I live in CO and have bow hunted elk for the last 8 years. Your first step should be going to the Colorado Division of Wildlife webpage. There you will find the harvest results for 2005. Narrow it down to a few units that you would like to hunt in. Then contact the DOW office in that unit and ask to speak with an officer. They are usually more than willing to help you out. Ask a lot of questions. As far as when to hunt, the third week of the season is muzzle loader season. Once the elk hear a shot, you will not hear another bugle for a week and about 3 days. So, that being said. If you have the flexebility, I would hunt the first week of the season and the last week. The elks sort of let their guard down the first week since they have not been pressured in awhile. You can catch them by positioning yourself inbetween where they water and where they bed. The last 4 days of the season is crazy. The bullsgo crazy for hot sounding cow call. For some reason beginners think they have to hunt up at tree line. I have found most of the elk around 8-9,000 ft at this time of the year. Not to say ther are not any up high, but why work so hard if you dont have to. Unless you just want the experience. The archery season is not as congested as the rifle season but you can expect to run into 2 or so groups depending upon how far back you are. Ifyou do goway back, make sure you have cell phone coverage and can call a packer to the elk out. It can be very hot and themeat will not last long in the trees. Sorry probably too much info, let me know if you have anyspecific questions and If I can helpI will. Good luck.