Colorado Elk - Which dates?

[Brendan]

Hey Folks,

Been lurking for awhile, but finally decided it's time to start posting as I'm going to try to make this year my first Elk Hunting Trip.

So - for 2014 in Colorado - All things considered, which 2 weeks would you choose to take off to hunt and why? Unit to be determined, but I need to block the time. OTC Archery Elk only. Thinking of everything from pressure, rut, muzzle-loader season, temperatures, etc. If it matters, would plan on backpacking and staying out anywhere from 2-5 nights at a time...

Middle two weeks of September? Last two?

Thanks in advance!

[Indian Summer]

I have no experience in Colorado but from what I do know..... first of all the 15th to 25th are prime dates anywhere in elk country. But there's nothing wrong with getting started a little early which is what I'd suggest because of the CO muzzle loader season. That's one thing I would definitely avoid unless you plan to hunt some of the truly nastiest stuff you can possibly find. Even then it would be a gamble. Nothing ruins a good bow hunt like gun hunters ya know.

Good luck!

Have you considered Montana? Guaranteed licenses and a 6 week bow season with no muzzle loader hunting.

[Gselkhunter]

Muzzle loaders are no reason not to hunt. Never had a problem with them. When guys talk about the 15th-25th being good it would be because this is the time frame of the second estrus cycle and the elk are together. Can make calling the herd bull harder but the satellites are willing. Even with that you may not have bugling all day. There will be action but there is only one week after muzzle loaders. So if you want the last week and are taking two you will be in with the muzzle loaders. Don't let this stop you.
I take off the days after Labor Day and hunt early. The bulls are in transition looking for cows and a little more vulnerable with less eyes to guard them.

[Brendan]

Thanks guys.

I haven't really considered Montana, maybe I should? Reason I have gravitated towards CO so far has been the abundance of options in the OTC units, biggest Elk herd, and less of a chance of having to deal with wolves or grizzlies. Also have some friends in the Denver area if I need a place to crash or someone to grab a burger with.

I think I'd prefer to avoid the muzzleloader season entirely, or, hunt a unit that gets limited muzzy pressure because of tags. Not that it couldn't work out, but the less people in the woods the better. Not concerned whatsoever about a herd bull - any satellite or rag horn I can get within archery range...

Have three months to get my horrible sounding mouth reed calls a little more acceptable

[ElkNut1]

I'd choose the last two weeks personally as a runner & gunner style hunter. If you are more for hunting/glassing above timberline then hunting water/trails the first two weeks would be better.

Yes, practice up your calling & that will build your confidence when the need arises!

ElkNut1

[Brendan]

Thanks Paul. By the way, you make all the mouth reed calling look so easy in your videos. I considered it a small victory last night when I could get myself to stop gagging and nearly puke the thing across the room, and be able to get a consistent sound out of the thing (even if it doesn't sound much like an elk yet)

[brun]

There is no set time when you know it will be best. I would say that generally the last two weeks are more active, but I have seen the second week be really good for calling. The first week can also be good, especially if it's dry and you find some good hidden water. There are also usually less people the first week, which is always nice. I have not had too much trouble with muzzleloaders, I guess it depends where you hunt. They are also easier to see from a distance with the orange and you are less likely to randomly run into them. Bottom line is go when you can, as often as you can. The elk are out there all season, you never know what is going to happen or when it's going to happen. That's part of what makes it so fun.

[patdel]

The most successful elk hunter I know swears by the first two weeks. He thinks he hears more bugling and has an easier time killing elk that haven't already been harassed. Based on his results, he might be on to something. He's pretty consistently successful.

[jswbga]

not a particularly inspiring reason.... but we hunt the last ~10 days of the season, just because thats about when the aspens turn yellow, and I love the views.