Colorado Elk - Rifle

[CatDaddy]

I promised my buddy that I'd be his wingman if he drew an elk in Colorado this year. Well, looks like "leg day" just took on new meaning, he drew today!

Looking for any advice the gallery has to offer us. Unit 21, first rifle season Oct 14-18. We plan on camping, not sure if truck or tent - haven't researched the area enough yet. Gear, scouting, camping, preseason workout plans.....anything/everything welcome please!

 

[Twitch]

Can’t give you info on Colorado but have done some elk hunting where vehicles were accessible and some backcountry hunts. My preseason routine has always been to fill my hunting pack as if I’m hunting with it, put on my boots and hike. Usually up to 5 miles or so. Usually start smaller hikes and build to the 5+ mile hikes. When backcountry hunting/camping we have a water filtration system we use. I always carry a steripen as giardia is a bitch and water is even more important at altitude. Always carry a jetboil too as some nights and mornings mountainhouse meals or the like can be super convenient. Always carry a good amount of paracord in my pack. Good boots are worth the money on hunts like that.

 

[svnmag]

.30/06. 180grn Fusions.

If a new rifle is in order: Ruger American/Greyboe stock.

 

[LOV2HNT]

2nd what Twitch said, load your pack up and start walking. Good gear is not cheap, but worth every penny when hunting in the mountains. Make sure your boots are broken in before going, and bring an extra pair or two if you can. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy every minute even though at times you will question your sanity.

 

[LBrandt]

I promised my buddy that I'd be his wingman if he drew an elk in Colorado this year. Well, looks like "leg day" just took on new meaning, he drew today!

Looking for any advice the gallery has to offer us. Unit 21, first rifle season Oct 14-18. We plan on camping, not sure if truck or tent - haven't researched the area enough yet. Gear, scouting, camping, preseason workout plans.....anything/everything welcome please!

I got shit you can use from backpack, game cart, big ass coolers, you name it and I might have it. LB

 

[Kurtr]

Good pack that fits right. Exo, stone glacer, Kifaru some thing with load lifters eberlestock are junk. Good boots that fir right and learn were to put leukotape on your heals before you get hot spots and good socks darn tough and always a spare pair to change out when you stop to glass. Good clothes that are light weight and can be layered. If sleeping where you could get wet a synthetic bag is heavier but you dont loose insulation when wet if wet isnt a concern a good down bag. Water filtration and make sure if its going to be cold enough to freeze you dont let it freeze. Then the most important part is being ready to be kicked in the nuts again and again and be comfortable being uncomfortable.

If your spiking in and then shelters come into play and that a whole nother can of worms.

Go to rokslide and you can find good deals in the classified and get a bunch of info

 

[Ruttin]

I never train with a pack but it is a good idea to get one that fits you appropriately. Being in good shape will increase your odds tremendously plus make the hunt way more enjoyable. It is early enough so when you find an exercise program that fits your schedule you have to stick with it. I suggest the stair stepper 5 days a week and various leg exercises such as the basic squat, leg press, etc. Push ups and sit ups go a long way for some simple core strength to. I would definitely see what LB has to borrow and take advantage of that! I have a 1 year old frame pack that i could send with you to use as well.

 

[Jiffy]

Two main reasons your average elk hunter fails or has a miserable hunt.

1) physical fitness
2) marksmanship

Both are trainable. Don’t be lazy.

 

[powerman]

Driving thru that area it sure doesn't look like your typical elk mountain hunting. Think of it as more desert rock, cedars, rolling hills area. Looks like it is going to be at a lower elevation than the mountains to the south and west. Could be a great unit.

 

[CatDaddy]

Thank you for all the suggestions and offers! As I get into planning I'll definitely reach out if I'm in need of some gear. Being the wingman, I'm hoping to use it as a launching point for my own adventures in the future but not looking to go all in on gear yet.

Ironically I got back in the weight room for the first time in 15 years a couple weeks ago. Leg days haven't been skipped and now have new found purpose! Also got on the stairmaster and got my ass kicked, literally. I was on a health journey, now kicked into another gear! For reference, I'm 5'8 185 with a muscular, but dad-bod build. Very aware and committed to being in as much mountain shape as I can before going so I can enjoy it! Every leg extension yesterday I reminded myself that it will make October that much more enjoyable.

Keep the advice coming please!

 

[tikkalover]

This is all the advice I can offer.

 

[LBrandt]

Game bags, lots of para cord, cheese sticks and beef jerky, candy bars for quick energy. Thats just off the top of my head. Oh yeah dont try to hunt elk like you would hunt deer cause that dont work. LB