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A Guide for Elk Hunting
By PK | July 7, 2008
Elk Hunting in Colorado is one of the most ultimate dreams of any hunter. Many fortunate hunters every year from out of state pay big bucks to outfitters to make this dream come true. While that is one alternative to fulfilling your dream, another is a ‘do it yourself’ hunt.
One of the first things I would do is talk to anyone who hunts elk who lives in Colorado. You can make many friends online who could be very helpful to your cause. But not all hunters will tell you where to find elk. So, what do you do???
First, you need to know where you can hunt. You can get maps from the Colorado Department of Wildlife or the Department of Forestry. These maps will give you the information needed as to ‘where’ you can hunt for elk and they will also have reports of the success ratio of the year before.
One of the most beneficial pieces of equipment is to invest in a decent GPS or Global Positioning System. It will pinpoint your position in the field so you will maintain legal status remaining in the area where you are allowed to hunt. It will also be helpful if you get lost. You can locate roads, creeks, mountain peeks, and your campsite. The program for downloading maps will come with the purchase of most GPS’s.
The next step is to acquire lodging or camping equipment. While lodging can be expensive in Colorado depending on your length of stay, camping does offer an alternative means of lodging. But remember, camping in the high country of Colorado, as I have learned personally, can be very difficult if you are not prepared. The weather in the mountains of Colorado can change drastically and quickly. For instance, on July 6th, 2008, we were driving along forestry roads when a storm quickly covered the area. As we progressed, we noticed the sides of the dirt road were white….it was a covering of sleet the size of marbles.
NOW….where do we find ELK???
Elk requires four elements…privacy, food, water, and cover.
Elk are very private, reclusive animals. Any sudden change or noise could make them run to the next county and not return for two weeks or more. They need cover for during the day, as they come out late in the evening and return mid-morning or earlier. The largest Cow Elk is usually the first to appear as she guards the rest of the herd. Secondly, the younger cows and bulls will join her with the larger bulls coming out right before dark to feed.
If you locate any area with all four elements, the next step is to look for other signs. Other signs could be droppings, bites out of young aspen trees, and rubbings. Be careful in your search not to leave tell-tell signs that you were there. Cover your scent before searching for elk. Cabela’s sells numerous scent eliminators.
It is best to be in an area you suspect there to be elk long before elk come out of their cover. Keep your distance, a pair of binoculars would be helpful. Keep in the shadows and well-disguised behind bushes, trees, anything natural is best. Observe their habits and continue keeping an eye on the weather. It is best to do this several days before elk season begins.
The average elk weighs from 800 to over 1000 pounds…so be prepared for several trips if you don’t have your vehicle nearby to pack one out.
One other factor to consider that most hunters do not take into consideration is the altitude. I can verify this myself! Altitude sickness is not very pleasant. Allow yourself at least two additional days prior to scouting to acclimate to the altitude. Plain aspirin is helpful, and plenty of rest and lots of fluids, preferably water not alcohol.
Check out this video: Sneaking up on Elk Bulls in Rocky Mt Natl Park
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Happy Hunting!!!
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Topics: "Post Cards From the West", Colorado, Routt National Forest, Steamboat Springs, Wildlife and Hunting |
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