2026 rifle elk

[jsbart]

hey guys I'm new to the forum anyway I moved to the colorado springs area a little over a year ago I grew up in Iowa I am an avid hunter and am looking at doing a rifle hunt for elk this year the rules and regs are a bit confusing with the draw and units and otc stuff anyway I'm wanting to get some advice on the otc tags bull or cow doest matter I'm a meat hunter just wanting to know how it all works and what I need to do thanks.

 

[displacedtexan]

Such a unique, fascinating question.

Why not try to do some research on your own?

If you just want meat, cow.

 

[Chris in TN]

Welcome. This place can be friendly and full of advice but your first post sort of asks a lot.

Without knowing any more about exactly where you live, my first advice would be to find whatever unit had a nice chunk of USFS mountain terrain closest to your home, that also has OTC 2nd/3rd season bull tags, then apply for a *COW* tag in that unit.

YMMV, a lot. Also - please don't mention specific units. We don't do that here.

 

[ReddingArcher]

Whatever you do get a new rifle. Elk are big critters. Especially in a rut fueled craze. Almost impossible to kill. Elk rifles start with 375 H&H and go up from there. Leupold scope. Call it a day.

Just kidding, good luck with whatever you come up with. Lots of options out there on units.

 

[406flyfish]

Talk to biologist and start walking the woods. There ya go.