New Hunter Here! Advice Needed.

[WrongHanded]

My wife and I just got our Hunter Safety Cards, and now it's going to get interesting.

We started pursuing the idea after my wife tried Elk from the super market. Now we want to get our own. Although she is unlikely to get a tag for herself and actually shoot, she's very interested in the idea of getting out and scouting, spotting, stalking, and harvesting. We're still in the planning stages of course, and have a few places to go reconnoiter as potential hunting grounds.

I have some work to do with my rifle. A Tikka T3x stainless lite in .30-06. I need to find a good load for it, but I'm not interested in working up my own just yet (mostly due to the time involved). So I'm out for suggestions for commercially available, hopefully fairly common, and we'll proven load so I can get to practicing. I'd love to handgun hunt with one of my big bore revolvers, but for my first time out, I'm going to have a lot to think about, and owe the animal the cleanest kill possible. So I figure a scoped rifle at moderate to short distance, after a bunch of practice in various field positions, is the way to go.

We've got binoculars, and I have a range finder or two around. Maps, camping gear, lots of outdoor clothes, and good solid boots. We still need to pick up the required surface area of blaze orange, and I heard something about bags for packing out the meat (other than backpacks, which we also have). Basically, we already hike and camp a lot, so we have all that gear.

Then we've got to deal with the whole licensing thing and make sure we thoroughly read the Big Game brochure. But we're both pretty excited about the idea of a new outdoors activity. I'm not particularly hopefully we'll be successful the first time out, but that doesn't matter to either of us too much because hopefully it'll still be a good learning experience.

Any advice you guys have for Elk hunting in Colorado would be appreciated. I have a couple co-workers I can ask, but I know there's a lot of wisdom on THR.

 

[readyeddy]

There's a sticky on this forum entitled Basic gear for high country cold weather elk hunting.

I haven't hunted elk yet, but it sounds like a good place to start getting information. Good luck to you and your wife.

 

[redneck]

I don't know anything about Colorado hunting (other than I'd like to try it) but my advice is to figure out what else you can hunt besides elk and give it a go. Small game, or even deer would be a lot less daunting to begin with.

I process my own deer (whitetail over here) and while very enjoyable, it's a lot of work. I can get the deer home whole if necessary and could take it to any number of places to get it processed. With an elk you're going to have to do a certain amount of butchering just to get it packed out, and figuring out the easiest way to maneuver it, which joints you can separate etc. would all be a lot easier to learn on something smaller.

I would still put in for elk as soon as you can, but I'd hunt anything else I could to get used to the process and get some experience. Even just hunting squirrel can teach you a lot about finding game and getting close enough for a shot.

 

[WrongHanded]

I process my own deer (whitetail over here) and while very enjoyable, it's a lot of work. I can get the deer home whole if necessary and could take it to any number of places to get it processed. With an elk you're going to have to do a certain amount of butchering just to get it packed out, and figuring out the easiest way to maneuver it, which joints you can separate etc. would all be a lot easier to learn on something smaller.

I should perhaps have mentioned that we both have plenty of experience gutting, quartering, and otherwise cutting up large herbivores. We both worked at a captive wolf refuge for spell. Horse and cow (usually bloated and unpleasant) were regularly on the wolves' menu. So butchering isn't a big concern. It might actually end up being my wife's favorite part.

But I know what you're saying about hunting something else first. I think in Colorado, I might have to get a Small Game license to even apply for a Big Game license (that's a new thing, or so I heard). So I'm going see about some squirrel.

 

[Grumulkin]

I have some work to do with my rifle. A Tikka T3x stainless lite in .30-06. I need to find a good load for it, but I'm not interested in working up my own just yet (mostly due to the time involved). So I'm out for suggestions for commercially available, hopefully fairly common, and we'll proven load so I can get to practicing. I'd love to handgun hunt with one of my big bore revolvers, but for my first time out, I'm going to have a lot to think about, and owe the animal the cleanest kill possible. So I figure a scoped rifle at moderate to short distance, after a bunch of practice in various field positions, is the way to go.

1. For ammunition, I'd go for 180 grain bullets. I'd probably try Remington first since I like their bullets and I've found them to give excellent accuracy. If accuracy is satisfactory with those, I'd stop there; if not, I'd try Winchester, etc.

