Hey all,
My father and I are new to the western style hunting, elk in particular. We took a trip this past season to Montana for the general firearms season. Hunted two units, found some elk but came home empty handed. We are looking to plan another trip for 2019 for OTC archery elk either back in Montana or Colorado. We have been discussing Colorado at length due to the cheaper price of the license/tag requirements, its also 300-500 mile shorter trip each way depending on the units we decide to hunt (we are from Ohio). Colorado obviously is going to be closer and from my understanding a lot more crowded. Some things I am tossing around and wanted to get some input on are below.
I have hunted Montana and have seen some land (not a lot) in a few of the units. If we decided Colorado we are considering a scouting trip this year end of May early June. Obviously I will need to buy maps, a gps chip, food for the trip, our travel expenses and do a lot of time behind a computer to gain some knowledge. All of the prior aren't a huge deal but can get expensive so that leads me to my biggest question. Will the money/time spent to go scout be worth it a year in advanced? I know learning terrain is important. All hunters know just because you have seen the land it won't necessarily make you more successful. Things like burns, dry conditions, and other outside factors play a role in the next/current years hunting. Would that money be better spent somewhere else like in some gear upgrades (I have already started some).
Is Colorado really the crowded?
Do they really have as many elk as they say in Colorado?
Decide to hunt Colorado and take the trip to scout a year ahead?
Hunt Colorado but go in blind like most other people and spend the money elsewhere?
Head back to Montana in 2019 although its a little less friendly on the wallet?
I want to hear all your opinions on these things as well as stuff I may have overlooked.
Thanks Alan
My father and I are new to the western style hunting, elk in particular. We took a trip this past season to Montana for the general firearms season. Hunted two units, found some elk but came home empty handed. We are looking to plan another trip for 2019 for OTC archery elk either back in Montana or Colorado. We have been discussing Colorado at length due to the cheaper price of the license/tag requirements, its also 300-500 mile shorter trip each way depending on the units we decide to hunt (we are from Ohio). Colorado obviously is going to be closer and from my understanding a lot more crowded. Some things I am tossing around and wanted to get some input on are below.
I have hunted Montana and have seen some land (not a lot) in a few of the units. If we decided Colorado we are considering a scouting trip this year end of May early June. Obviously I will need to buy maps, a gps chip, food for the trip, our travel expenses and do a lot of time behind a computer to gain some knowledge. All of the prior aren't a huge deal but can get expensive so that leads me to my biggest question. Will the money/time spent to go scout be worth it a year in advanced? I know learning terrain is important. All hunters know just because you have seen the land it won't necessarily make you more successful. Things like burns, dry conditions, and other outside factors play a role in the next/current years hunting. Would that money be better spent somewhere else like in some gear upgrades (I have already started some).
Is Colorado really the crowded?
Do they really have as many elk as they say in Colorado?
Decide to hunt Colorado and take the trip to scout a year ahead?
Hunt Colorado but go in blind like most other people and spend the money elsewhere?
Head back to Montana in 2019 although its a little less friendly on the wallet?
I want to hear all your opinions on these things as well as stuff I may have overlooked.
Thanks Alan
