BLM land there and I saw speedgoats and mule deer in the area. Unfortunately, the speed goats were on private land just off the Yampa river. And I think that spot is in 3 and 301 but double check me.

[MarkCO]

Feel free to PM.

Tried to send PM...system won't let me.

[MarkCO]

I've hunted that area off and on for about 30 years. For antelope, look up Bitter Brush SWA. The DOW has maps and such. From Maybel, I think it is road 59 that goes into Bitter Brush. That road, for about 5 miles is the best bet for antelope. I like to go about a mile and then when the road turns away from 40, get out and walk towards 40 about halfway and then take a walk west for a few miles and you will certainly run into several doe antelope. Set up on a bluff ealry in the am and later in the afternoon. We have taken an antelope out of that area every year for about 6 years, usually by 8am on Saturday.

For deer in 3/301, Gadiva rim will hold some bucks, including some monsters. Hunting between Sunliight and Gadiva rim is a pretty good bet. The deer like to cross the open sage flats heading to water on the southern boundary of 3 morning and night. Some guys will literally hug a telephone pole and wait to ambush them once they get into the sage flats in 3 (goign north) in the morning and same thing in the evening, except the deer will be going south. The pinyon ridges from Sunlight west maybe 4 or 5 miles beyond the road into 3 from Maybel also are good hunting. The bluffs that look onto the river are the best bets for the early seasons.

If you can get yourself a Quadrangle map of the area and send me a PM, I can get you some more info.

[CO Hugh]

For deer in 3/301, Gadiva rim will hold some bucks, including some monsters. Hunting between Sunliight and Gadiva rim is a pretty good bet. The deer like to cross the open sage flats heading to water on the southern boundary of 3 morning and night. Some guys will literally hug a telephone pole and wait to ambush them once they get into the sage flats in 3 (goign north) in the morning and same thing in the evening, except the deer will be going south. The pinyon ridges from Sunlight west maybe 4 or 5 miles beyond the road into 3 from Maybel also are good hunting. The bluffs that look onto the river are the best bets for the early seasons.


I unsuccessfully hunted the area several years ago, but speaking to the locals and others sunlight was supposed to be good.

Also watch for the private holdings surrounded by BLM, when we went the rancher parked his truck at the gate to keep everyone off of his land.

I have always heard that the area is tough to hunt w/o snow to push the animals down.

Unit 11, I am not sure, but i recall a suggestion to hunt near the radio towers.

Lodging there used to be a motel on the south side of US 40 called the Red Rose. The Owner was a nice guy and very talkitive, rooms clean and cheap. for hunting it was fine.

[DHC]

Hey Guys - my kids and I send our sincere THANK YOU for all the information and advice offered from everyone who responded. As a result of your responses we have been able to get our lodging/camping plans pulled together as well as our initial hunt plan. This should increase the odds of the boys being successful with their initial hunting experience and hopefully developing a long-term interest in hunting and the outdoors.

Thanks a bunch!

[MarkCO]

Rock on and best of luck![Beer]