2. Sorry, but I think "practice in various field positions" is overrated. Most of my practice has been bench rest shooting and, having taken a BUNCH of big game animals in the U.S.A. and Africa with rifle and handgun and I don't think that ever handicaped me. In hunting situations, unless very close I try never to shoot off hand with a rifle since I'm not that good at it. Prone is a very steady position; pretty close to bench rest shooting. If prone doesn't work, you can usually use the hood of a vehicle or a tree to steady your gun. One item I use and highly recommend are shooting sticks; I like the shorter ones that I use from a sitting position.

 

[rodwha]

180 grn or more as said above. Standard bullets have worked for decades, and unless you intend to shoot really far boattails aren’t really necessary. It does look good though (ballistics). Low power setting on the scope and shooting to 250 yds should be pretty easy assuming it likes the chosen ammo.

Will your wife also be toting a rifle? No mention of another rifle/cartridge or desiring one.

I liked the idea of hunting smaller game as well.

 

[sage5907]

When you walk upon a dead bull elk for the first time the size of the animal it is almost overwhelming. When it happened to me I swore right then that I wouldn't shoot anything I couldn't drag. I still hunt elk on occasion but deer hunting is my passion. You need to plan ahead on what you will do when the animal is down. It's really important to have a good strong friend who can help and to be able to get near the animal with some sort of transportation.

 

[WrongHanded]

180 grn or more as said above. Standard bullets have worked for decades, and unless you intend to shoot really far boattails aren’t really necessary. It does look good though (ballistics). Low power setting on the scope and shooting to 250 yds should be pretty easy assuming it likes the chosen ammo.

Will your wife also be toting a rifle? No mention of another rifle/cartridge or desiring one.

I liked the idea of hunting smaller game as well.

The scope I have on it right now is a 2-7X 32mm Nikon Prostaff. It's mounted in a good spot for me. I figured I'd keep it dialed down to 2X unless I end up with the range and the time to turn it up. I was thinking a 200yd zero would work okay with a 180gr. Looks like the Remington Cor-Lokt PSP drops just about 3" at 250 from that zero. And 250 seems like a good limit for myself right now.

My wife won't be carrying a rifle. That's a can of worms she and I have yet to open.

 

[spazzy]

Although elk is delicious, I also think starting with small game is a great idea. At least for me small game built fundamentals for big game. Slow stalking squirrels and rabbits, quick reactions and shoot/dont shoot for grouse and pheasents exploding at your feet. At least in my neck of the woods small game lends more opportunities to be successful. I saw 3 deer and got no shots all deer season. I saw/got shots at pheasants and squirrel every day afield.

 

[George P]

You might want to make friends with folks who have horses for packing out the large amount of meat. Be prepared for a wide temp and weather swing. I lived in CO on the Western Slope, but it was way back in the 80s and the regs were a LOT different.

 

[Art Eatman]

Learn elk behavior with season/temperature/weather changes. Spend all the time you can in "elk country", preferably that area where you plan or hope to hunt.

Another vote for whatever brand of 180-grain bullet that groups decently in your '06; sub-2-MOA or so.

 

[MCgunner]

My wife and I just got our Hunter Safety Cards, and now it's going to get interesting.

We started pursuing the idea after my wife tried Elk from the super market. Now we want to get our own. Although she is unlikely to get a tag for herself and actually shoot, she's very interested in the idea of getting out and scouting, spotting, stalking, and harvesting. We're still in the planning stages of course, and have a few places to go reconnoiter as potential hunting grounds.

I have some work to do with my rifle. A Tikka T3x stainless lite in .30-06. I need to find a good load for it, but I'm not interested in working up my own just yet (mostly due to the time involved). So I'm out for suggestions for commercially available, hopefully fairly common, and we'll proven load so I can get to practicing. I'd love to handgun hunt with one of my big bore revolvers, but for my first time out, I'm going to have a lot to think about, and owe the animal the cleanest kill possible. So I figure a scoped rifle at moderate to short distance, after a bunch of practice in various field positions, is the way to go.

We've got binoculars, and I have a range finder or two around. Maps, camping gear, lots of outdoor clothes, and good solid boots. We still need to pick up the required surface area of blaze orange, and I heard something about bags for packing out the meat (other than backpacks, which we also have). Basically, we already hike and camp a lot, so we have all that gear.

