Unit 61 archery elk best week to hunt

coyoteslayer

Active Member
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Back in the late 90's when we started putting in for Colorado elk it took 6 or 7 points to draw 61, well now that I am at 22 points it looks like I am finally in the running for a tag. Thinking of what time off work I have, and wondering what week would be the best to hunt? The week before the Muzz hunt? The week after the muzz hunt? Another week? Thank you
 
My opinion on any archery elk hunt is the later the better. It seems that the elk rut later and later every year. They'll be rutting during muzzloader season but personally I wouldn't want the extra competition.
 
If you only have one week I would take advantage of the late dates this year and hunt the last week of the hunt. Maybe hunt the weekends prior if possible. I had the archery tag in 15 and hunted mid week of the muzzy hunt and then the last week. It was a frenzy of 250-300" bulls. Fun hunt, good luck in the draw!
 
Believe it or not, last year they were still bugling in 2nd rifle in mid October. I heard alot of bulls until the road activity kinda shut them down. Alot of guys went too early last year and didn't hear much, but it was unusually hot and dry.
 
It's a double edge sword... as far as rut activity goes the later the better. But I've traditionally had better success at taking larger bulls in the early part of September before they are Cow?ed up and content. Typically if you can hit it right the September 5thish time frame is a good time to be on the mountain when larger bulls are looking to gather cows and they typically are more willing to come sneaking into a cow call or are patternable towards water.

Coloradoboy
 
By your question, I presume you don't have a lot of experience, which is ok. If you only have a week or so to hunt, I certainly would hunt as late as possible. There is nothing like hunting bugling bulls. Being surrounded by screaming and growling bulls is an experience you'll remember forever. Practice your calling skills. You yourself can get them all wound up. Use a mouth reed and various mechanical cow calls. Bulls will answer different calls to let you know where they are. Be aggressive and close the distance. I know it will be the time of your hunting life. It is so much FUN. Good luck!
 
Thanks for all the responses, I appreciate the advice. I have hunted bulls plenty of times, but not in Colorado. I was not sure what the rut action would be like in 61 in early September. Also, I was not sure how much effect the muzzleloader hunt would have on the bulls. The unit is about 5-6 hours away, so I could hunt some weekends also.
 

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