I have been reading this forum for a long time. I have always wanted to go elk hunting but due to lack of knowledge about area and job have never actually gotten it done.

I have two sons I'm planning to take elk hunting. Looking at over the counter rifle season in colorado. Live in iowa. Have hunted deer all my life as well as birds etc.

I'm looking for some advice about units that I could see elk but maybe less people. I know everyone wants that. I'm just not the best at just venturing out without trying to find out the most I can.

I would rather be around fewer hunters with fewer elk if it means not fighting crowds all the time.

Can't afford a guide or private ground. Packing in and camping is not something I have ever done.

thanks for any help. Just wanting to create memories with the kids and finally hunt some elk.

Have you gone through Colorado's Elk University (on their website) yet? Lots of good info for someone starting out there. My advice is pick a unit with elk and tags and go. You'll learn 100x more in a week there than you will on the internet. Obviously, I'm suggesting this in addition to internet research. It's a good starter.

About any area that offers OTC tags will either be very limited in the number of elk in that area,or have very heavy hunting by other hunters.

You best bet would be to look for leftover cow tags that go on sale a little later than the OTC tags which are usually in the later seasons.This however presents another problem as it sounds like you would not be equipped for harsher weather. There are always a few leftover tgas for the 1st season,but now many.

I can't help much with areas,as I don't hunt units where foot traffic is prevalent

I think your best bet is the Cow/calf option in Wyoming. Leftover tags are on sale right now, and are very reasonably priced. Go on their website and see what opportunities are available, look at their statistics by hunt and by unit, and find one with a decent percentage of success. You will never find a place with good elk hunting without other hunters, but your best bet is to go a week after the season opens and stay out of the woods on the weekends.

Thank you for all the responses and suggestions. I realize I won't find good hunting areas without other hunters. I was more looking for a happy medium if you were me. I will look into the Wyoming option but the dates of the hunt are unfortunately an important factor due to my job and kids sports seasons.

The late October or early November is the best window I have seen for me.

My kids are in junior high but in very good shape. I will get tired before they will.

Additional question... is the youth nonresident tag good for any sex in any otc unit or just the ones that allow any sex.

So any actual unit suggestions based on those things? BTW I have been through the Colorado site and I can pick a unit on my own... I would rather hear from people who know much better than I do what might fit my needs better.

My suggestion is get into it for the long haul.

Find a unit where you can draw a late season leftover tag or draw with no points, but one that offers early season tags that require a point or two. Unit 49 used to be that way but there are many others. 74 perhaps.

As first time elk hunters you would have the odds stacked against you anyway even in one of the better units. Statewide success fluctuates around 25% but if you take out the guided and ranch hunters it drops to more like 1 in 7.

During those late seasons you will have less pressure from other hunters and will find areas that you will have to yourselves. You'll have the chance to learn the terrain and learn the elk patterns in that area and see where others have had success. After a year or two, (some places three), you will have the points to draw a more coveted early season tag. By then you will know the area, and your party will be a serious threat to elk at that point.
That fact that any points are required usually limits the crowding also.

Way too much emphasis is placed on simply punching a tag and way too many say they aren't there to just camp, but really - paying your dues to learn an area is a big part of it. A lot of success is predicated on being familiar with an area and understanding how elk use that specific terrain.

str8ball -

If you are willing to walk you can generally get away from other hunters.

Be aware that having other hunters in the area is not always bad - often they will get the elk moving and provide you with opportunities you would not otherwise have. I've also seen elk hole up in dense cover not far from where people and horses are walking by and making a lot of noise.

Consider yourself very lucky (or good and more likely some of both) if you get an elk your first time out. Consider it an exercise in learning where getting an elk is a bonus and enjoy the opportunity with your kids.

What part of Iowa are you from? I grew up in Iowa and moved out here in 1981 primarily so I could hunt elk. No sons but one daughter that hunts (antelope in the past, antelope and first elk hunt this year), another daughter that goes along with her hubby and hopefully a second son-in-law hunting elk with us this fall.

If you want to talk via phone, send me a PM. I can provide a lot more information in a much shorter time that way. In any case, good luck to you and your sons.

I'm originally from Logan iowa just north of council bluffs and Omaha nebraska. Live in eastern iowa now by grinnell.

I know there are different options for camping etc. I know some people who say they stay at hotel and drive out early in the morning.

Again, I have no clue. I assume most people camp where they are hunting or near a vehicle and walk in to where they will hunt early in the morning?

I will have about a week to hunt probably.

I understand the odds are against us. I assume when you say draw that you mean the regular drawing that I missed? The early seasons for those don't usually match my job schedule. I'm in education and that means September is usually going to be out as an option. Thank you for the suggestion. I will look at that option.

Is there a late season for that? Maybe I misunderstood.

I enjoy the hunt whether you get anything or not. My kids may be a different story.

