Hey everyone —
I’ve got a first rifle elk tag this year here in Colorado and have been diving deep into what fuels elk during mid-October. I know by that time most of the high-protein summer forbs are dried out, and elk start shifting their diet. From what I’ve researched, it sounds like elk sedge stays green late and is a big player in dark timber understory. I’ve also seen that asters, yarrow, and fleabane can hold on late into the season, especially in shaded or wetter spots. And then there’s bitterbrush, which seems to be a valuable browse source as the grasses cure off — though I imagine that’s more of a factor at lower elevation or during a cold snap.
I’m really trying to get a handle on what elk are actually eating out in the field during first rifle (Oct 15-19 this year). My hunt is in the high country central CO, and I’m focused on understanding where the best forage is at that time so I can glass smarter and read sign better.
So I’d love to hear from folks who’ve hunted that week before:
What do you see elk feeding on in mid-October? Are they still grazing mostly dry grasses and sedge, or have you seen them shift to shrubs, mushrooms, or even bark by that point?
Any field observations, trail cam pics, or even gut pile contents would be hugely appreciated. Just trying to close the gap between the textbook and the timber.
Thanks and good luck this season!
— Mitch
I’ve got a first rifle elk tag this year here in Colorado and have been diving deep into what fuels elk during mid-October. I know by that time most of the high-protein summer forbs are dried out, and elk start shifting their diet. From what I’ve researched, it sounds like elk sedge stays green late and is a big player in dark timber understory. I’ve also seen that asters, yarrow, and fleabane can hold on late into the season, especially in shaded or wetter spots. And then there’s bitterbrush, which seems to be a valuable browse source as the grasses cure off — though I imagine that’s more of a factor at lower elevation or during a cold snap.
I’m really trying to get a handle on what elk are actually eating out in the field during first rifle (Oct 15-19 this year). My hunt is in the high country central CO, and I’m focused on understanding where the best forage is at that time so I can glass smarter and read sign better.
So I’d love to hear from folks who’ve hunted that week before:
What do you see elk feeding on in mid-October? Are they still grazing mostly dry grasses and sedge, or have you seen them shift to shrubs, mushrooms, or even bark by that point?
Any field observations, trail cam pics, or even gut pile contents would be hugely appreciated. Just trying to close the gap between the textbook and the timber.
Thanks and good luck this season!
— Mitch
