First time DIY Elk Hunting - First Rifle CO - help greatly appreciated

[Clintos1980]

Make sure you check out the Colorado Hunting Atlas on the CPW website. Play around with those elk layers. If the weather during your hunt is warm, you’re gonna have to gain some elevation and hunt the summer concentration areas. I think too many first-timers underestimate how high elk can be in October.

For sure, thank you. I've been looking at that atlas a bit already.

What would you consider warm vs cold for that area? I see the summer vs winter layers on that atlas, and when we go, the averages in that area are low 30's (night) to high 60's (day). Being from TN, I would not consider that particularly "cold", but being that it's in those CO mountains, I'm not sure if that's considered warm, cold, or somewhere in between in regards to where the elk want to be.

 

[rmyoung1]

For sure, thank you. I've been looking at that atlas a bit already.

What would you consider warm vs cold for that area? I see the summer vs winter layers on that atlas, and when we go, the averages in that area are low 30's (night) to high 60's (day). Being from TN, I would not consider that particularly "cold", but being that it's in those CO mountains, I'm not sure if that's considered warm, cold, or somewhere in between in regards to where the elk want to be.

October temps in the Colorado high country can vary wildly year to year. Elk locations will have more to do with snowpack than actual temperatures. If the temps follow your stated averages, elk will be high. If, however, the mountains get hit with snowfall and then some cold temperatures creating a crusty top layer, making feed tough to access, then those elk will be motivated to move lower toward their winter range. If you don’t get any snowy weather and feed is still available up high, those elk will stay at surprisingly lofty elevations. I shot a Colorado bull on a beautiful Oct afternoon one year at 11,900 ft. Most of the hunting pressure was down near the roads 2,500 vertical feet lower.

 

[wannabee]

Wooooeee...quite the range of responses ! I appreciate the positive responses. I definitely plan to put in more work scouting and training, not just ask basic questions on forums and hope that gets me there. I will check out the Elk class for sure. And good tips on the altitude change. I will let everyone know how it turns out once we go.

As for anyone I may have offended...if I break my leg out there, I will make sure to post it here so you can laugh at my misery...

Be in great shape, match your boots to the terrain..

 

[Clintos1980]

Hey everyone.

After re-reading this thread and some PMs, I've realized I may have mis-stepped by asking for unit info right out of the gate. It was never my intention to come to this forum and take knowledge without giving back....I think I just got too excited.

I appreciate all the feedback; it was all helpful. I ensure you that I want to be a contributing member of this community, so I'm going to start some new posts showing our hunting adventures in TN. If I can help anyone, I want to do so.

With that being said, be on the lookout for a few posts, and give me a shout if you ever come to TN!...and I'll still post that broken leg if it happens

 

[Clintos1980]

Hey folks. Just FYI: https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/my-sons-first-deer-s-2024.327683/

Hope y'all have a great week!

 

[kansasdad]

^^^^

A thumbs up for the above link. Worth reading the story.

 

[sanders]

Make sure you check out the Colorado Hunting Atlas on the CPW website. Play around with those elk layers. If the weather during your hunt is warm, you’re gonna have to gain some elevation and hunt the summer concentration areas. I think too many first-timers underestimate how high elk can be in October.

I think you're right about that I've hunted Colorado twice in October and it was warm wish I had went higher. I hope to get back out there for a third season Hope the third time's a charm

 

[sanders]

If you want to punch tags learn how to scout. E-scout hard. Find areas that check all the boxes for the type of hunt you want to have. Then get out there to your unit early and find the elk. I've had a plenty of hunts where I've "hunted" for 3-6 days covering my areas before I could carry a gun then kill him on the first or second day of the season. You just have to get after it. In all seriousness a lot of hunters are lazy or aren't physically capable of getting where the elk are and getting them out. Go where the other people don't go if you are physically able. Sore muscles, cramps and blisters can heal when you get home.

Have good boots, a good pack and be able to shoot so you don't screw up your opportunity.

Good luck.