Colorado is the state that definitely lives up to its name, which means “colorful” in Spanish. But let’s be real; this rugged, mountainous paradise is best known as an elk hunter’s dream! The eastern part of it contains plains with forests and grasslands, canyons, and ranches covering the whole length of it. The state has a long list of big-game animals: mule deer, moose, mountain goats, lions, black bears, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and upland birds are the most popular among the hunters. But the Elk hunting is the supreme monarch of the Colorado hunting season.
Imagine trekking through those rocky canyons and ranch lands, trying to spot a massive bull elk moving through the trees. More bull elk, are hunted and shot in the west by the hunters during the rifle hunts who have special use permits, often accompanied by licensed outfitters during season dates. Hunting elk is legal and needs a license.
Let me Tell You a few Fascinating Elk Facts
People often mistake a moose for being an elk. However, if you notice them properly, they have several distinctive features:
- Moose are the largest among the two and usually hang out alone.
- But elks are always in groups, which means they are very social beings. They always live in large groups.
- Unlike some deer species, only male elks possess an antler. Male elks use their antlers to compete with other elks during the mating season.
- When the weather is warmer, the elks move to higher regions just above the timberline.
- Elks will gather and travel to lower latitudes to find food sources with the gradual arrival of winter.
Let’s Talk Elk Hunting in Colorado
The elk population in Colorado is estimated at 280,000 heads, which is greater than that of any other state. You would have noticed that many magazines on wildlife often feature a picture of the elk standing in the open meadow, which would make a perfect target. The real picture, however, is very different. You know what they say – “elk hunting ain’t for the faint of heart!” These massive beasts are the true kings of camouflage in the Colorado wilderness. Hunting these incredibly elusive and powerful elk is definitely an adrenaline-filled experience. One minute, they’re ghosting you; the next, you’re scrambling to get a shot before they vanish into yet another canyon or up another cliff. No wonder scoring a Colorado elk is such a prized achievement for hunters!
- Elks, like dogs, can always smell when somebody is approaching, so you can use the wind direction to conceal the scent.
- The last thing that should be in your mind is the elf finding you out before you find it out. So, follow its trail by taking short steps and scanning the surrounding area before moving forward.
- Elks can remarkably freeze their movement and camouflage completely into the dense and thick green background.
- You have to remember that Elks can run fast with long legs and disappear quickly on ravines or steep slopes.
During the seasons, one can hunt both deer and elk. The OTC tags are valid only in OTC units that have the license from the USDA Forest Services for the hunting season they are issued.
When is the Best Time to Hunt Elk in Colorado?
For any elk hunter, the principal focus is on the bugle. In Colorado, it starts mid-September and covers the West’s archery and rifle seasons. Stepping aside from the bugle, the best time depends on the method and the territory. In significant parts of Colorado, archery and early rifle season are the best time to visit.
A Few Hunting Tips from the Pros
- On a cold winter day, if you want to go out hunting, wear gloves, hybrid options, and mittens. It will help you to keep your hands warm during the winter hunt.
- Elk hunting and deer hunting are not the same thing. With deer, you have to be quiet, but with elks, you can be loud. Then elks have bad eyesight compared to deers, and you can shoot them right away.
- Camping is just another part of hunting. You have to set up a base camp where you can eat meals and sleep at night.
- On a hunting expedition, you can bring tents, skillets, bowls, and matches. You can also bring along your sleeping bags.
- Then you should also bring sufficient water and food. Drinking water is something that you cannot afford to forget. You can bring meat and beer, blended coffee, and snacks.
- Rugged reclinable chairs will complete your packing list. But it all depends on whether you are going for a guided tour or not and whether there are sufficient lodgings.
What else To Keep in Mind?
- The legal bull needs to have antlers with at least four points on one side or brow tunes 5 inches or longer.
- To purchase a hunting license in Colorado, you need to show the hunter’s safety card before the Colorado elk hunt.
- Colorado hunters need to wear 500 square inches of blaze orange, a headgear visible from all directions. The blaze orange or pink incorporated.
- Most elk hunts in Colorado take place at high altitudes. Hunters from the plains might experience mountain sickness. It is also a risky condition.
- Colorado is a grizzly habitat range. Other predators, like mountain lions and black bears, may be spotted. Therefore, caution is advised.
These over-the-counter licenses are also needed for archery pronghorn hunts and in certain units for white-tailed deer. If you want a hunter’s license in Colorado, you need a hunter’s safety card.
