I am planning for the 2015 OTC Archery Season in Colorado's GMU 47 and have been doing my research and trying to figure out as much as I possibly can, so I at least feel somewhat prepared for my first ever elk hunt out west!! I grew up hunting whitetail and hogs in Texas and moved to the Midwest (Illinois) about 12 years ago and continue to hunt big whitetails. I've always dreamed of elk hunting, but never thought I would ever have the chance. After reading an article from soleadventure.com, I realized it is possible to do a DIY over-the-counter elk hunt, so my brother and I have decided to head out in 2015 to Colorado in unit 47. We have decided to backpack in about 5 miles and hunt from 7-9 days staying to the southern part of the unit. The one main issue we are having is deciding when to go!! With my brothers work schedule, we have 2 options.
The first being from Sept 5th-15th. which would not only be early but also include Labor Day weekend and opening weekend of muzzleloader season.
The second is Sept. 16-25 which would be later and only include the end of muzzleloader season but probably closer to the prime time of the rut.
Any information on this unit would be helpful, but my main question is: What is the better time in this unit, early prior to the pressure of muzzleloader season, or later after muzzleloader is over and the rut is ramping up?
The first being from Sept 5th-15th. which would not only be early but also include Labor Day weekend and opening weekend of muzzleloader season.
The second is Sept. 16-25 which would be later and only include the end of muzzleloader season but probably closer to the prime time of the rut.
Any information on this unit would be helpful, but my main question is: What is the better time in this unit, early prior to the pressure of muzzleloader season, or later after muzzleloader is over and the rut is ramping up?