re: Elk hunting tips

I've been elk hunting Colorado and Wyoming since 2013. Personally I've been unsuccessful but a few in my party have gotten an elk. I've never bow hunted elk so I can't say much to that but I can tell you that being a good hiker will go a long way. I've hunted Freeman Reservoir several times out of shape. One year, (2016), I had gotten in really good shape and it was a world of difference being able to move around as I pleased without being worn out.

Outside of that, be prepared for an early snow in case it happens and we take trash bags with us to pack the meat out in if we kill something.

I'm sure you're already aware of dealing with bears and general camping guidelines if you've already spent some time out there.

Good Luck!

quote:

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1) you will never be in enough “shape”’for elk
2) you will never cut off or catch an elk that’s moving
3) shoot the first legal bull if you have never shot one
4) when you think your in shape refer to rule number 1

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What he said...


I've hunted the western slope of Colorado several times. If you haven't started getting into shape you are way behind. Drink plenty of water before going up to help with altitude sickness. I got that on my last trip and was miserable plus I missed the first two days of the season.

Take a camera and take pictures, enjoy the scenery, and just have a great time whether you see elk or not.

I always carry a GPS with me, I turn it on and turn on the tracking so I can always find my way back in case I get turned around, plus I can upload that to Google earth and see where all I walked. Keep plenty of water on you and snacks, fire starter and something that will catch fire quickly (cotton balls with vaseline) just in case you need to start a fire. Have a good flash light and head lamp. A good pair of sunglasses that you don't mind if they get scratched up, it's dry and dirty.

Get a good pair of hiking boots and break them in before you go.