Then we've got to deal with the whole licensing thing and make sure we thoroughly read the Big Game brochure. But we're both pretty excited about the idea of a new outdoors activity. I'm not particularly hopefully we'll be successful the first time out, but that doesn't matter to either of us too much because hopefully it'll still be a good learning experience.

Any advice you guys have for Elk hunting in Colorado would be appreciated. I have a couple co-workers I can ask, but I know there's a lot of wisdom on THR.

Might sound trite, but if you don't have pack animals, make sure you have a downhill hike out with the meat from that elk.

 

[MCgunner]

You should really consider an outfitter if you can all afford it. Elk is not something I'd wanna pack out in rough country, which is usually where you'll find 'em. An outfitter can guide you and greatly increase your chances of success, too. All in all, you'll probably find it a better experience. Heck, I really ain't sure, but you might HAVE to get an outfitter just to get an elk tag in Colorado, especially if you're out of state.

 

[George P]

Might be better starting with a mulie; little easier to pack out.

 

[Doc7]

You should be able to get a non resident elk tag there.

Good luck to you! There’s a ton of advice here and a lot will help.

However, as Steven Rinella of meateater often says , don’t let a lack of current knowledge or equipment stop you from going.

You may or may not be confident in being able to camp in the mountains and pack out an elk right now. However nothing is stopping you from an over the counter elk tag and hunting right from your truck leaving on foot at a trailhead and staying at a motel 6. You’ll still have an awesome time and a good chance if you work at it. Don’t put it off.

I am getting ready to make my first trip west for antelope.

 

[foxmeadow]

A good idea might be to marry your daughter, if you have one, to a large strong young man that loves the outdoors. Worked for me.
I had to counsel her off a few metro boys, and she thanked me for it.

 

[WrongHanded]

I'm actually a Colorado resident, and the GMU I'm looking at seems to be easy to draw tags.

I would love to hunt high and pack out down hill. If we can find a promising spot to do that, we'll take it! But the wife and I are in our 30s and in pretty good shape (better when we were rock climbing regularly). I think with walking poles, some smart route finding, and a few trips, we should be able to pack out the meat okay.

A pack mule would be better though. Maybe one day.

 

[LRDGCO]

For elk in CO, here, at the eponymous Elk Mountain, and North up through the Troublesome Creek Basin.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0120093,-105.0847994,14z?authuser=0&hl=en

For reliable factory ammo, hard to beat the Federal Fusion, 180 grs. Lent my BIL a 30-06 last Fall. His ability to point the correct end in the right direction is in dispute, yet a few miles north of Elk Mountain, he scored at 130 yards.

My honest and sincere advice for your first elk hunt is get an outfitter. Car camp and hike aren't going to get your first elk. You need to get deep into national wilderness. That means horses or mules, a wall tent, and stove. Do your first hunt with a guide and let him sweat all the gear. After the first elk, you can decide what you want to invest in etc. Just enjoy the hunt first time out.

 

[rodwha]

I'm actually a Colorado resident, and the GMU I'm looking at seems to be easy to draw tags.

I would love to hunt high and pack out down hill. If we can find a promising spot to do that, we'll take it! But the wife and I are in our 30s and in pretty good shape (better when we were rock climbing regularly). I think with walking poles, some smart route finding, and a few trips, we should be able to pack out the meat okay.

A pack mule would be better though. Maybe one day.

That’s easily several hundred pounds of meat (and I’m fairly sure the head must accompany the parts). I’m not but 5’8” and 165 lbs and have carried in the low 50 lb range when backpacking carrying our daughter’s stuff as well, and that is tolerable for a few miles. Not so sure I’d want/could add that kind of additional weight. Guess it depends on the gear you’d have to pack and the distance.

Daughter is reaching 10 years and we finally upgraded her to a 40L pack! Not a huge win as that means I’ll be taking on some of SWMBO’s stuff or (and a win) packing water. One good thing about your child(ren) getting bigger.

I take it that your wife isn’t interested in doing any of the shooting? Mine doesn’t want to do any shooting, though I’ve had her try a few times, but she certainly won’t do any shooting.

