What to do for elk this year?

[Josh Wright]

I'm thinking out loud here, so any input is appreciated.

Some of you know, I bought a business in Colorado last year. It's in Sargents, CO and it sits in the middle of GMU 551. I killed a mule deer last year and never saw any legal bulls to shoot during 2nd rifle. I had some friends and customers that did during 2nd and 3rd rifle.

I had 3 points this year pre-draw and I knew it would be close to get an either sex muzzleloader elk tag. I put in archery for 2nd choice. I didn't get either. I did draw a 2nd rifle mule deer tag. My hope was to have my elk hunting done before 2nd rifle. This would allow me to help my friends/family when they came up, plus I would be able to hear all the elk bugle in September.

I want to completely concentrate on my mule deer during 2nd rifle. I have since been able to find some good mule deer. So hunting OTC elk during 2nd rifle is not part of the decision.

Do I purchase a leftover either sex archery tag for Unit 55 (25 minutes away) or do I hunt Unit 551 for 3rd rifle? I know enough to get myself in trouble with either unit and I can hunt every day, so time is not a problem.

Any opinions/suggestions are much appreciated.

 

[Josh Wright]

Oh, and I know there are elk in both places. Plenty of them. I am mainly wanting to know would you want to bow hunt vs the 3rd rifle.

 

[dirtytough]

If you can hunt the whole season I would hunt 55. More days in the field. Its really up to you on if you would rather rifle hunt or archery hunt.

 

[5MilesBack]

I wouldn't trade a single archery elk hunt for all the rifle elk hunts in the world. I've shot plenty of elk with a rifle, but nothing compares to an archery hunt. But that's me......for you your preferences may be different.

 

[bz_711]

Archery here...with you having the time available - and just great time of year & weather to be chasing bulls...good luck either way!

 

[Huntmaster]

If you can hunt every day, I'd be all over the archery tag. Nothing beats bugling elk!

 

[Hoot]

I'd hunt archery in your deer unit, you could use your elk hunting time to locate/keep tabs on deer, if they're in the same areas...

 

[Josh Wright]

Elk stats were updated today. There were no leftover either sex archery tags available for Unit 55. I believe there were almost 80 leftover last year. On to Plan C, D, & F. LOL.

Looks like I am deciding between combo hunting during 2nd rifle or OTC 3rd rifle. Decisions, decisions...

 

[timberland]

What business did you buy in Sargents? There's not much there Will be bowhunting out there in about 85 days and it might be nice to hit you up for fresh h2o. We hate to haul water for 1000 miles.