1st Archery Elk Hunt

[ChaseMosby]

Hey guys,

Finally appear to hopefully be going on first DIY archery elk hunt with my brother. Going to be going to Uncompahgre Wilderness. I have a few questions regarding timing and gear.

1st. What week would be the most active this year or what week is the rut estimated to be?

2nd. Any good tent recommendations for two guys + gear?

Thanks!


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[ChaseMosby]

Also what will the weather be like for said week?


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[LongWayAround]

Rut activity happens when it happens. Generally, people will tell you that the action picks up through the month. Bulls could be going apeshit on the opener and silent two weeks later in any given area depending on hunting pressure and when the cows are coming into estrus.

Weather could be 80° or snowing any time in September. In 2020, it went from 80° to snow and wind overnight. You just have to be prepared.

A tent for two guys and gear is probably a 4-person. Or take two 2-man tents. It depends on how you plan to hunt.

 

[bz_711]

This is my general observation:
Opening week can be busy and mixed with Labor Day travelers
First half of season on average a little warmer than second half
Muzzleloader season typically overlaps 3rd week of season
On average bulls should be bugling more later in season but not always the case...but they have been pressured the most by then and a lot of sign you find will be too old to hunt
Sept 20 and later apsens start turning gold and even more recreationalist show up to photograph and hike
There's no 1 week better than the others

For me - pick what ever dates give you the most time to hunt. I would usually pick opening day/week last mostly because I don't like getting the more summer like temps
I've shot all my bulls between 9/10 - 9/24 but that's also when I've done 90% of my hunting.

Any 4 man tent from walmart works fine for a truck based camp, an extra pop up shade with a couple tarps added on 2-3 sides adds some nice extra cook area/shade/rain block. Rope everything down...it's crazy what I've seen mountain winds do to some camps.
My hunting partner and I have also just slept/camped in our vehicles the last couple seasons...easy and mobile.

Good Luck!