Guys, I'm planning a trip to Colorado for my first elk hunt. I have the option of any week of the season, but want the best chance, of course. I can go Aug 30 - Sep 5th with very limited pressure where the elk haven't been hunted in 9 months, Sept 6 -12 with limited number of hunters, Sept 13-18 with 12 other hunters and opening muzzleloader, or the last week of september, full rut and after three weeks of hunters.

Here is what I'm thinking. I really like the second week, which is close enough to the rut with very limited pressure for the land we will have access to. I've never hunted elk, but always liked my pre-rut chances with whitetails, so I think lack of pressure and building hormones would increase my odds of pulling one in looking for an early cow.

Anyhow, just wanted to gather some thoughts and see if anyone has any other advice. Thanks.

Kelly

guided private land? or DIY public? wondering how you know about 12 other guys etc....

archery? ML? rifle?

if archery the peak of the rut IMO can be tough because they're with cows and hard to get away as opposed to before the rut....

Guided private land, 30,000 acres. We are bow hunting and the other large group are mostly local guys that I know are going the third week. I booked the second week, which is just before the mzl week, so I like my chances. First trip for elk, so I'm pretty excited.