2016 Colorado 1st Rifle Season Dates

[Slugz]

Im sure all the seasoned killers out there already know this......but just in case and to help out the newcomers.

Normally here in Colorado there is 18-20 days between the end of muzzleloader and 1st rifle. 2016 there will be a 27 day gap as 1st rifle is Oct 15-19th. My thoughts on that.

1: Lot of quiet time for them to settle and easily patterned for the motivated hard core glassing guy.
2: More likely than not, all the second estrus cows will be bred. Lot less vocal animals than that first week of Oct.
3: Betting man says weather will play a factor as the snow should be flying.
4: Full moon on the 15th, animals will be moving.

Combined with the past 3 years of mild winters, above average spring precipitation producing a really good forage base, it should produce another good year. Just something to think about.

239 days till the archery opener! Happy New Year!

 

[cotim]

You don't think the moon will have a negative affect?

 

[raadland]

Interesting post, thank you for sharing.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

4: Full moon on the 15th, animals will be moving.

I had the same question Slugz. As you said it's a full moon on October 15 and nearly a full moon the entire hunt. I would normally avoid that moon phase, but I am still trying to figure the moon thing out for various hunting scenarios, so your comment that the animals would be moving is really interesting to me.

 

[Slugz]

Here's my own thoughts on the moon stuff. All based on experience. Mind you I used to not think like this as I always went by what I read in books and mags regarding the terrible terrible time people had hunting during the big moons. As a reference all these thoughts are based on me setting trail cams 15 Aug, hunting the archery opener for 7-10 days, taking a small break, back in for muzzleloader then 1st rifle here in Colorado. Regardless of weather or moon phase. National land, so feet or hooves only and no private close for them to run to.

The animals still have to eat, drink and move to do it. Key is figuring where its happening. They may not be moving great distances but its happening somewhere. Add in hunting pressure and I think it makes it easier. So what they are eating all night, they still have to be eating somewhere. More times than not they are in the north facing, quiet, dark nasty stuff during the day. Probably a creek close. Maybe half decent forage close maybe not. Throw the weather in (cold, snow, warm, overcast, no sun, sunny days) and it could be a screaming hollering time. The cows are also in estrus so that must be taken into consideration. This year it should be at the end of all the second estrus cows coming into heat.

Although very "cliche". They are where they are. They are where they are safe and not getting bumped. Like cattle they need forage and water. Their stomachs will not stop unless an insane weather front keeps them bedded. You can't find em in the tent at sunrise or sunset regardless of the weather and lastly if you don't see em feeding then you need to go in after them. Don't bump em, hunt the wind and chances are they will continue to use the same beds during the full moon period the entire time.

Just more info to consider. Im sure others have had different experiences. Food for thought. All the best.

 

[cotim]

In my limited experience the elk were hard to find during daylight hours. Lots of activity at night though. I was going to hunt first season this year but the moon has me spooked.

 

[Slugz]

I think you kinda said the answer there cotim. Sometimes going down the trail at 3 am is the ticket. I'll listen for em or smell em out and get ahead of them. Going without saying you got to know your area and how they move based on weather, time of the year and pressure. I wouldn't let em spook ya. Pm me when you get a chance and we can talk if you want. I hunt down your way some years.
all the best.

 

[ThreeTikkas]

Post rut bulls and a big moon. Pray for snow in the high country. I'd rather not have to go up there after them.

 

[bigdogg2278]

Where are the dates posted?

 

[Slugz]

Look up the 2015/2016 Colorado Hunt Planner...should be able to Google it or find it on the DOW site.

 

[Mountain10mm]

I've hunted 1st season the last four years in the same area. This year has the potential to be very interesting considering the moon and third week of October hunt dates. I like the length of time between archery/ML and the 1st season hunt to let the elk get back into a routine. Key is going to be finding them before the season opens. Snow has always been a blessing and a curse for us. Definitely helps with the hunting, but the camping, water freezing, driving, part is a PIA. All part of the hunt though!

In any case, the weather has to be cooler than last year's 70 degree days during 1st season. Looking forward to it as usual.

 

[gypsumreaper]

Pretty much you have to look at first season this year as you would 2nd season any other year. Second usually starts around the 20 of October. So technically ur first season hunt is gonna be a hot, quiet hunt with little to no bugling activity from my experience usually by mid October everything is done and my area bulls are heading to the high country to recoup. Gonna be interesting I don't think 1st season is gonna have as good of success as the past few years and the later seasons will increase


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[Elktaco]

Just curious how you know it will be hot during the 1st season this year?

 

[JimP]

It's always hot during first season in Colorado. That is unless there is snow and then it might be cold.

Law of averages you have a 50/50 chance of being right. I have see it a -10 during first season and I have also seen it up to 90. You just have to guess at it.

 

[BPN]

I believe they pushed back the dates of the 1st rifle season, due to some units having a Early Rifle Season (Oct 1-7), I have a 1st season rifle tag for unit 61, and if the full moon has them moving at night, then I guess I'll just have to go in after them! Either way hunting success seems like it is based off of preparation, hard work, determination, and a lot of luck.