A Comprehensive Guide to Colorado Elk Hunts: The Secret Weapons for Success
If you’re planning on spending time in the Great Outdoors, you might as well make an adventure of it. If you identify as an active hunting enthusiast, elk hunting in Colorado’s great mountain ranges can satisfy your cravings for rugged terrain and months’ worth of deer meat servings.
It’s safe to say that experienced hunters enjoy elk hunting aspects that go beyond the opportunity to bag an elk. For those amateur hunters teetering on the fence, there are plenty of other reasons to consider elk hunt in the Centennial State, including the experience of witnessing some of the most stunning landscapes in America firsthand. Other benefits associated with elk hunting include getting a chance for camaraderie, supporting local Colorado communities, maintaining the balance of nature, and providing financial resources for the protection of Colorado wildlife.
As for the best places to go elk hunting in Colorado, where 250,000 elk roam free, you can load up your gear and head out to areas like Unit 11 (bull to cow ratio of 1 to 4), Unit 22 (bull to cow ratio of 1 to 5), and Unit 13 (bull to cow ratio of 1 to 4).
Rookie mistakes to avoid on your elk hunt
After investing time, effort, and money to enjoy your elk hunt, you don’t want to be making mistakes. As these slip-ups pile up, your chances of landing a trophy will diminish. Here is a list of six rookie mistakes you can’t afford to make on your hunting excursion.
- Not getting close enough to your elk to make the kill.
- Overthinking your strategy
- Reluctance to change your strategy
- Sneaking into position (which hunting enthusiasts claim is a waste of time)
- Leaving essential hunting gear at home
As for your hunting gear, you will benefit by getting your hands on the best equipment you can afford. To find the best gear, you might want to wander over to retailers like these.
Preparing for your elk hunt
What you might not realize is that half the fun of hunting is planning for the trip. For a successful elk hunt, you need to think about the details and start preparing your strategy. That includes figuring out what gear you will need. As inspiration, here are five things you can do to start preparing for your elk hunt now.
Digital scouting
Colorado wildlife organizations post hoards of information hunters can use during elk hunting season. You can find information on good hunting locations, weather patterns, camping areas, and possible road closures.
Apply for hunting permits early
Some of the best hunts in Colorado offer limited permits. You should apply early for these permits to allow time to adjust your plans, should you not gain access to the hunting areas you prefer.
Practice with your weapons
If you want to bag your trophy, you have to be accurate with your rifle or bow. In the weeks leading up to your hunting trip, you should make an effort to get to the range and get familiar with your weapons.
Focus on fitness
The terrain in the Colorado mountains is very challenging. Leading up to your trip, you would benefit by putting together an exercise plan to improve your overall fitness and endurance. A focus on your legs and back would be prudent.
Study local hunting rules
Each elk hunting area is going to have its own set of hunting rules and regulations. To keep from violating laws and ruining your trip, you need to invest time reading and understanding the laws in place for your Colorado elk hunting destination.
Parting shot
Keep your eye on the prize with these Colorado-specific hunting tips and tricks. Failure to prepare for your hunting excursion beforehand may leave you to return home empty-handed with your tail tucked between your legs.
