Time

[Bartfrncs]

If you could only hunt three days of rifle season what would you do?

[Swede]

I had only three days in 2005 before I was headed to Canada. My partner on the trip did not want me to go, and warned me, I had to be back on time or else. Well I went elk hunting anyway. I did not care that it was an eight hour drive each way. It did not matter that it was supposedly too hot and too dry to be good hunting.
On the evening of the second day I killed a raghorn, took it to the meat cutter, and headed back to camp. The next morning I headed home, with a big grin that I just could not wipe off. In my mind were the words "ya see, I knew it could be done. Thank You Lord."

[CrazyElkHunter]

If you could only hunt three days of rifle season what would you do?

Take up bowhunting! Sorry I could not resist. No way could I answer that question and I feel sorry for anyone that only had 3 days. If you a resident and a short trip, should not be a problem. I have never hunted elk with a firearm. I've been bowhunting them exclusively for over 30 years and never less than a 2 week trip. Being a non resident, it's a long trip. Now retired, I spend close to 5 weeks in elk camp, even if I tag out early.

[cnelk]

If you could only hunt three days of rifle season what would you do?

I would buy a cow tag for a later season as there are more cows than bulls.
Thats assuming you want to put meat in the freezer.

If a bull is on the menu, I would hunt the first three days of the 1st Rifle Season.

Good Luck

[easeup]

hunt an area with in a reasonable distance from the house. Probably do a real spartan backpack camp or trailhead camp with only the necessities.
MY hunt would consist of getting out amongst them and staying with it all day because there will be other hunters in the mountains that might move something by chance your way.
I would also line up some sort of pack out team before the hunt just in case.

[ElkNut1]

I'd make sure it was the first 3 days of the opener!

ElkNut1

[Lefty]

Last 3 days of the Montana Season. Hopefully 2-4 feet of snow. and a last night snow
Take the snowmachine. glass for tracks, then track them to their bedroom or where their feet are

[Indian Summer]

Ha ha Paul... I'd hunt the last 3 days when I knew the elk were stacked up somewhere at least staging before moving lower. I'd be covering lot's of ground and glassing different directions from up high. Since there would be guaranteed snow eventually I'd find them and then I'd move in fast like a pack of starving wolves!

The opener is tempting but with no snow still uncertain for me. I know some great migration routes. If it was at my spot in Wyoming I'd be there the 1st three days for sure because the bulls are bugling and I don't need snow to locate them.

[slim9300]

I'd make sure it was the first 3 days of the opener!

ElkNut1

Exactly. And leave the truck with everything you will need for 3 days and don't plan on coming back until you are successful or out of light.

[ElkNut1]

Joe, Glassing/Bugling would be my #-1 way of finding them as well, dates would determine which got the most use but Glassing is very high on the list! Personally I despise hunting elk in the snow! (grin)

ElkNut1

[>>>---WW---->]

Statistically, the very first day of the very first rifle season is when most elk are taken in Colorado.

[slim9300]

Personally I despise hunting elk in the snow! (grin)

ElkNut1

I'm glad I'm not the only one Paul!