Elk tips and tricks for rookies

[drop dead fred]

I’ve officially put in for my vacation for my first elk hunt in 2024…. I’m slotted for the last week in September, I bought preference points in WY this year, and will put in for draw next year as well. However I’m tentatively planning to go OTC in CO. I’ll be completely honest as I have zero clue about elk hunting, but that’s exactly what I want. I’m looking for something to bring a challenge back into hunting that I’ve lost in ETX. I LOVE the mountains and am perfectly just spending time in the backcountry taking pics and enjoying the wild. Any info is appreciated not looking for coordinates or honey holes. Just knowledge to try and have a good experience thanks guys

[Burnadell]

Walk softly, be still, be quiet, don’t let them see you or smell you. Be in mountain shape. You have a year to polish those skills.

[Drycreek3189]

Walk softly, be still, be quiet, don’t let them see you or smell you. Be in mountain shape. You have a year to polish those skills.

Try to get away from the crowds, that means the country over the third or fourth ridge, just don’t go so deep that you get too close to another access point. Don’t overcall, everyone else is doing that. Do what Burnadell said.

All that said, I have hunted and killed exactly one cow elk, with a rifle. However, I have been on Bowsite.com for many years and there are many accomplished elk hunters there, (elk killers), and I read everything they type. Good luck, ‘cause it gets more difficult each year.

[wytex]

Lots of elk can be found near a road too, don't overlook good country just because it is easy to get to.
Get a good pack frame for hauling quarters, a $300 one is not necessary but get one that fits you.
Good broken in boots as well.

[7sdad]

Be in great shape (lots of cardio) and Elk are like hunting big turkeys so learn to at least cow call.

[Walker]

First thing I learned about elk hunting is for every step you take downhill you will have to climb a step.

[GarrettH]

Lots of elk can be found near a road too, don't overlook good country just because it is easy to get to.
Get a good pack frame for hauling quarters, a $300 one is not necessary but get one that fits you.
Good broken in boots as well.

Country roads are all my great uncle would ever tell me about his decades hunting in CO, he never got off them and always had success

[ElkTipper]

University of Elk hunting I would invest in. ElkNut I would listen too. Start training now.
remember the average is 10 elk seasons for one successful archery elk kill.
Have fun!

[Farmdog]

You will do fine. I feel sorry for the elk

[piercebronkite]

I would take your first OTC elk hunt as just a learning experience for the next one.

[Hockley]

Lets start with the basics that you need to work on NOW. Start working out now and gradually increase your workouts. Cardio and core strength are key.

Make a gear list of what you have an what you need. Go ahead and put a weight column along with a cost if you don't have it. Remember that lightweight stuff is what you want, but the lighter it is the more expensive it is. You'll need to do this sooner rather than later to make a plan for the $$$ you'll be spending. Boots and your sleeping system are going to be critical. I bought a 30 degree bag my first year in CO and almost froze to death the first night. A 30 degree bag means that you won't die if it is 30, it does NOT mean you will be comfortable... I'd go with a 20 for a late September hunt. The gear is it's whole own conversation.

Start researching your CO OTC units now and do as much internet scouting as you can. I belong to GoHunt and OnX and would probably recommend subscribing to both. I would sign up for OutdoorClass you get Elk101 with it plus a lot of other cool stuff. Remember everything has a Promo Code...

[7sdad]

Buy your boots now and wear them a LOT. I would not buy the $300-$400 boots for a one time one week hunt. They are stiff and take forever to break in, they are great if you live that life style year round. Get some good $200ish Salewa, Salomon, Lowa boots that you can break in in months not years.

[JhuntsAlot]

I’ve officially put in for my vacation for my first elk hunt in 2024…. I’m slotted for the last week in September, I bought preference points in WY this year, and will put in for draw next year as well. However I’m tentatively planning to go OTC in CO. I’ll be completely honest as I have zero clue about elk hunting, but that’s exactly what I want. I’m looking for something to bring a challenge back into hunting that I’ve lost in ETX. I LOVE the mountains and am perfectly just spending time in the backcountry taking pics and enjoying the wild. Any info is appreciated not looking for coordinates or honey holes. Just knowledge to try and have a good experience thanks guys

Just curious, is this the first year you have purchased preference points?




J

[miket]

Been seriously considering this myself. About to buy a point in Wyo, will be a few yrs of that Im sure. Been jogging off and on and it reminds me of how poor of shape Im in. Will probably be a year till Im even halfway where I should be.

[drop dead fred]

Just curious, is this the first year you have purchased preference points?




J

no sir