Elk Tactics

[gabenzeke]

Due to some obligations, it's looking like my elk hunt for central Colorado will have to be earlier than usual. We're looking at August 31st to September 11th. What are the best tactics this time of year? Should I even bother bugling? Would you focus more on spot and stalk or sitting water holes?

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[5MilesBack]

Last year in Central Colorado was the driest I had ever seen it where I was. Water holes that have been there for years were dry. This winter has been very dry as well. Water may be your best bet this year if they don't get a ton of rain this summer. I can see fire bans being put into place for this season.

 

[Topo_trekker]

Go high and glass for cows. Depends if you want a bull or not, pretty easy to spot and stalk a cow or just get in between them and their bedding/feeding areas. Found multiple bulls bugling last year opening weekend, so don't hold out on bugling.


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[idahohikker]

I'd do more glassing at the start, though there could even be some bugling over Labor Day weekend. Towards the end of the hunt should be a good time to call in bulls before they get cowed up. Many come in silent, though there can be bugling.

 

[cnelk]

Let the elk dictate what you do.
If they are bugling, bugle.
If they are quiet, hunt soft with some cow mews and spike squeals

Early season has been 'money' for me

 

[gabenzeke]

I'm after any legal elk. With that said, is it a waste of time to observe in the morning and then set up and ambush for them on their way back to feed in the evening or have they moved on to being less patentable at that time of year?

Go high and glass for cows. Depends if you want a bull or not, pretty easy to spot and stalk a cow or just get in between them and their bedding/feeding areas. Found multiple bulls bugling last year opening weekend, so don't hold out on bugling.


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[ahlgringo]

You can try that- i have had some success setting up from bedding to feeding late in the day (sun down). But, elk are not dumb. They usually are moving into the breeze so they know if any danger is ahead. So be careful with wind and thermals changing- right when they are moving.


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[Hun10-freak]

Sit over water if it's hot. Spot and stalk in close and use soft cow calls. They can come in pretty quiet.

 

[kingfisher]

Last year my 2 brothers and their best friend tagged out in less than 2 days on elk by sitting on wallows in Colorado. Every year, I know that they would prefer to hunt a different style, but they always settle on hunting wallows when the elk aren't moving or aren't yet calling in the season. Over the last 5-7 years, they have got 75+% percent of their elk on wallows in CO. They all get elk most years. Hope this helps a bit.

 

[Arctic Hunter]

I'm caught in the same boat this year. I haven't hunted this early much. Should be interesting.