My buddy and I drew out for our first elk hunt in south central Colorado. Our first choice was muzzle loader and our second choice was first rifle. We ended up getting the the first rifle draw, season runs from Oct 13-17.

My question: What is the hunting/weather like this time of year? I know it varies from year to year, but what can we expect? Our plan is to hike in several miles from the closest public campsite and try to get away from most of the hunters. Our thoughts are to set up camp high and work from there, I just hope we don't get snowed in and can't make it out.

If anyone has hunted the first rifle season in Colorado, what is the hunting population like? It is draw, but I don't know how many tags they normally give out for the 1st rifle.

Thanks for your time,
Trent