Colorado elk movement between archery and 2nd rifle.

[Tjwjr89]

I've been archery hunting thr lizard head wilderness a bit the last few years. With that being switched to an archery draw unit this year I'm trying to draw up a new plan. At this point it's not worth burning my points to archery hunt it so looking at 2nd rifle but that's a whole new ball game to me. I've figured out how to find some elk there in archery but do they typically move to lower elevation by second rifle? If so how much? Archery season i really like that 10-11,000 feet zone. Thanks for any assistance.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

Once significant snow falls there will not be many elk up there. As this happens, the cows usually slide down, bulls follow. Depending on snow depth, bulls will sometimes travel back up after the rut to isolated pockets. Usually not that high but it can be. On a real mild year you might find significant numbers of elk up higher in mid October, but milder often means more dry, and that can cause them to slide down also.

 

[Poser]

It’s highly localized and heavily dependent on how much snow. If they aren’t getting pressured, there may still be elk in the same spots. During 3rd rifle last year, a spot that is full of elk in the summer, but gets blown out during archery season, was again holding a Herd of elk. Don’t rule anything out until you see for yourself.

 

[sndmn11]

Don't forget that you can always put in for that archery tag as a second choice and potentially draw it while earning another point. Most seem to think there will be a high number available.

 

[caltex]

Where are you getting the new info on that unit not being OTC for 2020? Everything I've been finding is dated.

 

[Tjwjr89]

Where are you getting the new info on that unit not being OTC for 2020? Everything I've been finding is dated.

I believe the post on it was on this site.

 

[caltex]

I believe the post on it was on this site.

I've seen the rumors/reports. I was just wondering if anything official had been put out yet? Did I miss that?

 

[elkduds]

More Colorado OTC archery units set to move to draw in 2020...

The CPW has identified several units in the SW part of the state that will most likely become limited next year or in 2020. From who I talk with this change at this point is almost a sure thing = just waiting for the vote of the commissioners to approve the change. Needless to say for most...

www.rokslide.com

 

[caltex]

Much appreciated. So I guess it did end up passing at the commissioner's meeting?

I'd hate to be someone who hunts 65. It's going to be busy this year.