Hunting Forum

Never been elk hunting. Not sure if it will be archery or rifle. Any ideas on what gnu to hunt? May be hunting by myself, unless some of you want to go in 2012. I live in Missouri and want to go before November so I don't crowd firearm season here on the farm.

That is an awful lot to contemplate. You should start with the DOW website and the almanac they have. Not real easy to navigate but great info. The Elk hunting university on there is also got great info. If you were going to hunt rifle you would be talking about 2nd or 3rd if OTC. Given the vast differences in the terrain and elevation in the state, between Archery and 3rd season you could be talking about temps from the 90s to well below 0. I hunted for the first time last year(2nd) and it was from the teens to the 60s and we were at +-9000'. Another good site to place for info and contacts is elkcamp.com in the forum. The biggest question is what is your goal...a great experience and hunt or will you be dissatisfied if you don't shoot an elk? I got a 5x5 my first time out but there was 7 folks in camp and only two of us got elk. That being said everybody a GREAT time, a really relaxing week in incredible scenery.

I always enjoy the outdoors and the hunt. Love the beauty of the mountains. Been on vacation several times to Silverton and Durango. That being said; would love a 5x5 or bigger. May be the only time I get to go elk hunting. I whitetail hunt alot here at home.

I would suggest you dive into all the info you can and figure out where you are in the need to have success versus $$ discussion. If it is a one shot deal and you can afford you would probably have amuch greateer chance with an outfitter on private land. Just my 2 cents.

I hunt here in colorado and i've been to a lot of places here and have seen some big bulls all over the state... some of the best units i've seen are 76 50 500 and 501... i've hunted 76 a lot and seen some monsters in that unit... I've just started in the units but have seen some big bulls there too... I'm gonna be guiding in 50 500 501 this year so have been doing a lot of scouting in those units... but the only thing about all of those units is they are draw only... but there are some really good OTC units too... I go to 181 a lot and have seen some nice bulls there too but not as big as the other units but they taste just as good and just as fun to hunt... But if you have any questions about colorado i'll answer as best i can... if you wanna go the outfitter route try www.cowboycampoutfitter.com

Thanks, I will check them out. Probably be going by myself; most of my hunting buddies have kids and can't afford to go.

Well just let me know if i can help

If tyou decide on archery hunt, you need to go high. And know how to call. Best news is they shud be in full rut in archery season.
Only rut hunts with rifle are on the state mgmt plan with private ranches.
All info on DOW site.

Just booked my hunt with; D Bar G outfitters near Durango for the last week of archery elk season. My son-in-law is going with me and it is a guided wilderness hunt. Also, put in to draw a mule deer tag

Sounds good! Hoipe y'all have great luck
1

I've been hunting in Colorado for over twenty years for Elk and Mulies, since Colorado passed these new gun control laws, I'll be moving on to Utha or Arizona. What a shame for a state that depends on hunting for a large part of their economy to do such a stupid thing. Buckdeer1

All the Dimocrap voters who live in the cities and ski resorts and who moved there from CA and Mexico will be glad to get rid of you!

Tom

Should I wait for the thank-you for not comming cards in the mail, or keep checking email, or the Blackberry? Just wondering. Idiots!

jack

You won't be receiving any thank yous the libitcs (liberal lunatics) think people who hunt, fish, and trap are the problem not the primary source of funding and supporters for wildlife management, all the furry little creatures would live happy lives if it wasn't for us mean people.  Most of the Dimocrats think these gun laws will stop the gang bangers; after they passed the laws all these fine upstanding citizens will rush to follow the laws and not use high capacity magazines or will get background checks for their stolen guns.  As far as the laws not impacting hunters there are limits on how long you can loan a gun to someone so your outfitter is limited in case you need to arrange to borrow a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
I am a Colorado resident and taxpayer, I support the boycott and am not buying Colorado licenses this year.  Any funding we can deny the Dimocrat run regime is a good thing.