Elk Hunting Problems

[1967k10]

Have some elk hunting questions. I've been hunting for 3 or 4yrs over by Hahns Peak north of Steamboat and have had no success and have not even seen much sign of animals :mad: . The Fish and Game says that is a very good area and there are a lot of elk there :confused: . Where the real question is I'm hearing reports from other hunters of animal and hunter harassment during season via ATV's,horses and a Helicopter. One guy I talked to last week said he and his hunting buddys saw app 6 people on 4 ATV's and a couple horses in a NO VEHICLE area hearding the elk onto joining private property 2 weeks ago during Archery season. Last year or the year before I was told that there was a Helicopter flying over the hunters close to the ground and disturbing them. If this is going on it's no wonder there are no animals. If it is then what needs done to stop it?

[mrutledge]

I'm not too shocked to hear any of that. Everything you mentioned is 100% against the law. Depending on observed intent, several laws. The best thing you can do is know how to get in touch with your local DOW field agent, FS ranger, and/or county LEO. Take pictures, take video, if you can help it, do not engage them. If you have to engage them, unload your firearm and make sure it's no where near within reach of anybody - including you.

That sort of thing sickens me, and there's a reason it's against the law.

-Matt

[CSP]

The first thing to do is report it to the DOW. They take this sort of thing VERY seriously.

[SteveH - Colo Springs]

Without license plate numbers, the DOW won't/can't do much. Get license numbers (including ATVs) whenever possible if you're on site.

Steve

[1967k10]

I personally have not seen it yet. Only talked with guys that have. I'm trying to get specific info from one guy currently to see if there is any solid info and what can be done about it.

I know they are things the DOW would take seriously,I sure would if I caught them :rant: .

[Brutus]

Next time you are in Steamboat... ask some of the farmers if they have elk coming on to their property nibbling on their hay. They will let you hunt from the top of the haystack. Easy peasy japaneeezy.

[1967k10]

Next time you are in Steamboat... ask some of the farmers if they have elk coming on to their property nibbling on their hay. They will let you hunt from the top of the haystack. Easy peasy japaneeezy.

There are ones that still will? I thought they were all leased out? Here in NE we have one of the few ranches that's not leased due to the fact we have friends that hunt here. I should go and talk to a few of the local guys.