Getting there early?

[JPC]

This will be my first ever hunt (more details here: http://www.elknutforums.com/Hunting/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6518) and I was wondering if anyone ever hikes back to their backcountry hunting location to find and watch the elk a few days before the season begins to be ready for that first morning. I will be hunting in Colorado for 2nd rifle season (starts Oct. 17) and I have the 14th through the 25th off from work. I am thinking about hiking in on the 15th, but not sure if this is frowned upon. I believe 1st rifle season ends a few days before that, so I would actually be hiking in between seasons. Are there any problems or issues with doing this?

[ElkNut1]

That's exactly what I'd do bud! Get a jump on the animals & other hunters for sure by glassing your heart out. Locate the elk & have one picked out so come opening morning your tag is filled & your freezer full. Don't call to them at all or bust them out of their area found in & they will most likely be right there come daylight opening morning. Good Luck!

ElkNut1

[JPC]

Thanks ElkNut. I think I will scout the areas that I am considering and then make that decision, but I am leaning towards hiking in the day before.

[elkstalker]

I frequently do this as well, and if possible, I'll combine with a mule deer trip. This year I will be hunting mulies four days before my elk tag opens, should give me plenty of time to find the elk while I'm hunting. Last year I arrived two days early and glassed up my bull the night before opening day, shot him opening day.

[CurlyTail]

I pre-scouted two days before last season and located Elk both days. Then had to decide which bunch to go after opening morning. Good problem to have. Of course, I got a great 40 yard shot on a massive Herd Bull that opening morning -- and MISSED! You might have to live with that memory the rest of your life. Or - you might not miss.

[JPC]

I'll be hunting with a rifle for the first year or two... So if I can get a nice Herd Bull in to 40 yards... And I miss with a rifle... I guess I deserve to live with that for the rest of my life! But thanks for the feedback everyone. Looks like I will be heading in at least a day early - maybe 2.