first elk hunt

[r_james66]

Hello my name is Reed, my father and two of my buddies are finally pulling the trigger on our first elk hunt. We chose unit 77 first season rifle in Colorado.We're e-scouting like crazy looking for burns and any areas that look nasty to get too or are at least a mile from any trails. We've got four different spots picked out. We all are in pretty good shape, but we've kicked our rucking up a notch trying to get ready. One of my main questions is calling in the first season rifle, has anyone had luck still bugling in early October or have most of the bulls gone silent? If anyone has any more advice or insight please, if you're willing to teach Im willing to learn.

 

[Bucky]

Couple years ago first season rifle co we had success calling a little early in the morning but then shutting down after 20min. They have heard it all by 1st season.

 

[r_james66]

i gotcha so we should plan on relying more on glassing. It still warm enough, and late enough after the rut that the mature bulls have went back up high?

 

[Wapiti1]

Bugles will be hit or miss. Best bet for calling is to do it at night. The elk are more at ease, there is less noise so you can hear them, and you won't attract other hunters as readily. Use a simple locator bugle. It won't hurt to try, and any response is a huge help in deciding where to hunt. I'm always leery of calling during rifle season from a safety standpoint, so do it with some thought, please.

Glass is your friend. Bulls may be anywhere, and may be transitioning to their sanctuaries or already there. Sanctuary may be in the suck, or it may be in a tiny little timber patch everyone drives by. In my world, hunting starts about 1/4 mile from the road. Many hunters hike by elk. The elk know this. I like short pack outs, and I'm sure you would too. So, don't lock yourself into just one way to hunt, like steep and deep, or whatever.

Just a few thoughts. Have fun. And don't forget to have fun.

Jeremy

 

[r_james66]

Ya I kinda let the excitement of possibly hearing them bugle override common sense of calling during a rifle season. Greenhorn mistake. At that time of year would sanctuaries be north facing slopes cause its still warm out??

 

[tstith]

If its still warm, look for higher elevation and cover. The few times I have gone in CO its been third season rifle (by Walden) and it was too warm. The elk stayed in the timber out of reach until it snowed. Just like Wapiti1 says, short pack outs are great and glass is your friend.

 

[Wapiti1]

Sanctuary is food, water, and no one bothering you. Temperatures will make that place higher on the mountain, and, as noted, thicker. That is a general statement. Look for dark timber with either broken timber and grass, or meadows near. Water is tricky. They will travel a long way for water if the bedding and food are good up high. A sanctuary spot isn't usually large. The bull may travel all of 100 yards or less to get to food and bed. If you are in steep country look for timber with benches in it. Elk like level bedding areas.

The main issue with warm weather is the lack of daytime activity. The elk will usually go to bed right at the crack of twilight and not come back out until that last few minutes of evening light. Cold weather forces them to stay active more and feed more to stay warm. So, be at your glassing spot well before light, and stay there until after dark.

Jeremy

 

[rayporter]

pressure here means they dont sleep long, someone will bump em and get em up and moving

edit
trying to think about kill times, i think 8 bulls have been killed after 10;00am and my bud also killed several after that. none were after 3;00

 

[MallardAddict]

By rifle season they heard it all, if I hear a fired up bull I may try a few weak bugles and evaluate from there but most along if I choose to do any work cow calls

 

[r_james66]

Thank you all for the insight and advice I really do appreciate it!