First Time CO Rifle Elk Hunt

[blschuetz]

Lots of good information

 

[back_eddy]

Great points, thanks! When I went to Idaho, we pulled into the unit at sunrise, parked and literally immediately hiked straight up hill to a glassing point. I was struggling hard to catch my breath, but that was a bad idea. It got much better over the next few days, that was about 7500-9500'. I definitely want to get to CO early to at least get a couple days of acclimation.

I will say that this - physical conditioning and acclimation - plus a good positive mental attitude - will do wonders for you. Not being limited by your physical ability, and not being pessimistic or a total downer, will not only make you more successful, but will also help you to get a repeat invite. Don't drag the group down and look for opportunities to contribute.

 

[well_known_rokslider]

If you really want to make an impression on the group, bring a solid dinner to share. Simple comfort foods that only have to be heated and eaten with a spoon, minimal effort. We had gumbo in camp one year and it can turn a day around. Otherwise, like has already been said, prepare well, have fun and enjoy the experience. Your first one is usually the most memorable. For me, I made it a personal goal to be the first one out of camp in the morning, and last one back at night. I made it my personal challenge to be the one to kill an elk in my camp and that mind set made the extra mile here and there possible. And it paid off.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

If it is the unit I am thinking of the tag is either-sex and has an antler point restrictions for bull elk in every season. Make sure your bull has 4 points on 1 antler or a 5" brow tine.

That unit has a lot of tags given out. If you have a chance to shoot a cow I would suggest it. Don't be that guy who shoots a 1x2 because the second point is a 5" brow tine. If you are dead set on shooting a bull try to at least find a no questions asked raghorn.

 

[Adamc55]

If it is the unit I am thinking of the tag is either-sex and has an antler point restrictions for bull elk in every season. Make sure your bull has 4 points on 1 antler or a 5" brow tine.

That unit has a lot of tags given out. If you have a chance to shoot a cow I would suggest it. Don't be that guy who shoots a 1x2 because the second point is a 5" brow tine. If you are dead set on shooting a bull try to at least find a no questions asked raghorn.

Sounds like you are thinking of the right unit. I'm definitely not going to shoot something barely legal, my goal is obviously a bull but I'd take a cow over a questionable bull without hesitation.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Sounds like you are thinking of the right unit. I'm definitely not going to shoot something barely legal, my goal is obviously a bull but I'd take a cow over a questionable bull without hesitation.

Good luck! I look forward to seeing your results

 

[Adamc55]

Here's a little update.

3 out of our group of 6 were able to draw the first season tags we wanted, me and my hunting partner were 2 of the 3 successful ones . The other unsuccessful members backed out of going, it's unfortunate and next time I'm thinking we'll have to apply as a group, but on the brightside it's going to be less pressure in our group.

I was really going to try and take a pre season camping trip to the unit but work is crazy and I don't know if my schedule will allow it, we'll see as the year progresses. I've been increasing my cardio/endurance and will be ramping it up more in the next couple weeks.

I had spent a while bunch of hours e-scouting and pinning spots only to find out my buddy sent me the wrong coordinates to start with. Now I have to look around a whole new spot, but I'm going to keep my info from the previous scouting because it did look like a very promising area.