Best place for public elk hunt?

[Prometheus]

Hey guys looking for suggestions on the best place to rifle hunt elk. I have been unsuccessful in seeing anything during hunting season other than a million other hunters. It would obviously have to be somewhere where tag is guaranteed probably over the counter. Thanks

[ray1970]

I have an area where my group typically takes about two elk every year.

But, if everyone knew there were elk in that area then all I would see are hunters everywhere.

Maybe someone else would be willing to share their honey hole with you.


(Seriously, elk are typically creatures of habit so if you know where and when they usually migrate you will really increase your odds of spotting some.)

[def90]

A lot of good e-scouting videos on you tube, look up Randy Newberg, he goes over in detail what the elk are looking for based on the time of the year/season and where to look for them. Take that info and start looking at maps of Colorado to find places that meet those requirements. Pick 5 or 6 places in a unit and hit the ground, if you don?t see sign keep moving until you do. Put in the effort to get in shape so that you can go further back in to places where all of the other hunters are too lazy to. At the same time while all the other hunters are going deep in it?s always possible that they are walking past elk so don?t be afraid to look in areas where you think there is no way that they would be there.

[Jamnanc]

That’s a lot like asking how the sex is with someone’s wife. If you do get an answer it’s most likely a lie.

[XJ]

The State prioritizes revenue from elsewhere, and many of the old-fucks are more than content to run off us younger folks instead of passing along their experience.

There are very limited opportunities for a newbie living on the front range with a typical job.


What I have learned in the past few years is to either save up for a canned hunt in TX, or sit on the couch :|

[ray1970]

many of the old-fucks are more than content to run off us younger folks instead of passing along their experience.

If the old fucks aren?t passing their knowledge down to their kids and grandkids or nieces and nephews then I don?t know why or when that quit happening.

If you?re thinking some old fuck that isn?t family owes you something then you must have some warped sense of entitlement.

[XJ]

If the old fucks aren?t passing their knowledge down to their kids and grandkids or nieces and nephews then I don?t know why or when that quit happening.

If you?re thinking some old fuck that isn?t family owes you something then you must have some warped sense of entitlement.

Pleased to meet you, Ray. I am available any time that my employer allows time off to help carry out meat, but would like to learn processing and perhaps take home a few cuts.

Seriously not being rude here, hunting just seems to be difficult to start from scratch these days.

I am middle-aged, with no family background in hunting, and the guys I know from work just go out to get away from their wives and drink

[hunterhawk]

The State prioritizes revenue from elsewhere, and many of the old-fucks are more than content to run off us younger folks instead of passing along their experience.

There are very limited opportunities for a newbie living on the front range with a typical job.


What I have learned in the past few years is to either save up for a canned hunt in TX, or sit on the couch :|

Or get off the couch and scout? There is online scouting in the cold months and boots to the ground scouting those spots you found when it gets warm.

I know you are not the original op..but since you commented a few times the dow has resources, then thete is hunting forums, and plenty of resources out there...

[XJ]

Or get off the couch and scout? There is online scouting in the cold months and boots to the ground scouting those spots you found when it gets warm.

I know you are not the original op..but since you commented a few times the dow has resources, then thete is hunting forums, and plenty of resources out there...

Nice to meet you 'hawk

I have availability, depending upon my employer, to scout the units that have a one in a million chance of a drawing a tag.

Breaking into the game seems to require money, connections, or a government job with heaps of time off. I lack all three.

[Irving]

You're right, it is difficult to start hunting on your own.

The last three years I've added a solo rifle hunt on top of the usual muzzleloader hunt. I see elk every year when muzzleloading, but seldom get one. I haven't even laid eyes on elk during the rifle season. This last year we came on sign strong enough to let us know we were only a few hours behind them, but still never saw one.

The more time you spend out there trying, the better skills you'll develop to confidently move in to other areas until you find some.