First Time CO Rifle Elk Hunt

[Adamc55]

Looks like after years of waiting I'll be able to elk hunt in October. I was supposed to go to Colorado in 2022, but that fell through. After spending thousands on gear I was kicked out of my group for not wanting to get the shot (none of them ended up going and friendships were changed...). In 2023 a friend and I headed to Idaho for mule deer. That was my first time out west and it was an amazing trip, but a very unsuccessful hunt. I found out a lot about what are necessities and what aren't as far as gear goes. Also found out just how difficult western terrain can be. We actually saw a bunch of elk on that trip. I got to hear my first bugle and then watched the bull follow a cow across a hillside 200yds from me.

This year I was invited to join a small group to hunt in Colorado during first rifle. This group went in 2024 and were decently successful. The unit we are heading to had a serious fire in 2020 (not sure how the forum feels about posting unit numbers, but if you might know the unit I'm talking about and have specific advice I would love a PM ). I've never seen this unit in person and comparing recent pictures to old, the burn damage looks quite extensive. They have an area in mind and we will definitely be starting around there. Original assessments that I'm finding online were bleak, but recent updates are showing a recovery of grasses and undergrowth. I'm planning to focus on areas where burn meets remaining timber.

Any suggestions that would make it an enjoyable first time Colorado elk hunt, besides a different unit? We are going to arrive a couple days early to scout, and during season we are open to some spike camping. I'm working on improving my cardio and endurance, that was a challenge in Idaho. I live at 750' elevation, so immediate aggressive physical activity at 9,000-11,000' is a shock to my system. I'm prepared to be unsuccessful if that's how it goes, but always hoping for the alternative.

 

[Laramie]

You got invited to elk hunt with a group of guys that have done it before and experienced some success. Don't over think it. Trust them and go and learn. Elk hunting isn't all about hunting elk- go experience it and don't drive the guys crazy with questions and stress. Ask them what you need and do what they say.

If you are super concerned with killing an elk, save some money and book a guided trip.

 

[neilv]

i hunted first rifle this year on the western slope - there was still bulls with cows and some bugling - however it was a hard hunt. The elk came out at very very last light and were heading for bed come first light. if i went back i would immediately find a deep steep nasty canyon with some timber and thick oak brush . The bulls that were with cows were smaller rag horns. the bigger bulls where hidden and didn't move much. This was my first Colorado hunt i am also still a learner. I did fill my tag but had to work super hard for it - no going back to camp - stayed mobile and stayed on the glass all day. Where i was at had a lot of good glassing vantages from roads.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I am assuming you have some preference points? First season can be a pretty tough to get a tag.

PM me the unit you are going to hunt and I can try to give you some information.

 

[Adamc55]

I am assuming you have some preference points? First season can be a pretty tough to get a tag.

PM me the unit you are going to hunt and I can try to give you some information.

Looks like a need a couple more posts before I can PM but I will