Elk Rut in Colorado

MtnMike2 · #1 09-27-2007, 02:33 PM

Can anybody out there tell me when the elk rut occurs or occurred this year in NW Colorado? I know it's usually during bow season and sometimes lines up w/ muzzle loader, but I was wondering if it might be late this year since it's been kinda mild.

Thanks,
Mike

grayghost · #2 10-04-2007, 06:36 PM

The last time I hunted CO, it was 2nd rifle (Oct 21st) and the bulls were still screaming. Lasted two days until the gunfire and hunters shut them up. Took a 5x6 on the 22nd. grayghost

petey · #3 10-10-2007, 08:11 AM

Bulls will start bugling around 1st week of archery (about 1st of Sept) depending on if it's still 80 degrees or not and they should still be bugling for at least another 10 more days from today. First rifle season they are still pretty hot, but as grayghost said...they tend to shut up in a hurry after even the 1st season. All depends on pressure and weather.

I'd say prime time is the last couple weeks of Sept - first couple weeks of Oct.

I've called big bulls in as early as Labor Day weekend in the Route National Forest North of Craig (probably where you're talking about?)

MtnMike2 · #4 10-10-2007, 11:00 AM

Thanks for the replies. The elk were bugling and I believe in rut a few years ago during muzzle loader which matches up to your description. I was able to kill a nice young elk which was really good meat.

I leave tomorrow for a first rifle season hunt. I'll be hunting public land in Routt NF. I am more than ready. But my biggest worry is other hunters. It's bound to be a popular spot so our strategy is to backpack in a ways off the road.

petey · #5 10-10-2007, 07:52 PM

I know the area well. In fact have hunted it quite a bit and you're right. Get in deep as you can, even spike camp if you can.

I know of a couple hot spots that are BLM land locked by private land and are access by way of only foot or horse back through an easement. The closest spot is a 5-7 mile hike as the crow flies(depending on what side of the mountain you want to hike). It'll take you a few hrs to hike it, but it's worth the walk. You cross three sets of fence's if I recall and it's pretty much a horse path in. Step off the path and you're tresspassing on private land. IF you down an elk you can rent horses to pack it out from someone local, or plan on 2 days to pack out on your back. If you're not seeing much, by the first couple days, I'd suggest you try this spot. It's right on the WY border just South of Baggs, WY. You won't see ANYone in there..unless they have a horse. If you have topos, look for Long Mt., Just SE of Baggs.

I've also hunted Mt.Oliphant, Between Craig and Baggs in the RNF and several other mountains, but most are easy access by vehicle. These you'll probably see plenty of hunters, close to roads of course. Wish you posted earlier. I have plenty of hot spots I could share of that whole area and have digital topos I would have shared. Good luck in your hunt! I would expect you to hear bulls bugling. I killed a nice 6x5 in 2004 in the 1st season down in Siverthorne, CO. Herd bull with 20 cows and called him into bow range. Nice when you have a gun in your hand, but I wish I had my bow at that moment! Hopefully you'll read this before you leave so you have another spot to try if you run into a lot of hunters

MtnMike2 · #6 10-11-2007, 01:22 PM

Thanks Petey. So noted. Leaving this afternoon. I'll try to post a short report when I get back.

grayghost · #7 10-12-2007, 11:25 PM

Good hunting, let's us know how you did. grayghost