Hello, I moved to Denver from IL this past summer. I've taken hunter safety and kind of got an idea of the lay of the land, but would like to talk to a local who is willing to help out a fellow hunter. I'm interested in small game, deer, and elk. Just looking of some good spots to go. I'm looking for an area I can go to early in the morning and still make it back to Denver in the evening. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

A one day hunt for deer or elk is actually more "doable" than a day hunt for small game in my opinion.

As a life time resident I figure a range of 100 miles is about the limit for a one dayer. Depends on how much you like to drive and the weather.

Excellent elk hunting can be found inside of 100 miles from the metro area, pretty much the same for deer. For decent small game these days you have to plan to travel a bit more...again just my opinion. I haven't seen really good small game hunting inside of 150 miles in a few years. Just got back from a week long deer/antelope/coyote/pheasant hunt in combination and it was couple hundred miles from the metro area but all in one place and private.

If you can buy a color screen Garmin GPS or already have one, i HIGHLY recommend you spend the $100 on this software. www.huntinggpsmaps.com You will know exactly where you are at while hunting and now worry about drifting off onto private land.

I moved to Colorado Springs last year. I started scouting in April for the Sept muzzleloader season. There is elk and deer in most areas here if you look for them. I hunt on Rampart range south of denver. Seen some decent bulls and bucks but a lot of bears. Just get out and do some hiking and set some trail cams out. You spend the time out you will find a area with animals.