Colorado Bowhunt

[ironranger]

I've hunted CO for elk a few years with a rifle on your basic DIY public land hunts and now I'm preparing to go bowhunting there this fall but not sure what the best time to go would be. I've heard that early season is best but that it can be very hot during that time. Then I've heard from some that the later part of season was good but I was concerned that pressure from a few weeks of bow hunting and then muzzleloaders would have them headed for the hills. Any comments?

 

[hornaddiction]

Elk usually start to rut later in the season! If you are not afraid to go where most people dont, you will find elk!!


Horn
www.trophiesonthewall.com

 

[Sig3]

Start with the last day of the season and then count backwards the number of days you can be there. I've found the best time for Colorado bulls is towards the end of the season....for my times there....they seem to be more active late.

 

[InterpolNY]

Sig3 is right on. Last week is best, most areas will be in the rut. Back when the seasons started in early August that was a good time too. Don't remember when they start now for archery. Good luck.

 

[DeerKing]

I would agree the last week is best as far as finding bugling elk, but you better be in a very remote area for best odds. The elk will have seen 9 days of muzzleloader hunters previous to the last week of archery hunting and can get pretty leary in a short time. Personally I like to be out there opening weekend. Elk are bugling, although usually not as much as towards the end of the season. A good cold snap can change that though. Heck I saw and heard several bulls half bugling last weekend in a very remote area. Season starts August 27th. Best of luck.

AntlerQuest Hunt Consulting and Scouting

 

[sneakem]

I agree with DK...each part has its positive and negative attributes to the hunt...later in the season, more pressured...earlier, usually pretty hot...If you going early don't expext bulls to come running to the calls.. Stick to areas with good water as the elk will probably be frequenting them with the hot weather to drink and cool off(wallow). Also you might try "Rattling", yes rattling like for whiteys. Can have a good chance of getting some pre-rut bulls looking for a sparring match...Later in the season, estrous whines etc. and get away from the pressured areas that are easily accessible.