Colorado hunting pressure
 

Im looking at putting in for 1st season rifle for gmu 6 16 17 161 171 and was wondering if that is the right thing to do I have 2 pref. points and have never hunted the area but my brother bow hunted it one time years ago. The reason I'm leaning toward 1st season is if Colorado is anything like where I deer hunt in Wisconsin once the first shots are fired u don't have much time till the deer diss appear. I'm wondering if it is the same with elk hunting or maybe someone can steer me in a better direction. I was originally going to muzzloader hunt but I'm unable to get away in mid September ever so that is no longer an option

I don't know how many pp's those units take to draw, but if you get your tag, for those areas or any other, the elk won't just dissappear from the earth. They certainly will move from hunting pressure, but if you're in an area with quite a lot of hunting pressure, you may move elk to another part of the unit, but other hunters may move elk into your area. It's just a matter of being where the elk are, or where they are going to be eventually, and be there at the same time. My family hunts the first rifle season and they have killed several of thier bulls on opening morning because the elk will still be bugling some. SO, get out early, listen for bugles, get there by shooting light and be done. BUT if you don't kill on opening day, don't think that it's all over with. Elk move around during rifle season, mostly due to pressure. SO stay out all day, and there's a good chance you'll have a shot opportunity come along.