Should I stay or should I go?

[llewokj]

Colorado Archery Elk Season begins on 31 August. That's when I plan on being out there (for a week or so). I have heard alot about going out early in the season - both good and bad. Some say wait and others say go. Thoughts?

[eriks.]

Hey Jeff,
I asked basically the same question a day before you posted. You might take a look at the replies on "Completely torn about hunt date" thread while you wait for people to chime in on this one. I totally understand where you're coming from, man!

[Trophyhill]

Go early stay late

[eriks.]

Go early stay late

Is that like vote early and vote often? lol

I like your way of thinking. If I could only convince my wife we need to move to elk country, I'd without a doubt put into practice that theory!

[welka]

In CO, go later as I have been burned too many times with HOT weather that early. You will likely have more hunting pressure, but use that to your advantage and hopefully the weather won't also be an issue like it can be early in Sept.

[Trophyhill]

Go early stay late

Is that like vote early and vote often? lol

I like your way of thinking. If I could only convince my wife we need to move to elk country, I'd without a doubt put into practice that theory!

Of course it's not always possible because of work but when I can do it I'm all over it. Looks like I'll be able to go early and stay late this year.

[CrazyElkHunter]

Been retired 10 years this season. This will be our 10th year getting to elk camp 4 days before the archery opener and staying the entire season. I have shot bulls opening day, during the muzzy season with bow, and the last day.. Getting older sucks and we want to enjoy every minute we can. Like Arnold Palmer says... I don't buy green bananas any more. We hunt a lot different than we did when we were younger. No more spike camps, no more hunting from sun up to sun down, but we still manage to fill the freezers most years. I do remember having to make that choice before I retired, and I hated it. I did all 3. Early, middle and late 2 weeks. Enjoyed them all.

[cnelk]

Elevation plays a huge role where I hunt throughout the month of archery season.

If I hunt near 11,000 ft, the weather will be ALOT different than 9000 ft.
Some of the area I hunt is in the Never Summer Mtn Range.
And it was named correctly as it can snow every month of the year.
6 in of snow has ruined my late season bowhunt before and in the later part of season that chance goes WAY UP.

If your hunting elevation has a stable weather predictability, go when your heart tells you

[CrazyElkHunter]

We hunt a plateau not a mountain. We hunt between 7000ft which is mostly oaks and juniper, to 9000ft which is mostly black timber and aspens. Can be high 80's during the day down to high 20's at night. We camp in the middle.

[mtnmutt]

I prefer the first week because part of my plan B area is no good once muzzle loader starts.

I do not bugle because of a hearing loss (can't hear their bugles), so I am not the person who can take full advantage of the late season.

[llewokj]

Thanks, all! I'm going in early and enjoy! I'll be in the Mosquito Range...have already seen 2 herds of about 200 each. Even heard a couple of bugles (practice I suppose!). I plan on hunting between 10-12,000 feet.

[Sucobowhunter]

49? Great unit!! Its been raining here a bunch lately. Should be an awesome time.

[llewokj]

49 it is! It is really green there as well. Here is a pic of the beasties lounging in the sun 2 weeks ago at 13,000 feet.

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