Elk Hunting

I'm going Elk hunting in Colorado in 2 weeks and I am looking for suggestions on how to find the elk.

I live in Wisconsin, so preseason scouting is out of the question. I have topo maps and BLM maps. I have one day before the season to scout and would like to make that time useful.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Share what you know. Learn what you don't.

: I live in Wisconsin, so preseason scouting is out of the question. I : have topo maps and BLM maps. I have one day before the season to scout : and would like to make that time useful.

: Any suggestions are appreciated.

This time of year, since we haven't had much snow yet (yes some places have had it already) no matter where you are, unless you're on the top of a mountain, they'll be uphill from you.

samg

I assume that means 'first combined rifle' season. You don't say what unit you'll be hunting and you don't mention if you are hunting bull or cow.

Hopefully you'll have someone who has hunted the area before. Hopefully you'll have equipment that can get you off the beaten path. Think the problem through. The close you are to the front range, the greater the hunting pressure. If you're in National Forest or BLM (public) land, there will be more hunters.

Do some map study and think like an elk. The rut is generally over by first rifle (any bugling you hear is another hunter). The herd bulls are no longer with the herd, they're tired and secluded in deep cover, high in the mountains and well away from roads.

Herds are small until heavy snow and the elk begin gathering to migrate to winter pastures. Expect to see batchelor bulls in groups of twos and threes. Cow groups may have yearly bulls and occasionally a legal (4-pt) bull. Look for secluded meadows surrounded by heavy forest away from roads (that's twice I've said that). Water or a wallow is a plus. Look for scrapes and if there is snow, look for bedding spots. During a storm they will curl up and sleep until it clears (unless disturbed or driven by hunters).

Is someone is familiar with the area, ask them for migratory routes. Also ask about resident herds that may have summered at lower elevations. Talk to people.

Good luck.

Ed Rasimus Fighter Pilot (ret) *** Ziff-Davis Interactive *** (http://www.zdnet.com)

Hello Rick,

I've had to hunt Elk a couple times with only a day or two to scout before the season started and this is how I've been successful. I find a high area with a good view that overlooks a large open area (I've had to do this so far away that I can't see elk with the naked eye). I sit and glass the area for hours to try and see where the elk are coming from and going to. Then on opening morning I'm right where the elk have been traveling to. I've had to do this twice now and both years came away with a bull. Hope this helps and good luck on your hunt.

See ya,

Ray Trautman

Stay in camp. Any last min scouting will drive the elk away.