I was thinking rifle seasons and 4th is going to be about mid-November wheras 1st rifle is around 2nd week of October.
You can do a lot of manipulating with this if you decide to follow this strategy. Unit 61 comes to mind. If I recall correctly (which is a big if) all but the 4th season require preference points so in that unit (or someplace like it) you could collect a point the first year in the draw and then use that point to move earlier after a season or two.

So, are you doing it this year or next? If next you have a lot more and better options with limited licenses. And while I'm not going to suggest a unit, pick one with wilderness. That's not the same as public land.

Walden, Steamboat, Craig areas, any OTC tags there?

Leftover tags for Wyoming- cow tag for area 98. If in your shoes, I'd try for it. 98-6 tag starts early, runs late. Lotta time to hunt. Good 1st experience.

Archery antlered and either sex tags
rifle 2nd and 3rd season bull tags

I have hunted the OTC 2nd rifle season for the past 4 years in South Central and SW Colorado. My hunting buddy and I did a backpack hunt and 3 semi-guided hunts. While we saw some elk, most were cows and small bulls. The bigger herd bulls were not to be found and we hunted as hard as we could for our age (both of us are in good physical condition but in our mid-60's). This year (and another year older), we were drawn for the 1st rifle season on a fully guided, drop camp hunt. If I'm not successful this year, I will just have to continue to fill my freezer with flat-land deer meat.

Yeah, I missed the 98-4 left overs. The 98-6 were sold out. What do you guys think of 66-6 cow/calf in Wyoming compared to doing over the counter in Colorado. The season dates work for both.

I am doing it this year. I have been putting it off and finally said I am going this year even though I missed the draw.

66 is a tough hunt, not in ruggedness, but that it is migration route, and timing is important. The best late hunting of area 66 is up near the Meteetsee, where elk move to primarily 2 ranches,
after a major storm. One of the ranches allows hunters. Phoning the Game warden/Game and Fish Dept for that area, they'd be able to get you the ranchers #. But the elk usually don't move down into there until late Nov, early-mid Dec. The rancher does not like semi auto rifles FYI. But hunters do phone this rancher to ask not only permission, but if the elk are starting to come down onto his ranch, he's good about that.

Another elk migration route goes across the hwy usually between Gooseberry and Middle FK creeks onto oilfield land/BLM land area 66. Very difficult to determine when they cross, but likely around a major storm. The locals are on it immediately after the crossing. Its basically desert until the elk get to the farmer's fields along the eastern edge.

I don't know alot about the land right below Cody, except that most of it is public land. In fact the large majority of public land is above Meteetsee, for area 66. But I've never seen many hunters in that area. Really tough travel when there's snow, and alot of oil related fields.

Thanks, that doesn't sound too promising. This is why I am asking these questions. What about unit 3 3rd season in colorado? bull tag for me and kids with youth licenses?

Yeah I think it isn't too promising. With current options you have, sounds like Colorado this year.

Area 66 is basically a depredation hunt for the local folks.

Str8ball, check your private messages.

Str8ball,

You are getting plenty of advice on areas and tag strategies, but you need to also think about your logistics, especially with a couple kids in tow. October-November in elk country is normally winter. In CO, I have seen -24 in the tent in the morning and butt deep snow. It may only be around freezing, but if you don't have the gear, which it sounds like you don't, consider hunting out of a motel. There are a number of places that is feasible. Yes, you do have to drive every morning. But you also need to think hard about your rig and what it is capable of.

Are you set up for getting stuck in crotch deep snow? If you are solo DIY particularly with kids, you need to have contingencies worked out. Shovels, tire chains, extra gas, come-along(s), emergency gear and food. About the time you are high-centered at nightfall, you might be glad to see those other hunters you were wanting to avoid.

If you plan to camp, is a camper possible? One with a reliable heat source? A cold camp at that time is year is not going to cut it, and you and the boys will be at the very least miserable. Yeah, some years are warmer, but 2 years ago in the second blizzard of the season first week of October, we spent a couple days snowbound in camp where no one knew were even there. There was a lot of shoveling involved - dawn to dusk shoveling.

Not saying don't go elk hunting, just trying to prepare your thinking a bit. When you get into the high lonesome, help is not necessarily right there, and if you are not prepared it can be much more than just miserable. It can be dangerous.

And another thought. Do you know how big a dead elk is? Are you prepared to part it out and carry it out? You will not be able to drag it like a deer - even if the boys are in good shape and can help.

If you are going to do this, get your logistics sorted out, and be prepared for winter weather, cold camping conditions, and the need to dry clothes and gear nightly. Maybe you will get lucky and it will be mild, but don't come west counting on that.

Make sure you and your boys have adequate cold weather clothing, boots, hats, gloves, and extras for when you get soaked.

Good luck I hope you do find some elk. Learn all you can this first trip.

Plenty of places to hunt in Colorado units 4, 3/301, 12 and 13. you need to get a good map and locate BLM or State School land. Good luck!

Landowner New Mexico cow elk is a good 1st elk hunt.

