My 2014 Colorado Elk Hunt

[bowhunter15]

New to the site, but it seems like I already share a similar hunting style to a lot of the people on here. Just wanted to post a video I made of my elk hunt in Colorado last fall. It was during first rifle season in the Routt National Forest. I'm already thinking I will make another trip this year, but I'd like to do archery and am looking at possibly hunting the Zirkel Wilderness. And I've already made some big and little changes to my gear list. I will lower my pack weight several pounds based on a new shelter and less cold weather clothing, but I will also be adding about 6 more pounds of camera gear next year.

[video=youtube;0NYmNftgDj0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NYmNftgDj0[/video]

 

[SHTF]

Thanks for sharing I'm the one that sent you the pm to join up over here. Your adventurous spirit will definitly appeal to a lot of the newer folks on Rokslide keep doing what you do.

 

[bz_711]

Welcome to the Rok. Enjoyed your video...I'm archery only, but will agree that you have to think outside the box and work to avoid the pockets of other hunters.
I cover many miles each day with bow - and go figure, the last two seasons I bag elk .5 mile from road on my way out at end of day...it has really opened my eyes to those spots close to road that are just hard to get into without extra effort (very steep).

Good luck this archery season!

 

[Shrek]

Cool video and shows the truth. It's not easy and elk are where elk are.

 

[Shawn Hultquist]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Hopefully this year you'll get yourself a dandy

 

[njdoxie]

That was some hi quality video, that place was covered up with hunters, that's too bad.

 

[Htachie Dawg]

Yep, looks like an elk hunt.

 

[bowhunter15]

That was some hi quality video, that place was covered up with hunters, that's too bad.

It's actually kind of funny that you say that, because a lot of the video was actually filmed with my cell phone when my camcorder shut down from all the moisture. Next year I plan on bringing a better tripod, extra two cameras, and lots of little absorbent pouches from beef jerkey, etc in case it's really wet. The only thing that will suck is that the video equipment will account for 28% of my base pack weight. 28%!!!

 

[armedhiker]

Thanks for sharing...you make a good point, my hunting partner and were talking about the exact same thing on a recent hunt.

 

[Elkfever]

Good insight, thanks for sharing.

 

[Joe Schmo]

I've watched that video three times before!! Awesome job.

 

[G5Archer]

Thanks for sharing... Man can't wait for September to get here!

 

[gustafsj]

Great video as I start my researching of doing an elk hunt in CO. I'm from MN as well, but have family in CO.

 

[toddb]

Cool video. Thanks very much . I really enjoyed it. Have been hunting the routt national forest since 1984.

 

[jwb300]

Great video - thanks for posting.

I can't believe there were that many hunters in that area! Is this unusual? Does the elk population stand a chance with that many hunters and horses?

Cheers,
JWB300

 

[Pontius]

Great video - thanks for posting.

I can't believe there were that many hunters in that area! Is this unusual? Does the elk population stand a chance with that many hunters and horses?

Cheers,
JWB300

The elk just leave, problem solved. A highly mobile animal that likes to frequent steep, dark, and cold places; they know exactly where to bug out to. They have the advantage, our success rates in Colorado are laughably low.

 

[Chopperman]

A question I have for you Bowhunter 15, why wouldn't you light a fire to dry out your gear? I'm just wondering if there are restrictions for fires in the area or if it was by choice? Some beautiful country and a great adventure none the less, and sounds like some good lessons learned!
Thanks for sharing.

 

[bowhunter15]

A question I have for you Bowhunter 15, why wouldn't you light a fire to dry out your gear? I'm just wondering if there are restrictions for fires in the area or if it was by choice? Some beautiful country and a great adventure none the less, and sounds like some good lessons learned!
Thanks for sharing.

I had some emergency fire material in case I got myself into really bad shape. I didn't bring a hatchet because of the extra weight so it would have been a lot of hand breaking deadfall, and I didn't want to push elk further out of the area since I was camping up high instead of down in the drainage. In hindsight though it might not have mattered much. On the third or fourth night I hiked to the other group after dark and shared their fire, drying out gear over some freeze dried dinner before hiking back. It was a nice pick me up. This year I might prepare for a couple more fires, but hopefully it won't be that cold either!

 

[Trial153]

Very nice, thanks for posting it!