I did say above that you will want to be at the right altitude for hunting the first rifle season in Colorado. Typically this is close to treeline. You might want to discuss with your outfitter at what altitude he is going to place you. Not to dump on outfitters, I suppose an unprincipled outfitter might put you at a lower altitude because it would be easy to get you out -- not so far up the trail from base which would likely be at low altitude, and also less subject to a heavy early season snowfall -- and because it would reduce the chance you would be competing with his high dollar fully outfitted/guided clients. Just check on the altitude issue and confirm this is suitable for hunting first season.

Additionally, you will want to identify what your hunting expectations are and find some way to validate your hunting expectations. If you expect to get an 8 point that scores in the upper 99.9% of heads, this expectation would not agree with hunting in an unlimited, easy access unit. Additionally, when you have articulated your expectation, you need to try to determine what your odds are. If your odds are 20%, this may mean you would have to hunt five seasons to bag your animal. If you are OK with this scenario, good. If this is not the case, you might want to reevaluate your goals. If you have hunted 3 days of the 5 day season and not seen anything, would you change your objective to a cow elk? Play all of these scenarios out in advance in your head to avoid disappointment post season. If you take a minimum legal bull opening day and see a 7x7 saunter through camp on the fourth day, again you want to be able to feel like you considered all scenarios and made a rational, deliberate decision to do what you did.

In my case I'm just after a quality hunt that results in elk meat going home with me. I'm not a trophy hunter. My first elk was a legal 3x4 which was probably 2 1/2 years old. The meat has been excellent eating. I'm pretty tempted to plan on taking a cow this fall. I would leave bulls for those who only want a bull. Chances are that a cow will be better eating meat than a bull. Having said that, if I see a lone bull that doesn't look too mature (and hence tough) but legal with no cows around him before I see a cow, I'm liable to take that young bull.

Just think through your goals and your odds carefully.