 

[rodwha]

For elk in CO, here, at the eponymous Elk Mountain, and North up through the Troublesome Creek Basin.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0120093,-105.0847994,14z?authuser=0&hl=en

For reliable factory ammo, hard to beat the Federal Fusion, 180 grs. Lent my BIL a 30-06 last Fall. His ability to point the correct end in the right direction is in dispute, yet a few miles north of Elk Mountain, he scored at 130 yards.

My honest and sincere advice for your first elk hunt is get an outfitter. Car camp and hike aren't going to get your first elk. You need to get deep into national wilderness. That means horses or mules, a wall tent, and stove. Do your first hunt with a guide and let him sweat all the gear. After the first elk, you can decide what you want to invest in etc. Just enjoy the hunt first time out.

I dunno. There are serious backpackers that have the right gear (which also means as light as you can get it) that can deal with backpacking in deep and tolerate the cold temps.

We use a good 3 season tent and proper sleeping bags and do slightly under freezing temps with no issues carrying all that gear. My thoughts are more upon them being able to pack at one time all of that meat (assuming the camp can easily be packed on its own after reaching the vehicle with the prize). And we aren’t in top condition and do several miles usually with ~40 lbs myself and a few pounds less for SWMBO, and our daughter right around 14 lbs.

But your point about not being in good hunting country from a car camping spot may well be true.

 

[Doc7]

Getting deep into national wilderness and not being able to car camp and hike for an elk in Colorado isn’t my understanding of any research I’ve done on this issue. The vast majority of hunters are not riding horses miles deep into wilderness to achieve an elk.

Not saying it’s easy or likely but waiting years to save up for a major outfitter is not a requirement as stated above.

However, I haven’t done it, so I’ll shut up now.

 

[George P]

I dunno. There are serious backpackers that have the right gear (which also means as light as you can get it) that can deal with backpacking in deep and tolerate the cold temps.

We use a good 3 season tent and proper sleeping bags and do slightly under freezing temps with no issues carrying all that gear. My thoughts are more upon them being able to pack at one time all of that meat (assuming the camp can easily be packed on its own after reaching the vehicle with the prize). And we aren’t in top condition and do several miles usually with ~40 lbs myself and a few pounds less for SWMBO, and our daughter right around 14 lbs.

But your point about not being in good hunting country from a car camping spot may well be true.

3 season doesn't do much when you wake up to 3' of fresh snow that fell overnight while you were sleeping in that tent. BTDT don't want to do that again.

 

[IdaD]

Any decent 180 grain bullet out of a 30-06 would be great on elk. For a basic bullet I would second the recommendation of Federal Fusions.

I do this on all big game, but on an elk in particular I would advise learning how learn to break them down with the gutless field dress method. Unless you happen to have one roll down a hill and stop on a road you'll also want to bone out the meat to make your load out lighter. Be sure to check your state's rules on what you're required to pack out and what you can leave in the woods.

I haven't ever hunted in Colorado but a lot of the landscapes are similar to Idaho and Eastern Oregon where I have hunted a lot. Binoculars are critical for glassing, and a rangefinder is very handy if you're comfortable taking longer shots. I wouldn't advise trying to reach out too far with a 30-06 but within its wheelhouse the caliber is about ideal for elk.

 

[rodwha]

3 season doesn't do much when you wake up to 3' of fresh snow that fell overnight while you were sleeping in that tent. BTDT don't want to do that again.

No doubt. And I wouldn’t use our 3 season tent for that. They make 4 season light weight tents that don’t weigh too much more than our tent (4.5 lbs) as we’ve looked at them. Winter camping has been ok (down here in TX) unless it’s windy too.

I’m not sure if I’d think it cool to have to dig my way out of my tent or not. It’s been a very long time since I’ve dealt with snow like that (lived just outside of Colorado Springs). Loved the 3 day blizzard during my birthday as a kid. Not being so young now it might well not be so cool!

 

[Captcurt]

Get in shape. I have a friend who goes elk hunting every year. Usually hunts Colorado, but went to New Mexico last year. He took a nice 6X6 with a bow. He walks 3 to 4 miles a day, starts running bleachers at the local football field about 2 months before the hunt. He will start by running 25 and increase it every day until he is running 100. The man is 65 years old. He will camp for 2 weeks and will have mules with him. Has it down to a science.