Colorado advice for a new hunter

[bae350]

I am looking into heading to colorado within the next couple of years to hunt elk. I am thinking I will probably try for archery season but am not opposed to muzzleloader or rifle. I dont think I will be ready to to hike in and camp so probably looking to stay in a hotel and drive to the trail head each morning. I have been combing GoHunt researching units and draw statistics but it slways better to hear some first hand experience from people who know the area. Just looking for any advice for a first timer. Thanks in advance.

 

[Phaseolus]

My advise is camp near where you expect to hunt. The drive time involved using a hotel will be valuable time spent not hunting.

 

[Peter Denzin]

Agreed...camp where you plan to hunt. Figure out what kind of terrain you want to hunt and realistic on what you are capable of. Then you can narrow down the units further.

 

[Andy Ivy]

Truck camp, and move if your not into elk. Look for places to hunt before the trail head also

 

[MBAO-millennialbyageonly]

Some advice for picking your spots. Google earth lies. “I can walk that whole ridge in a day no problem”-you can’t “that mountain doesn’t look that steep”-it is.

 

[Fullfan]

Do some home work, go and have a good time. But don’t think you will be alone.

 

[cnelk]

Start here:

Big Game

Hunting for big game in Colorado can be a thrilling and challenging experience, with the chance to explore some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the country. However, it's important to follow all hunting regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and sustainable hunt.

cpw.state.co.us

 

[Northpark]

Do some home work, go and have a good time. But don’t think you will be alone.

This. Elk hunting has become very popular over the last several years. Do not expect low hunter pressure. A friend of mine is a CO game warden. He counted over 40 vehicles at one trailhead during archery season this year. It wasn’t even in one of the well known units.

But you should go. Try to have fun, learn what you can and enjoy September in the mountains.

 

[Indian Summer]

“Within the next couple years”

You are in a perfect position to start buying points in Montana and Wyoming. Hunting there instead of Co will be a big step in the right direction. No packing in necessary. Less people.

 

[Wiscohunter]

As stated above, truck camp near where you're hunting. I have often stayed in a hotel for deer Hunts in other states, but elk country is huge and the roads are often rough. Truck camping isn't a big deal and can be done on the cheap. Lightweight backpacking gear is expensive; heavy truck camping tents, cots, pads, bags, etc. Are less and still more comfortable.

Also, start buying whatever points you can afford.

Last, don't wait, go this year.

 

[Traveler]

Why wait the next couple years?

Why do you already know you can’t hike in and camp?

why archery?

Probably good reasons for all of these but it helps to know to know what kind of advice you are looking for.

 

[5MilesBack]

The camping part is half the fun. Even if I wasn't hunting elk, I'd still be camping in elk country come September.

 

[Coveyleader]

Ignore all the negativity and enjoy.

 

[Vandy321]

Just curious, why CO? If I didn't live here, I certainly would not be hunting elk here. There are numerous better, less crowded options.

 

[Jbehredt]

Just curious, why CO? If I didn't live here, I certainly would not be hunting elk here. There are numerous better, less crowded options.

You know why. The same reason everybody starts here. Knowing you can buy a tag at wal mart that covers much of the state when you arrive. Just like in the BRO vids bro. In other words, it’s easy.

 

[kentuckybowman]

pick a couple units, hunt and learn units, keep going back and kill elk in those units.

 

[Indian Summer]

You know why. The same reason everybody starts here. Knowing you can buy a tag at wal mart that covers much of the state when you arrive. Just like in the BRO vids bro. In other words, it’s easy.

Don’t forget it’s a shorter drive. One of the more important deciding factors in planning a successful elk hunt. Dang I just spit my Christmas cookie across the table!

 

[Indian Summer]

pick a couple units, hunt and learn units, keep going back and kill elk in those units.

Definitely solid advice. But do your best to pick a great area in the first place so you’re not forced to start bouncing around.

Think like an elk. If I was an elk in Colorado I’d migrate out of state! Lol

 

[Fbratschie]

Pick a unit or two, and start coming as often as possible, even if just to drive/hike with the family. Learning somewhere is the most important piece in my opinion.

 

[0311dmd]

Just curious, why CO? If I didn't live here, I certainly would not be hunting elk here. There are numerous better, less crowded options.

I agree. The $60 tag is the only reason I don’t go out of state. Colorado is a sea of orange if you don’t hike in far enough.