Colorado Hunting Thread

first year applying for any of the big game animals? If so, just know that there is severe point creep in this state. With that said, pick an area of interest, look up the stats to see if it's over the counter or a draw area for the particular weapon that you plan to hunt with. Then look to see how many preference points it takes to draw a tag and then decide if it's worth chasing the points, or if you need to look at a different area that doesn't require so many points. A lot of people put in for the draw only looking to get a preference point each year and then hunt one of the many OTC units for elk until finally they have enough points in how ever many years it takes, to draw a good draw unit tag.. Just know that there are no OTC units for deer, or moose, or sheep, or goats. Best you can do for them is apply and start acquiring points, although a few areas for deer don't require many points.
I'd hate to be a newbie to Colo. and trying to figure out where I could hunt, or should hunt because the regulations are really a mess as far as I'm concerned. Not hard once you figure it out and do it a few years. And the way the point system works, well, the system sucks. IMO.

 

Used to be, outside of a few areas, you just put in for cow/doe. If you wanted horns you could buy for most areas at a gas station the day before the season started

 

Anyone hunted elk in unit 31?

 

I'll be in 15 pretty much every weekend from now until the end of elk 3rd rifle.

 

Good luck to anybody headed out hunting this weekend. I'm headed to camp tomorrow evening and plan on hunting until Monday afternoon.

 

Hit the high country for the extended weekend. Bumped a couple bulls, but they kept quiet and didn't have interested in playing the game. Going to dip to lower elevations this coming weekend and see what's shakin. Happy Sendtember and best of luck to all.

 

Notifications told me you attached an image I was hoping to see an animal down. I'll be at some lower elevation this weekend as well, hoping to stick a cow.

 

That's some gorgeous country there.

Due to my lack of preparation preseason, I'll be out there again scout hunting like I did last weekend. Couldn't find any fresh sign so I'll be checking out a different area.

Didn't hear a single bugle all day.

 

The burnout is starting to set in big time. I've got 12 days of hunting in this month. I'm sleep deprived and my bones feel old for the first time in my life. Last stint will be this Thurs - Sun before I hang up the boots for the big game season.

Been in elk, but haven't had the chance to draw on one yet. Have seen more people than I'd ever prefer, heard the most horrific calling (bugles and cow calls), and even spotted a drone cruising saddles just before first light.

Something has gotta give this weekend.

 

I heard the news last eve. about another archery hunter being shot and killed by a hunter with a ML. The 2nd time in Colo. that this has happened. I just can't understand how it ever happens, but I also can't understand how a moose is ever shot by someone thinking it is an elk. Will CDOW be requiring archers to start wearing orange during the week of over lap ML season? I wouldn't be surprised.

Best of luck to you archers still after the elk. I always figured that I needed 5 close encounters for every one shot opportunity. Seems like the wind would swirl at the last moment, or something, giving me away to the elk.

 

Been a busy season thus far hunting WY Antelope since mid August. Tagged a bear for the first time and had a few opportunities during deer archery. Not a lot going on during elk muzzleloader. Tacoma has been up for the challenge as always.

 

Buddy got a bear while we were out. So. Much. Processing.

Haven't had any luck with finding any elk for archery. Haven't heard or seen any animals other than the bear.

 

Has anyone gone pheasant hunting alone with no dog?

 

Solo sucks especially without a dog. It's hard enough with dogs even if you are very far east

 

Colorado plates, Montana bull elk

 

Congrats! Heading out in the AM for 2nd season in western CO. Hoping for the best!

 

Nice work! what kind of rifle do you have? Almost looks like a ruger american

 

Nice! Hopefully I have the same luck. Heading out tomorrow morning for 2nd season.

Good luck to everyone else heading up as well.

 

Indeed a Ruger American!

Specs:
- Chambered in 270 Win
- lightened trigger (3lbs)
- bedded stock
- 9”-13” bipod
- Vortex Crossfire II 4-16 x 50mm
- Hornady Super Performance GMX 130gr (bullets)

 

I hunted 1st season here in CO. Elk didn’t come out in the open after opening morning, only success was still hunting the timber 9,800’ - 10,200’. Hope that helps someone!