Going on 1st Elk Hunt!!!

[TEXAS 10PT]

Yep...found out today that I'll be going on my first Elk hunt in September in Colorado It would be tough to get me off cloud 9 right now. With any luck I should get first blood for my new Synergy during this hunt. I can't wait. Any pointers from you veterans?

[Atfulldraw]

Don't be afraid to use your calls - a good horny cow call will bring in lots of action

Also, cover lots of ground - elk hunting is about chasing - in Colorado sit-and-wait has never worked for me.

[Mudslinger]

Ditto what AFD said. I like to call, glass if possible, call and move and call some more. Better get in shape, or try to or be prepared to take your time and set your own pace. Anyone can hunt the mountains in CO as long as you know your limitations. If you don't mind saying, when are you going and what unit are you going too?

Take a coouple of bugles and a lot of cow calls. Never hurts to sound like a herd of elk moving through the timber with different cow calls. You really don't have to be quiet, just keep your eyes, ears and nose open. Elk can be noisy, vocal and they do stink.

[Mudslinger]

You may also want to stretch your comfortable shooting yardage if possible. Shots can be close like here in TX, but they can also be stretched to greater distances than here in TX too.

[keep]

Don't over call though and use the cow call a lot more than the bugle. What time of the season are you going? That will dictate how much you call and how. Get a GPS and a pack frame for packing them out.

[VorTexan]

When and where are we going!

[Burnadell]

Ditto get in shape. I would start now walking/running and walking up/down bleachers. No matter how good shape you think you are, it is still tough hunting in the mountains, and it will take a few days to get acclimated to the altitude. Great experience...wish I was going.

[Eric4x4]

Good luck to you that is one of my dream hunts one day.

[dao57]

do your walking with a loaded back-pack, your muscles will get used to it. sounds like a dream hunt, congrats!

[TEXAS 10PT]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm in terrible shape by my standards. I figure I have 4.5 months to turn that around. We'll be hunting Sept 12-16 in unit 411. I think I'll start walking and using the Bowflex now on a regular basis. I hunted the Brooks Range in Alaska 5 years ago for Caribou and it wiped me out walking those mountains. I will be in better shape for this hunt.

[Rodeo24]

Hoochie Mama cow calls work great!!

[Rattler]

You Suck! JK of course! Good luck!

[glen]

Good luck- bring back lots of pics.

[Chew]

Good luck man. Do us Porter folks proud in them thar hills! =)

[Bill]

. Any pointers from you veterans?

Hunt with somebody who knows what they're doing, and listen to them.

Remember in CO, not having a hunter safety or IBEF bowhunter ed card in your possession, you can NOT purchase your license. No if, and's or butts. If you buy your license at a DOW regional office, they note in the computer they've seen it, and you don't need to carry it in your possession in the field, nor do you need to bring it back to CO every year as proof of completion. If you buy your license in a sporting goods store, not the same situation.

The better shape you're in, the more ground you can cover. You can be out of shape and sit in one place, however. If that's were an elk walks by, you accomplist the same thing as climbing hill and dale 10 miles per day!

If you're going to be up high, talk to your doctor about an Rx for Diamox. Side effects are minimal, and if elevation affects you (you will not know until you get there) it can save your hunt. You need to start taking it 2 days before you reach altitude.

Going on my 5th elk hunt during last week of season in 54/55, no elk in the first 4, but I would not trade the experience for anything. Each time if I'd been hunting with a rifle, there's have been multiple elk shot.