Eagle Mountain Outfitters Unit 54 Colorado

[Ironbear]

Has anyone hunted 1st rifle with Jon? This will be my first elk hunt and 1st drop camp experience. He has 9 camps to pick from and I am not sure which camp to request by looking at the maps? Does anyone have any suggestions on which camps of his are best?

How far should I be prepared to shoot for an elk hunt in this part of the country? What are the average shot distances? I plan on using a 7mm rem mag, will Remington Premier Ammo 7mm Remington Mag 150 Grain Swift Scirocco be enough?

Thanks in advance!

[kevin_t]

Where r his camps specifically . I saw a pretty sweet camp about 6.5 miles back on the edge of west elk creek gorge a couple weeks ago

[Beekeeper]

You should communicate with Jon and see what's available. It was my impression that he is pretty full during the rifle seasons. A lot of camps are probably claimed by his repeat customers. We archery hunted the last week in 2012 (West Elk Camp) and from what we heard all the camps are good. No complaints with our setup. As anything else, the weather, outside hunting pressure and (fill in the blank) could hinder or help.

You can easily get a 500 yard shot given the right situation. I would lean toward a 165 grain bullet verses a 150.

Get your legs in shape. Very steep, demanding terrain at high altitude. You'll love it!

[Ironbear]

I will ask him for what's left over; I will also look into shooting a heavier bullet. Thanks for the advice. I am very excited.

[Triplebhunters]

Also surf back thru the forum. There was a couple threads towards the end of last hunting season on unit 54.

[Indian Summer]

a 7 mag is great but definitely go with the 165 grain. Killed my share with that and caribou too. Good luck.

[bowgy]

I did a solo drop camp with Jon a few years ago during archery season and I don't think he has any bad camps. During first rifle season I don't think it will be hard to find bulls. I was at his highest camp I think it was called sun mountain or something like that. It was a good area and there was a basin just north of the camp that is easier to get into from another camp that was full of elk also. The country is really steep and my camp was at 10,500'
I thought I was in good shape for a guy in his sixties but it was tough.

[wideangle]

We hunted 3rd season OTC with Jon last season and killed a 5X bull.
We were at sun mountain camp - the GPS said 10,900 ft.
His horses and equipment are excellent.
At this elevation you are out of breath no matter what your fitness level.
Although developing strong legs will serve you well in this country.
We saw elk every day some to far to stalk. My buddy killed his elk at under 400 yds. (.300 WinMag).
On the way out it was 6 degees and 14 inches of snow. Great trip.

[Ironbear]

I have a few questions....

I have a regular sized square sleeping bag, when it is rolled up it is about 2.4' by 1'. It is a military sleeping bag rated for -60. Do you think this is too large to pack up on this type of hunt?

How much camo clothing should I take. I was told by a friend that hunts new mexico, not to worry about scent control. Jus take two paris of pants, and 2 jackets (1 medium, an 1 heavy). Is this a good idea?

[Canvsbk]

Pm sent....I think...

[Beekeeper]

PM sent also