If your goin the second rifle season with your bow you are pretty much SOL. Your chances of getting within bow range is about none. Take the rifle if your going in oct. I've been to Colorado elk hunting the past 7 years and am going first week bow this year as well. First couple years I went rifle and killed a nice 6x6 on public land (1st season draw)but since then its been all bow for me and will always go bow. I guess if I were to sugest your best chances of killing anythgin or just having a good time go in sept. Alot more elk and they are very huntable with alot less pressure. WCL