Tent set up for third season elk in CO

[BilboBaggins]

Let me preface this by saying I’m a complete noob when it comes to hunting out west and at elevation. I’m considering hunting third season elk in Colorado this year and I’m confused on shelter set ups.

Are hot tents pretty much the norm? If i do bring a hot tent, set up camp, and day hunt, do you bring an emergency shelter when out day hunting?

Or should I just bring an ultralight trekking pole tent and carry it with me at all times to be more mobile/set up camp wherever I happen to be?

 

[AZDC]

Let me preface this by saying I’m a complete noob when it comes to hunting out west and at elevation. I’m considering hunting third season elk in Colorado this year and I’m confused on shelter set ups.

Are hot tents pretty much the norm? If i do bring a hot tent, set up camp, and day hunt, do you bring an emergency shelter when out day hunting?

Or should I just bring an ultralight trekking pole tent and carry it with me at all times to be more mobile/set up camp wherever I happen to be?

I think most run a tent with the ability to run a stove and then typically take a tarp in the day pack like a SO DST in case of emergencies or if bad weather comes on. Either way you’d want to always keep your poles on your to help set up the tarp and honestly just a good idea to run them.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I think most run a tent with the ability to run a stove and then typically take a tarp in the day pack like a SO DST in case of emergencies or if bad weather comes on. Either way you’d want to always keep your poles on your to help set up the tarp and honestly just a good idea to run them.

Yeah I saw a lot of people recommending that. So would you bring your sleeping bag/pad with you every day? And maybe an emergency bivy?

 

[Dennis]

3rd season elk season depending on elevation and location can mean expect snow and cold weather. Most typical tent is outfitter type of tent with wood stove. Smaller tents should be four season tents and are doable just not as comfortable. Yes your pack should contain an emergency bivy and or shelter to survive. The clothing you wear is important for your survival (no cotton etc). In your pack would be a quality puffy coat, pants, mittens and beanie at minimum. Good boots for that season with snow and cold are a good idea. I like pac boots that time of year. Good luck have fun and stay dry.

 

[justinspicher]

Third season weather can be a roll of the dice, especially at elevations above 9k. I’d personally do a base camp and then go day hunt. Carrying camp everywhere all day sounds miserable.

 

[trophyhill]

Third season weather can be a roll of the dice, especially at elevations above 9k. I’d personally do a base camp and then go day hunt. Carrying camp everywhere all day sounds miserable.

Agreed. I had a couple good days 3rd season deer hunt a couple years ago, then a blizzard hit and I was glad I had the stove in the teepee

 

[tracker12]

I have hunted 3ed season in Colorado where the snow was so deep I could not even get to the spot I wanted to hunt. Few years ago I hunted 3rd season and it was 6 degrees the first 3 days. It will be a long week if you dont have a comfortable tent setup with heat. What should be in your pack is another thread all together. Some good ones out there with a little searching.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Truck camp and get a feel for an area. It’s a fools errand to pack in late season with no experience doing that or with an area. You could run into some serious issues instead of just having a good and probably more comfortable hunt

 

[Indian Summer]

3rd season. At elevation.

Base camp! Show up 3 days early and find cut and haul enough wood to camp to heat your tent for the week. I’d recommend a wall tent. And you’ll still need your sleeping pad and bag every day. I think you are underestimating the weather in elk country which is serious business. Hope for the best but certainly plan for the worst which can be bad even earlier in the year.