Reflections on 2024 Elk Hunt - Edit: now a what to do next thread

[Goonr]

It was CO 2nd rifle. We did find as many high spots and glassed as much as possible. Lots of dense timber on this unit though.

I have had similar experiences in colorado. Can sure be tough!

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

@cnelk , you have been helpful in the past. Thoughts on how to use the information I've gathered and move forward?

So after reflecting on last season a bit we are definitely going to continue to go for western seasons moving forward. We didn't put in for any draws this year just due to life stuff for both of us. Also there is a 99% chance my hunting partner isn't going anywhere this year due to family stuff, even otc. I'm not sure if one of my other buddies would be down for otc this year or not. So the new question is how should I use the information I gathered over the last year to move forward? First question is should we continue to hunt this unit/area? We liked everything about it otherwise aside from seeing no elk. We have some experience with it and I think a few ideas were we to go back. Next is should we try to draw for an earlier season (first rifle?) for this area in 2026? Or try to draw for an area that may be "better"? I've heard from more experienced guys that unit hopping can be a negative thing. Or should we switch gears and look into other states? What would you guys do in this position given the information you have?

 

[cnelk]

@cnelk , you have been helpful in the past. Thoughts on how to use the information I've gathered and move forward?

First question is should we continue to hunt this unit/area?

No

Plenty of other areas to hunt with more elk/sign

It’s been a long long time since I’ve hunted any of the Rifle seasons but when I did I’d look for benches about halfway up the slope.
That’s where I’d find bulls. They can see what’s coming from below and hear anything that comes from above or to the side.
You just gotta be there before they are

Most importantly, there’s a reason I don’t hunt the rifle seasons anymore