Benellis

Heading to CO for Elk Oct 12-16. Guided trip on private land outside of Rifle some where. My tag states I can hunt units 21,22,30,31,32. My cousin booked the trip and I just mailed a check so I have no idea what we are getting in to. Any recommendations you people familiar with this part of CO can make? My biggest concern is the weather although I know they are in a drought. I have read several threads on this board with great ideas but thought there may be some things I should know specific to this area. How is the Elk hunting in this area?

Thanks for your help.
TM

raceman30

First off welcome to the board Benellis, I am not from that area, but alot further south. We did recieve SNOW today thru most of CO above 9000'. It is very hard to forcast the weather here, you had better pack for cold and hot(tommorrow it could be 90). Good Luck. I'm sure someone will be able to help you with the Elk hunting part.

DreaminBoutElk

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Heading to CO for Elk Oct 12-16. Guided trip on private land outside of Rifle some where. My tag states I can hunt units 21,22,30,31,32. My cousin booked the trip and I just mailed a check so I have no idea what we are getting in to. Any recommendations you people familiar with this part of CO can make? My biggest concern is the weather although I know they are in a drought. I have read several threads on this board with great ideas but thought there may be some things I should know specific to this area. How is the Elk hunting in this area?

Thanks for your help.
I've never hunted that specific area, but I do hunt unit 1 most every year. The Rockies weather is very unpredictable even that early. Be prepared. I've had seasons were we hunted in the snow the whole time and I've also hunted in shorts during that season. As far as the hunt, the guide should get you on the elk, but then it's your job to do the killin'. In unit one the average shot is about two hundred which isn't had if the elk aren't running at warp factor six....Shoot your gun before you go.....alot!!

Good luck!!! Post us some pics of the monster you get!!

TM
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Benellis

Thanks for the replies. I will post some pictures when I get a monster!!!

Regards,
TM

PAbearman

I went to CO last year, first time, unit 71. Like the others said pack for all types of weather. We had snow, rain and 65 deg days and frost at nights.

For some info on your unit, go to the CO DOW website they have a downloadable file on the statistics for each unit, such as number of hunters, and harvest statistics. Might help. I think it is in adobe acrobat reader format.

Always pack some saftey and first aid items for you pack, cause you never know what might happen.

10 POINT TONY

hunted elk near rifle about 15 years ago with an outfitter. did not see any elk at all. not even a cow. got a nice mulie, but no elk. that was 15 years ago and i'm not saying you won't see anything now. a lot could change in 15 years. if you have a reputable outfitter he should be able to put you on some elk. it is supposed to be a good area for elk. but after that experience i never went back. i wish you the best of luck on your hunt. do bring clothes for every condition. you never know. we'll be looking forward to your monster pics.

GOOD LUCK HUNTING! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

greyduck

Just returned from the rifle area on the 12th after a 7 day bowhunt. Saw elk everyday! It was our first trip out there and we had a great time.We didn't kill an elk but gained some experience for our next trip. Look for the dark timber and some aspens and you will find the elk. There is alot of scrub brush around there. The elk seemed to be in the timber patches above that. Good luck!!

Benellis

Thanks for the posts. I will give post a update when I return.

Thanks,
Trent

waj80831

There is some pretty rough terrain in that area. If the weather is warm, the elk will usually be high. Look for grassy areas with water in the area. Hopefully you will get into some snow they love lying in that stuff in the middle of the day in the dark timber and quakeys.

Good Luck!

James