3RD season CO VS. archery

Cali4x4 · Oct 5, 2008

I have been on two archery elk hunts. 10 days each. One in Colorado and the other in Idaho. What differences can I excpect. I plan on colder temps. And no action with bugles and calls . Any other info would be appreciated. I will be hunting the 3RD season (rifle) in Colorado.

jims · Oct 5, 2008

Depending upon the unit and elevation you are hunting in Colo it can be 80 degrees one day and -20 the next. Be prepared for the worse conditions...snow, sleet, rain, etc and you ought to be ok? I'd bring along 4 sets of tire chains if you are going to be in muddy country. Good snow boots, light hikers, gators, layers of clothes. You never know what weather you will run into that time of year so be prepared!

You likely won't hear 1 bull bugle so you'll need to cover quite a bit of country to find the bachelor groups of bulls. Some bulls may still be with a few cows but most will be off by themselves. Definitely get away from the crowds of hunters...especially if you are hunting a general unit. General units can be a zoo so be prepared for company...even in remote areas! Good luck!

coloradobowhunter · Oct 5, 2008

I was wondering what unit you are hunting in colorado? I might have a little info just depends where you are going?

Cali4x4 · Oct 7, 2008

The unit I am hunting is OTC. My father is familiar with the area having deer hunted as a non resident since the 70's. Not every year since it became a draw for deer. He is old school and prefers packing out a deer over an elk. We decided to go elk hunting after becoming impatiant waiting for our deer PP's to be large enough.

Anyways thanks for help. The tire chains are a serious need for all 4 tires.

Do calls work at all? We will only have bull tags.

Calif_Mike · Oct 7, 2008

We hunt the 3rd season over the counter every year. As has already been stated, the weather can be too dam warm today and way too dam cold tomorrow. But that being said, weather will be the controlling factor in your hunt success. By the 3rd season the elk have been beat on pretty hard for several months and weather is one of the only things that is going to make them move. If you don't get weather plan on walking a long way to get away from the roads. Tire chains for all 4 tires are a must.

Calif_Mike