Two Weeks in the Colorado Elk Woods

[Breeves1]

This year I turn 40 in the fall and couldn’t think of a better place to spend it then to chase elk in September. I’ll be in Colorado during September with my bow. With the moon phases this season, muzzleloader season, and considering pressure, which two weeks would you hunt in Colorado for elk this fall?

 

[KHNC]

Muzzle loader season will shut them down at times on bugling. In addition to the loads of archery pressure. Tough to call this one.

 

[Breeves1]

Some added information. It will be a LE hunt and not an OTC hunt. Thanks everyone.

 

[Gerbdog]

I wouldnt fret the moon phase a ton, i would avoid muzzle loader. Pick a side on either side of the muzzle loader season and go, i've had bulls talking in all moon phases.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Whatever the poll turns out, do the opposite. That poll probably reflects the genpop thinking and shows when more people will be out in the woods so less pressure for you.

 

[SteveCNJ]

Good luck on your hunt, whatever you decide. I'll be in unit 62 for the 2nd week of archery.

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[cnelk]

If you wait a year you can get 2 full weeks before ML season.

 

[Breeves1]

Is it next year or the year after cnelk? I thought that was 2024. I have the points for a Wyoming general tag next year so I don’t want to hunt Colorado over Wyoming. But was definitely wanting to get to the woods this year to chase elk.

 

[cnelk]

Ooops yeah it’s 2024 when the seasons shift

 

[Marble]

This year I turn 40 in the fall and couldn’t think of a better place to spend it then to chase elk in September. I’ll be in Colorado during September with my bow. With the moon phases this season, muzzleloader season, and considering pressure, which two weeks would you hunt in Colorado for elk this fall?

My suggestion is do not worry about pressure or the moon.

For two weeks there hunting, you'll need to be smart. Don't hike yourself into exhaustion, plan smaller 3 to 4 night trips. Take entire day breaks just glassing and relaxing. Watch the weather, look for cold snaps, snow/rain, wind...its a marathon not a race.

Be fluid. Move. Check other areas, return to where you see good sign prior.

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[Still Hunter]

Anytime is a good time to be in the Elk woods (except Labor Day weekend!, %$#@* trail bikers on Wilderness Trails). Still got to find them whenever you go.

 

[Gapmaster]

Whatever the poll turns out, do the opposite. That poll probably reflects the genpop thinking and shows when more people will be out in the woods so less pressure for you.

But what if we thought of that before we answered survey… just goes to show some people are always thinking ahead!!

 

[Breeves1]

TTT

 

[Patriot2]

I have hunted early archery and late archery. Usually strike out either way....

 

[MHB]

If I had to choose, I would choose the later half of the season. Fortunately I hunt the month of September. Early season tends to have more recreational (non-hunter) users in the woods with you. I have also found if there are cattle in the area that the cowboys usually have them moved out by the 20th. This can help you on areas to focus on or avoid.

As an archery hunter I prefer to avoid the Muzzle loader season (Sep 10-18 2022).

 

[Butler1218]

What unit are you looking to be in? I am making my first colorado trip this year.

 

[MrBHSir]

Muzzle loader season will shut them down at times on bugling. In addition to the loads of archery pressure. Tough to call this one.

My first couple years I avoided archery hunting during muzzleloader season thinking the added pressure and noise would lower the amount of chances generated... From personal experience I have called in more bulls and generated more chances during the week of muzzleloader. Not sure if the exact reason, but that is what has been my experience

 

[KHNC]

My first couple years I avoided archery hunting during muzzleloader season thinking the added pressure and noise would lower the amount of chances generated... From personal experience I have called in more bulls and generated more chances during the week of muzzleloader. Not sure if the exact reason, but that is what has been my experience

Probably just better timing of the rut. No doubt at all there will be more hunters in the woods. Archery guys dont slow down much during September. Its a big crowd. ML guys just add more to the pile.

 

[ElkNut1]

9/23

ElkNut

 

[sodaksooner]

Weve gone early and late, have been in elk either way. We have started going later the last few years, just because it works with work scheduling. It's also a touch cooler. We don't have to worry too much about muzzleoader guys as there aren't very many tags in our unit. Saw a few last time we hunted there, but not enough to screw anything up. I really think its a crapshoot either way. FWIW we will be out there the last weekend of muzzy season and the subsequent week and weekend.