Colorado Elk Hunting

[7mmfan]

So my dad and I are thinking pretty seriously about going to Colorado this fall to elk hunt. We have done research on getting tags but are still figuring out areas and the associated seasons in those areas. I was curious if anyone here had done an over the counter hunt there and what advice you could give on where to go and what season to hunt. The only thing we're concerned with is having a good time and hopefully bring some meat home. We aren't horn hunters and would happily harvest a cow if thats what it came too. Looking forward to your replies thanks guys!

[SWHUNTER]

Find a spot where the 4-wheeler guys can't get to, and make sure to check that there isn't a bunch of oil or natural gas activity in the area. That should be a good start.

[elksnout]

Be prepared to get acclimated to the high altitudes. Might try getting there several days in advance of your season. Seriously. Hunted west of Durango several years back. Lots of elk but you could go miles in between seeing them. But when you locate where they are living it can be an incredible hunt. We hunted in mid October. The bulls were still bugling and fighting. Pretty cool indeed.

[Griz231]

So my dad and I are thinking pretty seriously about going to Colorado this fall to elk hunt. We have done research on getting tags but are still figuring out areas and the associated seasons in those areas. I was curious if anyone here had done an over the counter hunt there and what advice you could give on where to go and what season to hunt. The only thing we're concerned with is having a good time and hopefully bring some meat home. We aren't horn hunters and would happily harvest a cow if thats what it came too. Looking forward to your replies thanks guys!

You looking at rifle or archery?

[bowhuntersd]

My dad and I have hunted Colorado a few times in the years past. We hunted the last 2 weeks of the archery season. Look at unit 12, it is a draw tag but you can draw it with very few or no points. The unit is right out side of Craig, Co. We rented horses and packed in. It was some of the best hunting in my life. Your not going to find alot of trophy class bulls but the # of elk in that area is unreal. There is also an OTC tag you can get for the unit next to 12 ( I don't remember the #) I would imagine it could be close to the same if you get back far enough. Good Luck 

[7mmfan]

Hey thanks for the replies guys. We're planning on 2nd or 3rd rifle season. We have kind of narrowed our search to the nw corner of the state, but have been told that the SW corner has fewer hunters more walk in opportunity. We may be putting it off until next year as we drew a couple of tags for here this year. Keep the info coming though guys. Information is king and I'm grateful for all that I've received to this point.

[coachcw]

i'd try to get a montana or idaho tag if any are left . or save the dough and hunt them next year and apply for premium colorado units.