When to go for Colordao Elk?

[awbowman]

OK guys, ya'll are probably getting tired of my questions, but I am a sponge when it comes to trying something I have never done before.

I am going on my first elk hunt in Colorado.  My schedule is pretty flexible.  Do I go early and hunt wallows etc., or do I go late in the bugling stage (not sure how good my calling will be so I will keep it to a minimum).

Question is two fold I guess ... do I stand a better chance at success hunting early  ....  I know it will be more fun if I go when they are bugling.  BTW, I am leaning toward the bugle stage, to heck with SUCCESS! LOL

Any strategies for both early and late hunting?

[Jake Fr]

Split the deferance and go in the middle

[rastaman]

When to go Search #1  
  When to go Search #2
  When to go Search #3  


Here are a few old threads that may help you some...maybe some of the hardcore elk guys will see your post and respond.  You may want to edit your title to "when to go elk hunting"..just a thought.  Good luck to you!

[GRINCH]

Randy don't know how you come up with searches so fast,you ought to be a moderator for all the info you put out.

[awbowman]

Thanks rastaman

[rastaman]

Naaahh...just trying to help a fella out!

[steadman]

My suggestion. Go late, follow the bugles, don't call much, keep the wind in your face, shoot straight! Hearing elk bugle is one of the greatest sounds on earth. Good luck, and have fun!!

[Bill Kissner]

My personal favorite time is the first days of the season. The elk have not been harassed and are more accessible. Anytime is great though as nothing beats elk hunting.

[David Mitchell]

I agree with Bill--best time to go is any time you can.    My buddies and I are going opening week this year.  One thing I have learned--bugling is fun, but don't do much if any of it.  In our group we don't even take bugles anymore--just cow calls.

[awbowman]

Thanks guys for the comments.

We have just about decided to go mid-September and stay 7-10 days of hunting.  I guess our "bucket lists" revolve more around being in the mountains with friends, our bows, and bugling elk.  I guess as I grow older, success doesn't always include killing.

[joe ashton]

just a couple of thoughts from a veteran elk hunter.  early  the weather can be better.  Late is ok but could get in to snow. They can be bugling even in the first week of the season.... and the biggest draw back for later is the blackpowder guys will be out in all there glory. and they seem to love 4X4s and blowing on bugles.  They usually are not to big an issue....but...

Side note: remember elk are big, really Big so plan  your hunt with the recovering of the animal in mind..... plan ahead.... good luck...
Joe

[awbowman]

Thanks Joe.  I hear you on the recovery, I told them if we are less than four in the group, I'm not going! LOL

In terms of weather, I am actaully hoping for a little snow.  If they are like mule deer, they have to come down to lower elevations with the snow.  It may be my only chance at getting them.

BTW, you wouldn't want to get rid of that Bighorn would you?

[Montanawidower]

I remember the muzzleloaders really getting under my skin when I lived and bowhunted in CO.  I was going to let you in on a secret... but considering muzzleloaders, I don't know if it really applies in CO.  The last week of Sept is the week we call in the most bulls up here.  They seem desperate and very willing.  Also, most guys have had their "one week" hunt already and we mostly get the woods to ourselves.  

Jeff

We still hunt all of Sept, but we always look forward to the end.  If I was to pick a second favorite its the opening 4 days. If fact if we skip any week or weekend its the 15th.  Its the peak for hunters as well as breeding.  Lots of bugling (both real and artificial, but very few committed bulls) To eastern guys, its like henned up gobblers.  Very tough around the 15th IMO.

[AdamH]

Nothin like Huntin the RUT !! Good Luck ...

[mobiltoy]

I have gone for the first two weeks and the middle two weeks in colorado for the past 20 years or so. I like the middle the best but as said above you will have muzzle loaders to deal with. Most I have met dont go far from the road. I hunt off the trails several miles in wilderness areas. Later can bring freaky weather, so be ready (chains). It is all good just be ready to spend some down time with the weather and also work your but off when it is good. Good luck.