GMU 249

[XYZ_71]

Hi everyone,

Making my first post on this forum. I’ve been trying to prepare as best as I can for the high buck hunt and the alpine archery elk hunt. I’ve been finding areas in the Alpine GMU that looks promising on OnX and Google Earth. I know both hunts are going to be a tough test, so I’m continuing to improve my strength/conditioning and collecting the needed gear. Plan on spending many weekends in the unit this Spring/Summer and have a prolonged trip planned for a scouting trip/bear hunt this August. My plan is to backpack in for 8-9 days, hunting for elk earlier in the trip since it opens first and deer later. Goal is to take the first legal animals that give me an opportunity and to gain some experiences. I know people keep their cards close to their chests’ about these hunts, so I’m definitely not expecting a wealth of info coming my way. Just looking for something that might help me connect the dots if I combine it with plenty of hours in the hills. Feel free to pm, thanks!

[JeffRaines]

I have no experience hunting the animals in there, but I will say a few years back I ran into a bunch of sign about 8 miles in. Never seen any of the animals but the sign was fresh. I also know they’re there, but in small pockets. I’m sure where I was was one of the pockets, but I don’t think I’d want to go back in there by myself. It’s a long way in, and a hell of a long way out with an elk. This is the only elk sign I’ve seen in the ALW.

I also wouldn’t expect many(if any at all) directional pointers on this area. You already know what you need to do - get in there and check it out.

[fishngamereaper]

I think you'll quickly realize during your scouting that getting an elk out of that country is a tall order by yourself.. having packed deer out of that country I know for a fact I wouldn't want to bring an elk out solo..it would take day's. If you do enough scouting you'll find some animals..then make the choice to hunt them after that. Have fun it's nice country.

[coachcw]

Yeah it's a unit that you have to earn it .....more so than others . once you find your elk you have to worry about opening day guys just blasting in and camping on top of your elk .

[hunterofelk]

I think Three Peaks Outfitters does drop camps in that area.

[jstone]

School me on hiking up to the lakes. Do you need a permit for a day hike? When going into mountains won’t make you sick.!!! Ha ha I am going to Lake Caroline area. How far in advance do I need to get a permit for spending the night?

[jackelope]

Keep in mind that if you plan to hunt deer in there with your bow, you’ll have to wear hunter orange as the hunt is also open to rifle hunters.

[jstone]

Thank you
I am also hoping on heading in late June for a day or night trip. Maybe fish a lake and look around.

[cb1989]

I cant offer any help as I dont spend any time in that unit but make sure to post an update once the season's over. See a lot of similar first timer posts on here and never an update afterwards. Not sure if theyre all just skeletons under some crag in the high country or maybe a series of lion turds in the trail but never seem to get updates to see how the big plans turned out.

[luvmystang67]

I've actually seen a bit of elk sign back in there a long ways!  Good luck, they're pretty spread out in there.  Never set eyes on an elk, saw a dandy mule deer before the season opened though!

[D-Rock425]

I've actually seen a bit of elk sign back in there a long ways!  Good luck, they're pretty spread out in there.  Never set eyes on an elk, saw a dandy mule deer before the season opened though!  Without pics of mule deer it didn't happen.

[luvmystang67]

This was now many years ago... in August.

[fishngamereaper]

This was now many years ago... in August.

I know that spot...   But serious. I do.

I've seen a fair number of deer like that in my travels up there...Hard to find when the season starts.

[XYZ_71]

I have no experience hunting the animals in there, but I will say a few years back I ran into a bunch of sign about 8 miles in. Never seen any of the animals but the sign was fresh. I also know they’re there, but in small pockets. I’m sure where I was was one of the pockets, but I don’t think I’d want to go back in there by myself. It’s a long way in, and a hell of a long way out with an elk. This is the only elk sign I’ve seen in the ALW.

I also wouldn’t expect many(if any at all) directional pointers on this area. You already know what you need to do - get in there and check it out.

 Kinda figured I’d just have to get in and check things out for myself lol. Packing an elk out will be brutal, trying to find a hunting partner. Thanks for the info!

[XYZ_71]

I think you'll quickly realize during your scouting that getting an elk out of that country is a tall order by yourself.. having packed deer out of that country I know for a fact I wouldn't want to bring an elk out solo..it would take day's. If you do enough scouting you'll find some animals..then make the choice to hunt them after that. Have fun it's nice country.

Yeah it’ll be brutal, I’ll have the time to get a bull out, but I’m definitely trying to find someone to go up there with. Looking forward to the steep hikes and nice views, thanks.

[XYZ_71]

Thank you
I am also hoping on heading in late June for a day or night trip. Maybe fish a lake and look around.

PM me if you’re interested in talking more, I’m definitely looking to for someone to hunt with!

[XYZ_71]

I cant offer any help as I dont spend any time in that unit but make sure to post an update once the season's over. See a lot of similar first timer posts on here and never an update afterwards. Not sure if theyre all just skeletons under some crag in the high country or maybe a series of lion turds in the trail but never seem to get updates to see how the big plans turned out.

I’ll make sure to break that trend lol

[luvmystang67]

Also, nobody was at the trailhead I used to enter, but as soon as hunting season came, MY did people show up.  Horse trailers, hikers, more people hunt up there than you realize.  Not bear hunters, not even really that many high buck hunters, but the elk hunters are thicker than you think and don't give you a lot of indication that they're up there until opening day rolls around.

I'm REALLY glad i didn't shoot anything in there.  Its a long ways.