Planning for First Solo Trip for Elk

[Stykbow14]

Went with a rifle on the Nine Mile Guest Ranch (Meeker, CO) in October with my son and father. Went 2 for three! It was awesome and now I'm hooked! Heading out from Delaware next year to a pay for access property in Oak Creek, CO during the 2016 Archery season! If I don't get into any during the 5 days I booked, I'm heading to Public land in the area and at least scout for next year! Pure rookie! A few folks local head out west but they seem to be tight lipped on locations, etc. I have a million question but will search the forums first

Biggest ones are camp vs hotel? How to call? Where to look for elk?

[Swede]

Styke, I prefer to camp on public land. It puts you in a lot closer to where you are hunting and saves a lot of time. As a benefit you will sometimes hear elk bugle nearby especially at night. I like that when it happens. If you are on a long extended hunt, it may be good to go to town and spend a night there once in awhile. I don't, but my hunting budget is limited. I will buy more arrows or another trail camera.
As far as calling and hunting tactics, I would recommend Elknut's DVDs and Playbook. I will give a caution. Personally I think there is too much information in them for a new hunter to absorb. I would call Paul and see if he would recommend a few sounds and tactics you can get started with. Learn these well, and reference them to the book and dvds. Also check the archives here, and keep current with threads, where the conversation includes tips on hunting tactics or warnings against doing certain things. There are some other good forums you could visit, but watch out, there are some where there is more heat than light generated from the discussions. If you have specific questions; start a thread here. You will surely get an answer from some very experienced and successful hunters.
Best Wishes

[six]

I'll have to second staying in Elk country. I've fallen asleep and been woke up while being serenaded by bugling elk. The whole time I was thinking. It doesn't get much better that this.

[saddlesore]

Definitely camp .

You end up spending a lot of time going back and forth, eating in restaurants, etc.

One thing you might do that will get you familiar with elk hunting ,is to try to book a hunt with J- Bar-H-Outfitters out of Meeker, CO. Jeanne Horne owns it and she is very reasonable about her fees for drop camps and you are in great elk country.

This last year, they had great success in archery and muzzle loader season. I think she is booked for 2016 ,but is taking bookings for 2017. She is booked in advance because most of her clients are repeats. She is one of the premier outfitters in that area and has a big permit area that holds the biggest elk herd in Colorado. I hunt the same area in ML season.

Perchance ,you can't swing that, I can put you in a honey hole, but it takes serious effort to get into it and there sure are not any motels close. Most likely you would want Jeanne to pack your elk out for you. That fee is $400. Which is really quite cheap, when you figure a horse rental is now $700 or so or like me ,it cost about $1200 a year to keep one. It's either that or pack a skillet in because I doubt you would carry one out of there on your back up out of there. I don't hunt it any more as I am too old for that type of hunt.

PM me if interested as I won't give location out on an open forum

[Stykbow14]

Thanks all! Great advice! Probably will camp. Ranch is in a mile or so and camping is allowed. Just have to get the needed gear

Saddlesore, This is my first real effort. I had a great time this past September...enough that I can't stop thinking about elk hunting!!! My only concern is being a 50 year old flat lander. I did fine this year but the guide did the hard work getting us on bulls! This year is a test I hope to do a deep timber hunt in the not so distant future. I'll be sure to get up with you when I do!!!

[Swede]

Stykbow, don't let being 50 and a flatlander bother you. I am 68 and live at under 300 feet elevation, and can still get elk. What I noticed this September, is how heavy a mature elk is. All of a sudden they just felt a lot heavier. Like you I was hunting alone. Be careful where you hunt. If you shoot it you are supposed to get it out.
You might want to try using a tree stand for afternoons at least. I use them all day, and have for many years. They can be very effective. Even if you want to run and gun, it will add to your hunting potential.

[saddlesore]

Shoot 50, you are still a youngster. You have at least 20 years of elk hunting in front of you. I am turning 73 this coming year. Filled an antelope tag today on and in September and October, I filled a whitetail deer tag, a cow moose tag and bull elk tag. All DYI.

[Lefty]

Styke, I prefer to camp on public land. It puts you in a lot closer to where you are hunting and saves a lot of time. As a benefit you will sometimes hear elk bugle nearby especially at night. I like that when it happens. If you are on a long extended hunt, it may be good to go to town and spend a night there once in awhile. ,....

Most of my hunts are Friday evening and all day Saturday. Where I use to hunt vehicles affected elk movement more than most are willing to admit. get dressed , step out of the tent and hunt
And there is nothing like sitting outside of your tent looking at the stars and hearing elk all around