Here's the deal.

I had to change the dates of my first CO elk hunt from the2nd week of "archery" season (Sept)to the 2nd "rifle" season (Oct 18-26). I'm pretty sure it's still okay to bow hunt during that time. I have a ton of questions, but here are a few.

Other than hunting with the orange army and having to wear orange, what should I expect?
Typically, what are the elk doing during that time?
If any, what type of calling should/could work best?
Reassure me that bowhunting IS allowed during rifle season.
Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

Actually, I still have the opportunity to go in Sept. The reason I'm changing is to go on a hunt with an older gentleman that has had a life long dream to go elk hunting and he feels that this might be his last chance to realize that dream, but he doesn't bowhunt. I think it would be great for all of us to be a part of hisdream. There will be 4 of us going if we hunt in October, if I go in Sept, it'will be myself and one buddy. The older man and a different buddy will still go in October.
Either way, I'm going. Just looking for some tips and advice.

Thanks,
Waid

If your goin the second rifle season with your bow you are pretty much SOL. Your chances of getting within bow range is about none. Take the rifle if your going in oct. I've been to Colorado elk hunting the past 7 years and am going first week bow this year as well. First couple years I went rifle and killed a nice 6x6 on public land (1st season draw)but since then its been all bow for me and will always go bow. I guess if I were to sugest your best chances of killing anythgin or just having a good time go in sept. Alot more elk and they are very huntable with alot less pressure. WCL

Yeah second rifle season is pretty rough with a gun much less a bow.By the 2nd season they know they are being hunted. I have hunted and guided all the CO Elk seasons and the second is the toughest.

If you need to hunt with the bow and it is legal it would be a spot and stalk (the hardest to do) or spot a herd and get ahead of it and get in postion where they might be moving through.

It's been a few years since I hunted CO but I did hunt the second rifle season and I would agree with taking your rifle. The second season is tougher than the first and much tougher than early archery.

I'd stay insecond weekno question. Last time I went was the first week of the season and the Bulls were just starting to Bugle. Second week would have been perfect. I believe third week is also Muzzleloader week.

Thanks.

Things are starting to look kinda grim. I was sure hoping for "good news" but I do appreciate the honesty and l look forward to reading what others have to add.

If you want to go at the best time for your Hunt, go in Sept.!!

If you want to experience someone else's dream then go in Oct.

Dan

I hear ya loud & clear!

You'll remember spending time with the old guy on his last hunt a lot longer than thinking of yourself this one time.. besides, if your picture is any indication you've got a lot of hunts left! andone of the main reason's I got back into bowhunting is the challenge.. go challenge yourself!