dog1,

** Second Rifle Elk Season:
I'd recommend the FIRST elk rifle season here in Colorado. In my area, the elk don't get all that worked up about being hassled by the bow hunters and the muzzleloaders because the state keeps those permits (at least in my area, GMU 4) pretty well limited so the elk are still pretty "easy going" at that point. HOWEVER, after the first rifle season, after "the 3rd Army" (including us) have invaded, taken over their territory, and shot the hell out of them, they get wised up real good. They will be flat out scarce come the second season and there is only a whopping two days between the two seasons for them to cool off a bit --- it don't happen. IMHO, the elk will not become "vulnerable" again after the first rifle elk season until the later snows drive them into migration (typically NOT during the second rifle season).

BTW, you can hunt deer anytime at home. An old saying says, "a hunter of elephants does not stop to shoot birds", if you really want elk, skip the deer and hunt the elk --- faithfully. (There is no deer season in the first rifle elk season.)

** Longer Season:
The first season is 5 days long and especially if your health isn't stellar, then I guarantee that you will have had all the fun you can stand by the end of day #5. I'd recommend you take the extra couple of days you would have spent "hunting" (maybe) in the second season and add them to the front end of the first season and use it for acclimating and scouting and figuring just where you are going to be the opening morning 1 hour BEFORE sunrise --- you have to be able to find your way around in the dark.

**Leftover Tag Draw:
This takes place in Colorado on August 9th. For the most part it is cow tags only -- if you want group success I'd recommend that you focus on cows, especially for a first time do it your self, not 25 years old anymore hunt. IMHO, come the last day of the season, the hunter with a cow (or even a calf) stands taller than the holder of a bull tag but with no bull and tag soup on the menu. (Yes, I am a meat hunter.)

**Pick Easy Terrain:
"Little Switzerland" might be pretty to look at but it will wear you down in a hurry, especially if you are not using horses or a spike camp to get closer to the action. Stay with easy terrain that you know.

Check your PM.

EKM