Farther east, Monte Vista biologist Brad Weinmeister reported last year's harvest was average to even slightly below. He blames this on the snow that pushed the elk down early. Then it warmed up in the later seasons, and that really scattering them around. In fact, bulls were still seen in the upper reaches during the later seasons.

If you want a real chance at some oversized head-bone, then you might consider units 61 and 76. I have personally hunted both of these areas and can attest to the quality and numbers of bulls there.

As with anything else, you have to pay your dues -- in the form of preference points, that is -- before you can expect a reward from these units. It can take a fistful just to get access.

But much of the rest of the region has unlimited licenses, and there are always some holdover bulls that have a few years on the ground. The key to finding them is to get off the roads and hike into some remote areas. When hunting pressure builds, those older bulls hide in these hold-up places. If it's hot and dry, hunt high and in the cooler dark timber on the north-facing slopes.

It's definitely a tougher way to hunt, but packing out a 6x6 hatrack might be worth the extra effort.

CENTRAL MOUNTAINS
The Gunnison Basin and areas to the north encompass most of this region, and it's one of the most-heavily hunted regions in the state.

There are good reasons for this. It's nearly all public and is overflowing with elk. Approximately 30,000-plus elk live here, and the bull to cow ratio averages over 30:100. With numbers like this you can see why hunters make tracks here each year.

According to CDOW biologist Brandon Diamond, overall harvest looked to be above average last fall: "Like in many areas of the state, the early snowfall really got the elk moving. And from what I've heard, second-season hunters really did well."

Outfitter John Nelson agreed. "Our early-season hunters did really well. And overall, we had an exceptional season.

The LaRose bull came from some prime public timberline real estate that had an over-the-counter tag, priced at a mere $49.

"Our West Elk Camp went 18 for 18, and the Fossil Ridge camp had about a 75 percent success rate."

He expects good things again this year, but adds that the key to finding these elk is to get away from the other hunters.

Diamond also indicated this fall was shaping up to be good. Winter surveys showed good numbers of bulls across the basin. And with the lack of deep snow this winter, mortality rate would be low. Add that to the region's surplus of elk, and he expects a good harvest again this year.

Because of the remoteness of many of the units here, quality bulls can be found in any one of them. If you have a couple of preference points to burn, units 66 and 67 offer good odds for tagging a bull and offer both wilderness and easier-access areas.

Units 54 and 43, mostly wilderness areas, are some of the most rugged areas of the state. But with that limited access comes aged bulls. Get back in there a few miles, and you might just come away with a hard-earned prize. For an easier go of it, units 55 and 551 offer more roads, as well as an ample supply of elk.

EASTERN SLOPE
No question, most of Colorado's elk live west of the Continental Divide. But good elk hunting can be found east of the Divide as well.

Because of the lower elk density throughout most of this region, almost every GMU located here offers limited licenses. But if you're willing to wait a couple of years, you're sure to get your hands on a tag and have a really good hunt. Limited licenses spell less competition in the woods and aged bulls.