A cow hunt

[crash314]

My father is hunting elk in SW Colorado in early Oct. He received a permit/license for a cow elk. He is a novice elk hunter, but a very experienced overall hunter. I have purchased books and videos about elk hunting for him to study however none of them identify tactics for a successful cow elk hunt. I would greatly appreciate any info (general or specific) about this subject.

Thanks!
Crash314

[glob3006]

Well, Crash314
Alot of what you read and what you see in video's directly applies to hunting cows. Remember they are the eyes and ears for the bulls if they are gathered together. The good news is that there are generally more cow's to hunt than there are bull's. A couple of things to key on, are that I usually see cows in pairs or more.So if you see one cow chances are that there will be more....Keep your eyes and ears open!!! Also NO MATTER what time of year you hunt USE YOUR COW CALLS to locate and to disguise your movment!!!!
Look in the usual places like open meadows and water ( small seeps,ponds, lakes and streams) early is good but I seem to find cows at watering spots more often late in the day (just b-4 dusk)
Bill

[crash314]

Thanks glob3006. I will make sure to pass it along to my dad. I know that he is hunting in early Oct. between Gunnison and Montrose in SW Colorado. Do you or does anyone else have any specific pointers regarding elk in that area?

Thanks
crash314

[glob3006]

Hey crash,

I will be hunting just south of Gunnison 1st rifle Bull. They are trying to reduce cow populations in some of those units in S.W.Colo. So that is good news for your DAD! This area will be a new one for me this year so I can't give any specifics. Is this a do it yourself hunt, guided or private land hunt? Let me know.....I've got friends in low places Also which unit?
You can shoot me an email if you'd like.

If he is an experienced hunter things will come to him naturally.

[Greenhead Man]

I agree on using your cow call anytime of the year! I had cows, and bulls responding in our late bow season (Mid December)!!! It was really cool. Elk are very vocal.

[BowElkFreak]

I agree.. I always tell people to act like an Elk while hunting Elk. Cow/calf call as you walk around and keep your head up. Stepping on a stick won't spook an Elk if they think you are another Elk, but starting at you while you look at the ground missing sticks will spook em everytime. Cow call, watch, listen and have fun.

[crash314]

Well, those responses are very valuable and I do appreciate it. I am getting together with him later today and I can discuss the specifics to see about any other questions that he may have. Currently, I know he is going to use my Browning 7mm. Any suggestions about the grain bullet; maybe 165?? How aout scents; are they valuable? Thanks everyone.

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[BowElkFreak]

Crash - 7mm is an awesome Elk gun and my personal choice (or the 7mm Ultra Mag). The ballistics are awesome and they pack plenty of punch for Elk. I would say shoot a 160 gr Nosler Partition or 162 Hornady SST. Both are awesome bullets. Noslers can run a little more. Do you hand load? I have a very good, 20+ year proven load for at 160 gr boat tail, etc. Send me an IM or email at connelly@gisconnection.com if you want more info.

[rather_be_huntin]

In my 7mm Rem Mag I like the 160 gr partitions but it just depends and what your rifle likes. Maybe try some Trophy Bonded bear claws or Barnes X or any other premium bullet. I'd say just keep the grains above 160 and you should be fine. Heck with cows I use a 150 gr partition handload and it works just fine for me.