Has to be the Bow, For Elk it's the best time to be in the mountains and if you’re like me and really only have public land to hunt your not getting the pressure from a lot of other hunters. Here in Colorado you have over a month to fill your tag if you use a bow, Plus getting so close just adds to the thrill.
hunting here in Southwest Colorado around Pagosa Springs.
Glad you liked it
I'm new here and want to share my hunt last fall. It's a little long and I'm sorry for that.
Let me know what you think!!!
A September to remember
No doubt it’s elk in September with my bow, just a magical time to be in the Rocky Mountains. The amount of animals you will see, no big crowds, the cool nights, aspen leaves and oak changing. Every new spot is a postcard photo that your hunting in!!! I’m counting the days now
If I was coming from out of state and had never hunted the area no doubt I would at least go with a drop camp from an outfitter. If you look at the cost verses how much work/time it will save you it’s an amazing deal. Your still hunting on your own you just have a knowledgeable outfitter to point you in the right direction. You will increase your odds dramatically on connecting the 1st time and then you still have the great experience of going on your own the next year and trying for one all by yourself. Just remember to check references of past clients before selecting an outfitter. Oh yea get in shape!!! No kidding, be ready to hike at least 5 miles a day with all your gear (go as light as you can) at elevations from 8,000 to 11,000 feet. Remember that not many elk live in flat areas, so all your hiking is up or down.
Give unit 76 a try; it will take you about 4-5 years to draw for archery. I live down here in the San Juans and know for sure that we have a lot of elk. I got my bull last year by hunting down from a trail. 99% of all hunters would have looked down and said no way. We bugled up top and had 5 bulls answer us. Don’t count on them coming to you like on the videos. We just bugle to locate and then cow call to cover any sound we make in trying to get close. An old friend gave me the best advice on hunting elk a few years back and it’s very simple. “You have to hunt where the elk are” don’t set up an elaborate camp; get by on less so you can move. Archery tags here are pretty liberal in units here and if you’re not seeing tons of fresh sign with 10-20 elk a day keep moving looking for a better spot. I think a big reason for such low success is most hunters pick one spot and stay for the entire time even if they don’t see any sign. If you want to do that you better bring a good book and your fishing rod because all your doing is camping with a bow.
Hope this helps.