I know of two family friendly outfitters in Raton NM

If you are going 3rd season with otc bull tags white river area 12 23 11 211 near Meeker and Craig have elk but lots of hunters too. Leftover cow tags go on sale the first week of August and would be a great idea, certainly the kids at least should go with cow tags to increase their chances.

There are low sagebrush and high aspen areas so you can adapt to weather and move your camp. Think of this trip as an extended scouting trip where you plan to learn about elk hunting and maybe you'll kill one while you learn. Plan on walking at least 2 miles past the end of vehicle access to be successful.

Pay attention to the weather - it can change rapidly in the mountains and having 4 wheel drive, chains, come along and shovels is just part of the necessary equipment that hopefully stays in the back of the truck.

The more you scout online and in person the better you will be prepared. Read the regulations carefully, watch videos of the gutless method how to cut up an elk - they are just huge in comparison to deer and you want to get all the meat out in good condition. Bring packs to carry out meat - they don't have to be camo or pretty, just capable of carrying 70 lbs of meat.

Practice with your rifles to at least 300 yards and carry a rangefinder so you aren't blazing away at 700 yards or shooting over their backs at 225 thinking they are 350. Maps and GPS are necessary tools for the public land hunter in CO landowners don't have to mark their property and trespassing is always your fault.

Assume that you'll learn more and unfortunately need to buy more stuff every year for a while.

str8ball has disappeared...

Here is a site by Colo. Parks & Rec., regarding what you should have with you for survival, if you hunt the high country in cold, snowy weather.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=FV5ShSNIdfY&feature=endscreen

Best of luck to you and your sons.

L.W.

Good advice

I would not be dead set on going this year and plan on a good cow hunt next year. If you can get out in the Summer and scout and hike area you will be hunting that would be better.

I grew up in the mid west hunting deer and killed dozens of then with bow and rifle ml. I moved out west 10 years ago and elk hunting takes a good deal more planning and research. The country and conditions out west can be daunting for a newby.

Im still here fellas. Thanks for all the replies. I think we will use a motel this year and drive in each morning.

I am fully aware that elk hunting is more daunting etc. That's why I have been reading about it for years and have never gone.

I'm not new to hunting. We have plenty of cold weather clothing etc. December in iowa is plenty cold when we are deer hunting. I was more concerned about the reality of camping etc. That time of year.

Getting stuck in the snow in my truck would not be good of course. Thanks for all the tips.

I have a range finder. Does anyone use his phone as gps? I was planning to get some Maps after getting the tags.

We will definitely do a lot more practicing with the rifles before going. We don't use rifles much in iowa due to hunting regs.

We will have to get some packs. Any recommendations on cheaper packs for decent quality?

Do any of you have a list of supplies you refer to before going each year?

Str8ball,
not sure if you've decided exactly where to hunt but you should check out CO's left over tags. they go on sale tuesday aug 4th. there are a lot of good cow tags left.
EBAY has some really good Kelty internal frame packs for under $50 dollars, Moraine I think is the model. Jansport also makes a good pack for the money...you will pay for the brand name hunting packs.
The Colorado parks and wildlife website has some great info on gear in their elk hunting university page. There are lists according to seasons of what you should have.
TrippCanyon

There is so much cool and expensive gear out there that your head spins with the items and their cost. But garage sales and eBay are your friend, your aim is to get this stuff a little bloody so who needs new?

Your cold weather clothing will be great for sitting but you need to dress in layers elk hunting. Hiking in you want to wear as little as you can so you don't sweat like a pig after the first 1/4 mile, then add layers when you stop and sit. Take some off again as the day warms up and you move around. Add some back as the weather cools, take some off for the hike out.

Run the stairs at your local school bleachers wearing a pack full of water - you can't replicate altitude but you can get in top shape starting early.

Decide where you are going and get a couple of leftover cow tags for the kids at least on Tuesday. Nothing makes your elk hunting trip as popular as bringing home hundreds of pounds of delicious elk meat. "Honey we are almost out of elk in the freezer - when do you go again?" are beautiful words.

Unless you are paying top dollar to hunt private land or riding way back in a trophy area you wont be passing smaller legal bulls or even cows like you see on TV.

Other than good boots and necessary emergency gear you can save and skimp and wait on other stuff. Ask your old backpacker friends if they still have the old external frame pack gathering dust in the garage and get your packs for free. You have to dress like a pumpkin anyway so camouflage doesn't matter.

If you PM me your address I'll email you my list and an excellent article from KC on this forum, this tablet and I are both fairly limited.

Camo is only useful for enriching the camo makers. It's not needed at all for elk rifle hunting. I wouldn't buy it at all except a lot of the good stuff only comes in camo.
I wear cheap milsurp wool pants. They're comfortable up to 60F or so without long johns and warm down to 0 or lower with them. They don't get cold when wet but they do smell. I can live with that. If the elk smells my pants, he's already smelled me anyway.