Beginner Western Hunts

[Wertherman]

Hello everyone!

I’m new to the forum and also celebrating my 25th birthday today.

I recently moved to Colorado and I’m looking for advice on beginner-friendly hunts here in the state. I currently have 1 point for each species in Colorado, and 2 points for Wyoming.

A bit more background:

• I grew up in Vermont and lived in Pennsylvania for a bit, which is where I first got into bowhunting.
• I went on my first archery elk hunt this year solo. When I spotted a bull at 250 yards, I realized I’ve never actually had to stalk an animal before—definitely a learning moment. Then got altitude sickness.....
• I hunt with a Tikka 30-06 and shoot a Mathews Lift.

I’ve also got a friend who wants to tag along on one of my hunts just to see what it’s like (no plans to shoot), and my dad is hoping to hunt with me too in 2026.

I’d love any suggestions for good hunts, or seasons for someone still getting their feet under them in the West.

Thanks!
Matt

 

[MuleyFever]

I would say pretty much any deer or pronghorn hunt can be beginner friendly. Day hunting from the truck to get the hang of it before venturing out for longer and packing out a smaller animal before tackling an elk. That said I think elk hunting from a truck camp is also pretty beginner friendly just know your limits.

 

[type2bowhunter]

Welcome and good luck. No one here is going to give you a specific hunt with seasons, species, zones. As a beginner, the best hunt is going to be the one where you can spend the most time scouting and hunting, which will generally be something close by and accessible. Scour some maps, do your own research on seasons, and get boots on the ground.

 

[Ucsdryder]

You’re a resident. It’s not hard. Pick up an Elk tag for 60 bucks and go take your rifle for a walk in the woods. Scout in the summer and fall and find some spots.

 

[Glendon Mullins]

If you have already spotted a bull to stalk, sounds like you are on the right path and already know a decent enough spot!

 

[Ridge Ghost]

Antelope hunting is very beginner friendly. Relatively high success rates, you'll see lots of animals, get multiple stalks in a weekend, no altitude sickness as you mentioned, and easy pack out if successful.

 

[Hondo0925]

I would say a rifle deer hunt would be perfect. Get a second or third season hunt. Take a spotter, binos and a rifle and you’ll be set. It’s a ton of fun and you will see lots of animals.

 

[jeremiah.drozd]

Congrats on getting into western hunting! When I started backpack hunts I really appreciated having a pack that could haul meat but still feel comfortable. Recently the EXO K4 5000 was highlighted in the Rokslide staff gear picks — they mentioned it carries weight really well and has a minimalist yet intuitive design with enough storage. Have you or anyone else tried it? I'm curious how it handles on longer elk hunts versus something like a Stone Glacier or Mystery Ranch pack.

 

[Wertherman]

Welcome and good luck. No one here is going to give you a specific hunt with seasons, species, zones. As a beginner, the best hunt is going to be the one where you can spend the most time scouting and hunting, which will generally be something close by and accessible. Scour some maps, do your own research on seasons, and get boots on the ground.

Definitely not expecting to get any units or spots, more what season, animal and style like others have posted.

 

[Wertherman]

You’re a resident. It’s not hard. Pick up an Elk tag for 60 bucks and go take your rifle for a walk in the woods. Scout in the summer and fall and find some spots.

Do you think elk is the best hunt for learning western hunting?

 

[Ucsdryder]

Do you think elk is the best hunt for learning western hunting?

I think the answer is all of them as a resident. Elk tags are the easiest to get, antelope tags are the hardest to get. I would buy an elk tag and a deer tag in units that look appealing and start hunting. Antelope will take a little while

 

[Wertherman]

Congrats on getting into western hunting! When I started backpack hunts I really appreciated having a pack that could haul meat but still feel comfortable. Recently the EXO K4 5000 was highlighted in the Rokslide staff gear picks — they mentioned it carries weight really well and has a minimalist yet intuitive design with enough storage. Have you or anyone else tried it? I'm curious how it handles on longer elk hunts versus something like a Stone Glacier or Mystery Ranch pack.

I used a kifaru this year but think I'm going to pick up an EXO for my dad and see which one each of us likes more.

 

[Wertherman]

I think the answer is all of them as a resident. Elk tags are the easiest to get, antelope tags are the hardest to get. I would buy an elk tag and a deer tag in units that look appealing and start hunting. Antelope will take a little while

Thanks for the insight, I understand that you are more likely to see elk in September during archery but October rifle hunts would be higher success rate. Would you recommend archery for more days in the field and encounters or rifle for more success? I don't know what skills I should be building.

 

[Ucsdryder]

Thanks for the insight, I understand that you are more likely to see elk in September during archery but October rifle hunts would be higher success rate. Would you recommend archery for more days in the field and encounters or rifle for more success? I don't know what skills I should be building.

Depends on what you like. If you want to fill the freezer probably rifle. If you want to enjoy great weather, see elk, and chase bugles, September…knowing you’re probably going home empty handed.