Colorado Elk info needed

[TomBow]

Howdy!
I may have the opportunity to elk bow-hunt in Southwestern Colorado this fall. What I need is any information from anyone who has elk hunted before, elk hunted in Colorado or elk hunted in this area. We will be not far from Mesa Verde and need ideas on what zone to hunt, possible spots to go etc. This will be an unguided hunt and I have never elk hunted before. Any information that you'd be willing to provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance and Best of Luck to you and yours on your hunts.

Thank you,
TomBow
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[Gissert]

I rifle hunt elk in Colorado every year, just not in the area that you are going.

You will probably be hunting bugling elk, which I have also not experienced. This will probably involve a herd situation, so you will have to defeat many eyes, ears, and noses to get your shot.

If you are truck hunting off any main roads, a set of tire chains and a hi-lift jack are like gold if the weather turns wet.

The biggest thing you can do to stack the odds in your favor is to be prepared to deal with the altitude the first few days. This has worked the best for me.

We hunt high, around 11000 feet. We arrive a couple days before the season starts. We set up camp at an easy pace. It is important to be drinking a LOT of water. After sleeping in camp the first night, I forgo scouting and drop down to town at about 5500 feet for several hours and then go back up. This is like hitting a reset switch for me personally. I will scout a bit in the evening, and then get a good nights rest before the hunting begins.

Dropping lower may not be an option for you, so keep drinking water at a steady pace, even if you are not thirsty. Staying fully hydrated is key to keeping the altitude blues to a minimum. We bring powdered gatorade, and I carry two big jugs of that in my day pack. Try to keep caffine intake down, and avoid alcohol completely until you are fully acclimated. I have seen guys wishing for death the next morning after drinking 3 or 4 beers the first night up high.

Everyone reacts differently to altitude. A pretty good headache is usually a given for me the first morning, as is a lack of appetite and mild nausea. Eat light, but keep that water intake up. Hope you have a good time, and good luck.

[TomBow]

Thanks for the information and best of luck on your hunts. It looks like this year just isn't gonna fall into place, but next year is a definite possibility, especially since we have more time to plan. I plan on being in better physical condition by the time we go but will follow your acclimation advice strictly to avoid any loss of hunting time. Hope your hunts are all you hoped they'd be!

[Gissert]

Sorry your plans wont work out this year. Looks like I drew another cow tag. They really want to knock down the herd numbers out there.

I am a big guy, and those acclimation methods work for me. Everyone is a little bit different. Water is the key, however.