Colorado 3rd Season

[BH107]

Wondering if I could get a little help here. This will be my first serious elk effort in Colorado. I've been mule deer hunting in SW Colorado for 18 years, and I'm the third generation of my family to hunt there. About 10 years back only part of our group drew tags, so the rest of us bought elk tags just so we could go. Unforatunately my dad and his buddies didn't have the legs for a real elk hunt in our area. I got on one herd that had a good bull in it, but other hunters pushed them away before I could get into position.

This year we didn't get drawn again, so two of my other friends and I are planning an OTC elk hunt north of Durango. Since all 3 of us are younger and in good shape, we plan on hiking several miles into the wilderness each day to hunt and hopefully get away from hunting pressure.

Now I'm pretty experienced with deer, but have never really focused on elk. I know that weather is going to be the biggest factor in finding elk, but what can I expect with different conditions. One of the areas I've picked out has elevations from 8,000 to 11,000 feet, and lots of good deep draws. I plan on focusing here unless bad snow keeps us out. I'm hoping to get up high and glass as much as possible. I've read that later in the season you are more likely to find them on south and east facing slopes, is this true?

Any other pointers would be very helpful. The other 2 guys I'm taking are first time big game hunters, so I'm going to have my hands full as it is. But hey, what are friends for... We all had our first time!

[bsshaver]

Good luck to you. Hunting unfamiliar ground for elk can be daunting. I think early scouting definitely helps when in unfamiliar territory but if you can't use your eyes and ears as you go.
Timing- When you are hunting plays a role. Pre rut the bulls are just separating but the satellites stick together.
Weather- this year water is plentiful so hunting holes will not be as fruitful. If you are in a drought area I would hunt water in the evenings. Elk usually bed close to water.
Pressure- If there are indeed a lot of hunters, elk aren't afraid to lack up and LEAVE if pressured. Usually 5-10 miles.
I like hunting pre rut first weekend. The animals are in a feeding pattern and will usually stick to that unless interrupted by man or nature by way of estrous.

Good luck

[BH107]

Thanks for the reply. This will be a late season rifle hunt, the first week of November. Unfortunately I live in California so I won't get any scouting in until the day before, but I do have some friends in the area that will hopefully be some help.

I do know this area normally holds elk well year round, and it is protected from access by private property on 2 sides. We'll also be at least 2-3 miles from the nearest road or trail, so hopefully that means less pressure.

[under H2O hunter]

Hunting 3rd season is far different then hunting elk during the rut. I grew up hunting late season elk. I won't say I am an expert by any means and what works for me doesn't always work for others. Here is how I would hunt your hunt.
1. Find large open areas where you can sit and glass.
2. Bulls won't usually be with the cows at this time but rather regathering back up in bachelor groups.
3. More elk are killed sitting and being patient rather then walking.
4. Late season weather is something to pay close attention to as it will move the elk great distances if it gets bad.

Good luck

[bsshaver]

Good advice under h2o. I'm strictly archery and hunt early in the season. Best wishes


John 3:16

[Gypsumreaper]

I usually hunt either sex elk during archery season then have a cow tag during 2nd rifle, and others in the group have cows an bulls, when we get into cows there's usually a few rag horn bulls with them but anything with size is alone, in my experience the only time we have been able to get a cow to come to a call is when the herd has been scattered by hunters an they are somewhat trying to regroup. My opinion shoot the lead cow if possible an the rest of herd will sometimes hang around for a short while in the confusion allowing others to get a shot.

[BH107]

Thanks for all of the responses. I'm fairly confident in the area we've chosen, but we'll have a couple of backups as well and have local friends to rely on if necessary. A lot of work to do before we even leave, but I'm pretty confident we'll be ready and have a great time no matter what. We were talking yesterday and at least one of my buddies will probably buy a cow tag as well.