Pick 2nd week or 4th week CO elk?

[mesquite]

I'm booked for the 2nd week in Southern CO with Winterhawk outfitters.  A friend wants to come along now, but the outfitter has filled all the spots for the 2nd week, however he has spots available for the 4th week.  There is a full moon on the 3rd week.  In your experience which week would you take?  The outfitter claims that they hunt remote areas and the elk won't be too pressured on the 4th week.  I'm also concerned with bad weather during that last week (snow)!  What y'll think?

[Orion]

I've always liked the last week best.  Lots of folks are gone by then, and it usually coincides with the near peak of the rut.  Third week overlaps with muzzleloader season.  They're a little less spooky during the first two weeks, but hunting pressure is pretty high then and they smarten up quickly.  Never paid much attention to the weather.  Can be just as bad/good the first week as the last.  Snow during the last week tends to stay around a little longer.

[skilonbw]

Being that they are up in the Flattops which still have a lot of snow on them right now. You could probably expect snow any week you are visiting. Last week the snow might last longer. I went to the oufitters website and he says the horsepack in so you should only see some moderate pressure from other horse outfitters not others walking in. I think either one will give you a good chance at an elk.
I have found for me that 4th week is usually empty except for others who have not tagged. However they are pretty smart then and typically only bugle at night.

[mesquite]

I meant to say Northern Colorado.

[Over&Under]

I am going to agree with 4th week as well for the reasons stated above.  Weather at times can even get the rut going even harder...not so much the weather as the colder temps.

[widow sax]

Another vote for the 4th week. I like the last two weeks the best.  Widow

[e alexander]

I've always liked the 4th week

[Whip]

Even if you had the option of the second week my preference would be the 4th.  Weather can throw you off no matter what, so I would go with the chance of the best rut action.  Gotta love bugling bulls!

[Pete McMiller]

Well, here is my experience.  I've bow hunted Colorado since '93 and over the years we have tried every week.  Found out that if the weather wasn't to their liking the bulls wouldn't bugle any better in the last week than they did the first week.  Personally, I like the 2nd week.  Before the muzzle loaders and after the first week push.  The elk seem to have settled down a bit too.  That being said, if you are in the Flattops (though I've never hunted that area) I would expect that either week is going to be pretty good.  I wouldn't make my decision based on what the weather might or might not do.  The weather in Colorado can change quickly.

[snag]

Two ways to look at it. Early season they have been less pressured by hunters and the bulls have not herded up a lot of cows, which means less eyes to have to get past.
Then there is the all exciting last part of the season. If they rut up big time you'll have fun locating bugling bulls and calling them in if you know what your doing or just spot and stalk.

[last arrow]

I like later in the season if given a choice. If you are in a couple of miles pressure probably will not be an issue. My work schedule usually decides when I go.  Being from Michigan, hunting the early season in Colorado always seams to hot to be hunting. I don't mind having snow on the ground and cool weather.

In the areas I have hunted September temps typically have been lows at night in the 20's or 30's and day highs in 50's  or 60's.  Snow rarely lasts more than a half of a day after it stops falling. There are always exceptions during the course of any season, both ways - very hot or very cold.  I remember one year in the mid 1990's I was out the third week and it was very dry and in the 80's and 90's every day, fun trip but poor hunting. I have also been snowed on the first week of season so plan on cold no matter when you go.

Back when I first started going to Colorado (1985ish) the bow season started in August - it was a good thing because I was in grad school, so I would not have been able to go in September. I remember it being just plain hot then, even at 10,000 feet.

I guess what I am saying is go when you can. The weather will do what it is going to do, it may be good or bad either week - you will not know until you are there.

[cjgregory]

I prefer the early season.  I hunt area 16 in North Park area.  The first two weeks work best for me.

[mesquite]

Great responses!  Thank you!  I've decided to hunt the 4th week and hope for favorable weather!

[wapiti1997]

The 4th week has always had better rut action and more bugling for me, north central CO.  Good luck on your hunt!

[Orion]

Have to tell you about one of my experiences in the Grand Mesa in Colorado quite a few years back.  I hiked in on a day hunt and was hunting about three miles from the road when I came across an outfitter's camp and a wrangler getting it ready for the gun season.  We got to talking, and he told me that they brought their hunters in by horse pack train.  "Three miles," I said.  "That's hardly worth the effort."  "Oh, we don't bring them in three miles from the north.  We bring them in 12 miles from the south.  We keep them with the guides, and they're never the wiser for it."  We both had a good laugh over that one.

[Bails]

4th week , we've always seen lots of Elk and they are quite vocal in the area we go at that time of the season . Good luck , whichever you choose .

[NancyVTAS]

Copicasso and I will be there with Larry[Winterhawk outfitters } the 4th wek also. He has a huge area that he is the only outfitter in. There will be other hunters but no outfitters. GOOD LUCK    maybe we will see you up on the Flattops.  Dick

[mesquite]

Awesome!  I won't be the only trad hunter in camp!  Hopefully one of us can close the deal!