Elk guys,I need advice!

[kennym]

I've got a chance to go to CO elk huntin. Can go either season opener(Aug 30) or the last week,which would you pick?
 We're goin 5-7 miles in on mules, and my bud has went since '79 so he knows the territory.
 So would after muzzleloader be better or worse,I think its a draw for m/l and being away from the road,might not get terible pressure.
All opinions welcomed!
Thanks,Kenny

[SL]

I always liked the first two weeks. You might want to just stay for the season. I have friends that only go the last 2 weeks. Course I hunted up around craig and meeker area. They hunted durango area.So I was a little farther north.
I think the main thing is to just get up there and enjoy the hunt...let it happen.
Good Luck
SL

[chsnelk03]

If your goin' in that far you most likely won't see another hunter. I've went the first two weeks the last two weeks  and the middle two weeks, I don't think the ML hunters really have an effect. I personally prefer the last two weeks. As long as you are away from trails and roads, you should be fine. Just remember, you want to hunt elk, not hunt FOR elk.

[kctreeman]

Kenny we tried 1st week a few times then 2nd weeks and then 3rd weeks.  we were hunting white river National forest all the time.  What week we went didn't make much difference, niether did the muzzleloaders.  e just never could catch them bugling like inMT   we did get shot oppurtunities a few times by getting in the oak brush.  Not your classic elk hunt but we did get into them there.  Good luck

[Orion]

Rut is just starting to pick up the last week in September.  Last two weeks of September is when I hunt Colorado.  They've already been chased around quite a bit by then, but if you're 7 miles off the road, you'll find them, and they might even bugle.  Have fun.

[Doug S]

I would choose the last.

[coaltroll]

Another vote for the last week, More likely to get in on the rut. That far away from the roads and you will be hard pressed to find any other hunters. Where I am at the muzzle loader do have an effect on them but within a few days after the masses leave they calm down and resume normal activities. Another benefit for the later part of season is cooler temps and more time to let the meat cool and get it out.

[Mohawkbows]

Kenny,

The bulls really light up during the last week of season and muzzeleblasters are seldom too far from the roads. I agree with coaltroll about the last week. Give me a shout if I can help ya out.
Vince

[kennym]

Thanks guys,thats what we were thinkin,later might be better,just wanted opinions of elk hunters!!
Vince,I may try to look ya up if I have time!

[Mohawkbows]

Kenny,
What general area are you headed to? If you guys need a layover place let me know, have extra rooms for inlaws and outlaws, but I am leaving for alaska on the 18th of September.

[Matty]

Yeah If I were U I would pick the last week,  Thats when they are rutting and Bugling!  The Muzzle loaders dont have much of an impact as like everyone said they are mostly Road hunters.. The ones that take it very seriously go way back by horse and are successfull but they are rare and few where I hunt..

[kennym]

Vince,SW of Steamboat Springs. We'll probably come across I 80 and drop down out of WY. Thanks for the invite,but we're leanin towards goin late and the 18th is about the time we'll be drivin out!

Thanks for the input everyone,now for the waiting............

[Whip]

If you are that far in I would go the last week without a doubt.  Nothing better than rutting elk in the mountains!

[bohuntr]

I agree with the last week. Part of the whole experience is hearing those bulls scream their heads off. The last week should give you a better opportunity to get into that sort of situation. Plus, the 1st thing you need to do is find elk, and when they are letting you know where they are it really helps out!!!