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Dream Hunt Come True

CurtisWalker

CurtisWalker

Well-Known Member
Well it's finally going to happen this September. Since before I began bowhunting I had always wanted to bowhunt elk and I'm finally making it happen. I'm going to Colorado, with an OTC tag. I'm not after a giant but more for the experience. Glad I got the phone call from a friend asking if I'd go....Any tips would be greatly appreciated...I know I need to get in the best shape and do a bunch of cardio.
 
Get in shape! When you think your in shape get in better shape! You'll get out of it what you put into it.
Are you packing in or hunting from a base camp?

Have fun it's a blast!
 
I went to Colorado during my senior in high school Missed a 5x5 and a cow. Still kick myself over that one. It was an unforgettable experience. Just soak it all in man. Just being out in the mountains was worth it to me.

What I learned is you dont have to hide as well as you think you do. I was so tucked up into this little pine when this 5x5 came in when I drew back a pine bough went between my string and bow and I didnt realize it until after I shot. If I would have been smart, I would of just stood behind the small pine.

When I went to idaho elk hunting I brought a long a turkey hunting vest. That seemed to work better than a pack as everything was handy and I had a nice pouch in the back to keep extra clothes etc.
 
congrats- Definitely a dream hunt for me as well. I am seriously looking into a DIY hunt in Idaho, Wyoming or CO next year for elk as well. Good luck and keep us posted!
 
Practice longer range shots, get proficient out to 50 yds+, and before everyone jumps on me about shooting unethical distances, you have to realize that the size of your kill zone is vastly increased. Spend the summer shooting and getting in shape & good luck!
 
Get into shape, be able to shoot, and don't force anything! Don't make your move until all is right!

Best advice I can give after going a few times and not connecting.
 
The best tip I got was to figure out how many days you could go, then find the last day of bow season and count back from there. The rut will intensify the closer to October you go. Last year we got there on September 18th and bugling was best in the final days. Get as close as you can (within 100-150 yards if possible) and have your caller at least 75 yards back, preferably 100. We messed up a few times by being too close to the caller. The bulls would respond and hang up wanting to see the elk that they just heard. Keep a diamphram call in your mouth. I absolutely hate it but when a bull spooks in close range a few mews or a short bugle will likely stop him. Be at full draw when that happens.

Get in shape, dress in layers, get in shape, stay hydrated, and get in shape. Practice at long range (I shot 70 yards daily) will make 50 yard shots seem easy. Oh, and get in shape!:D

Good luck!
 
Congratulations that will definitely be a dream come true even if you don't get to harvest one the scenery alone will be worth it
 
I'm told a bugling elk in your face is a pretty exciting hunting opportunity. I went out west in 2012 for antelope with a rifle, so totally different type of hunting.

I will say:

1) Get a good GPS unit and hunt area chip. The game warden won't care if you don't know where you are, ignorance is not an excuse for trespassing.
2) Study the maps and terrain ahead of time
3) Go to your unit and scout (if possible/allowed) this will greatly increase your chances
4) Make sure all your gear is squared away before you go.

Note: Having the GPS unit was invaluable on my hunt. 2 of the 3 antelope our group shot would have never been known to be on public land had we not had the GPS unit. I won't hunt a western state without it. They don't post their public lands as well as we do in IA.
 
mplane72 said:
Get in shape! When you think your in shape get in better shape! You'll get out of it what you put into it.
Are you packing in or hunting from a base camp?

Have fun it's a blast!
Click to expand...

I believe we will be packing in.


F3AR said:
What part of Colorado are you going to hunt? I was out in Craig Colorado in 2012.
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Not sure yet. The guy has been talking to the wardens and biologists a lot so I'm sure he has an idea in mind.



Thanks for all the advice everyone. I believe it will be worth it even if I come home empty handed after the week. One thing to cross off my bucket list.
 
It will be something you will remember forever, no doubt. Also would like to add to bring good binocs and range finder. Don't skimp on your glass. Also would be good to have a good pack to be able to get your meat out.
 
Dont forget to take a lot of pictures. When I went I rarely stopped and took photos. I regret it. You get so into the hunt it is easy to forget.
 
Altiman94 said:
It will be something you will remember forever, no doubt. Also would like to add to bring good binocs and range finder. Don't skimp on your glass. Also would be good to have a good pack to be able to get your meat out.
Click to expand...

I have a pack that I really like now and am going to use it. very comfortable even with a lot of weight in it.


Liv4Rut said:
Dont forget to take a lot of pictures. When I went I rarely stopped and took photos. I regret it. You get so into the hunt it is easy to forget.
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I'm hoping to bring a good camera and to take a lot of pics to share with everyone.

Started going to league archery tonight so I can begin prepping and getting mentally ready for shots. It was my first time in a range with other people and first time shooting paper. Didn't have enough arrows so I shot my buddies and I shot a 205 out of 300 on a 300 round. They told me it was awesome for my first time so hoping to keep that up for as long as it's cold out.
 
Make sure you have a good pair of hiking boots that are broke in before hand as well. I haven't hunted there but my brother and I packed in all our gear and spent a couple days hiking and camping out by Pagosa Springs right out of college. I wore a thin soled military boot and after a couple days the soles were worn smooth from all the jagged rocks out there leaving me with hardly any traction.

I'd make sure you have a nice topo map and compass as well, when we were there our GPS didn't always work because of all the mountains. I'm pretty sure GPS triangulates your position so it needs multiple satellites which isn't always possible.

Have fun dude! Super jealous!
 
Once you find out where you are going here is something to help with desk scouting and trip planning. Gmap4 (I am the developer) is an enhanced Google map viewer that can display high resolution topo maps. Here is a link that starts Gmap4 and is zoomed in on a random spot in Colorado:

http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=40.009060,-105.669809&z=15&t=t4

These hi-res topos cover most of the USA.

Gmap4 default map: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php

Gmap4 homepage: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy
 
I'm headed out there this fall too... looking to be a great time! Like everyone has said get into shape and it will make it that much better
 
In my opinion packing in makes gear selection a little more critical. If you don't already have the gear it can add up quick. If you already have a pack you like that's good. Hopefully you can pack in with it and then compress it down for use as a day pack to hunt out of. As far as other gear I would say some things are more important then others when it comes to spending money and getting ready for your first trip. Of course if money is not an issue you can go crazy. For example binoculars or spotting scope. This is your first hunt. Are you going to pass any legal animal? I would not suggest it. If your glass is good enough to see that those are elk on the other side of the drainage does it matter if that's a 5x5 or a 6x6?

Besides your bow and hunting gear I think the three most important things to consider are
1. Boots. Think hiking, not hunting. Water proof and broken in.
2. Clothes. Since your packing in you don't get alot. No cotton. Layers to keep you comfortable from freezing to 80 degrees.
3. Rain Gear. The best you can afford that will hold up to the hunt but is still packable. Obviously you want it quiet. I like something that can work as my outer layer when it's cold and windy.

You can also learn alot from the western forum of Archery Talk.
I also like.
http://www.rokslide.com/
http://www.elknutforums.com/Hunting/

And if you watch this site you can find some really good deals. http://www.camofire.com/

To this I will add always be ready. Stop for a break keep your bow handy. Your opportunities are few and far between. Be ready to make the most of them. You have to like to hunt as much as you like to kill.

Oh yeah. Get a good head lamp and like hiking in the dark!
ANd know your GPS
and I could go on and on......
 
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