First timer looking for advice.

[DC_41]

As the title says, first time elk hunter looking for advice and clarification on something. I have a 3rd season tag for North central Colorado. It seems like in the later seasons most hunters focus on lower elevation and along migration routes. However, I was curious if I would be a complete waste of time to focus on the National Forest or even the Wilderness areas. I'm no stranger to long hard hikes or cold weather camping. Spending my time in the back country just seems more enjoyable than driving around the lower areas hoping a group of Elk runs by in front of me.

 

[WyoBC_99]

Do you have a bull or a cow tag? What are the dates for third season?

 

[WeiserBucks]

3rd season can be really variable depending on weather. With heavy snow they'll be lower, no snow they could be up high and every other elevation in between with moderate snow. Just gotta figure out where they are and hunt.

 

[DC_41]

Do you have a bull or a cow tag? What are the dates for third season?

Bull, November 8th-16th

 

[WyoBC_99]

3rd season can be really variable depending on weather. With heavy snow they'll be lower, no snow they could be up high and every other elevation in between with moderate snow. Just gotta figure out where they are and hunt.

This is spot on. Weather can play a huge role.

I would add two thoughts to this.

Bulls will often hang higher than cows and are willing to put up with more snow to avoid hunter pressure.

It's your hunt - If you would rather hunt the backcountry, do it.

 

[hiker270]

For sure depends on the amount of snow at Elevation. Snow gets belly deep on a bull they start moving down. Cows with calves will migrate sooner. Also depends on the area you hunt, I have seen 4 feet of snow on a particular mountain range and 20-30 miles away 2 feet or less. So your hunting tactic may be a last minute decision.

 

[OkiechasingElk]

Try and find a drainage or basin without any other hunters. (Hardest thing you’ll do). And then cover ground and look for recent tracks or sign.

 

[fracguy]

We used to hunt the crested Butte area years back 3rd season. If there was snow they would be lower but no snow they would hold up high. For the most part that holds true to elk, bigger bulls will stay up higher until they're forced down by the weather. At least in my experience

 

[il_cop]

As stated, even if there's snow, depth can vary locally and aspect and wind can have a significant impact on where snoww hold and doesn't.

Hit glassing spots that cover as much elevation variation as possible.