Colorado 1st rifle hunting info needed?

[Mnhunter2]

Looks like we have an outfitter that’s booking us for a 1st season rifle hunt, never hunted Colorado before wonder what weather we should be ready for and what else to expect?

 

[Mojave]

Good evening, zero idea what you are specifically asking.

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

Your outfitter is telling you what season to hunt? Well he knows his area.

The thing is ask your outfitter what he recommends there are so many differences depending on what part of co, year by year, etc. the outfitter should be able to send you a suggested gear list for your season. Ask your outfitter


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[SloppyJ]

If you're just booking a first rifle hunt, it sounds like you got lucky or the guide doesn't have much business. I booked a 2nd rifle hunt for 2025 back in July. I had originally booked for 2026 but I got a call back saying that a group backed out.

Look up historical weather data on your location and go from there. In my boat for 2nd rifle, it seems I could be in anything from 50 degree weather to it snowing feet. Planning for both and will pack based on the weather forecast a week before. I can always cool off but it sure sucks getting cold. Been gathering gear for about 6mo now and I'm almost done except for a 2nd pair of boots in the snow and a few little odds and ends.

Good luck.

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

If you're just booking a first rifle hunt, it sounds like you got lucky or the guide doesn't have much business. I booked a 2nd rifle hunt for 2025 back in July. I had originally booked for 2026 but I got a call back saying that a group backed out.

Look up historical weather data on your location and go from there. In my boat for 2nd rifle, it seems I could be in anything from 50 degree weather to it snowing feet. Planning for both and will pack based on the weather forecast a week before. I can always cool off but it sure sucks getting cold. Been gathering gear for about 6mo now and I'm almost done except for a 2nd pair of boots in the snow and a few little odds and ends.

Good luck.

Why do guys say that? If they are just booking they must not be very good? Many outfitters book year to year. I myself don’t book years in advance even though I could, I put all my time into my clients year to year vs dealing with guys years in advance. I’ve had better turnout and more repeat this way vs guys calling me during season booked 3 yrs away and asking how it’s going. I put all my time and energy into clients year by year


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[cnelk]

Booking and getting a tag are two different things since 1st Season is a draw

 

[Mnhunter2]

Outfitter says he can guarantee us tags, I did hunt Wyoming 30yrs ago on an early season rifle hunt, hope the elk population is okay.

 

[omicron1792]

I did first rifle this year and it was awesome. 40s in morning and 60s during day. Saw probably 500 elk and took a nice 5x5. Good luck!

 

[Coveyleader]

First season feels like hunting season. Great time of year.

 

[sndmn11]

hope the elk population is okay.

That's a good something to know before booking!

 

[abbackcountry]

Looks like we have an outfitter that’s booking us for a 1st season rifle hunt, never hunted Colorado before wonder what weather we should be ready for and what else

Hey Mnhunter, that’s a broad question and entirely depends on where in the state you’ll be hunting, elevation, etc.

In terms of what to expect, likely a lot of exhaustion from the elevation (depending on where you live), random weather - do not trust a forecast, plan for harsh weather bc with the topography in the mountains it’s extremely hard to predict.

If you have some more details I can probably give more detailed answers.

 

[davsco]

i hunted nw colo 1st rifle in 2018, 19 & 20, incl up to a week of pre-scouting. each year we had seriously record cold and some nice days as well. holy crap does it get cold out there, and i was below 10k each time.

 

[Poser]

Can be super warm and dry, can be significant snow, wind and cold. No way you can have an idea until about a month out, and that can shift.

This past season was pretty warm and dry, but we got smacked with a significant storm at the end and deal with snow, freezing rain and even rain down low. Some years I haven't even put a puffy on, other years I've brough 2 puffies.