First elk hunt, Colorado

[WestAL]

hello respected forum members,
Am new to this site, I've been reading lot from it but never felt the need to subscribe. I got myself an elk tag for fourth season area 47. I have little to no experience about hunting big game and trying to load up with knowledge from the Internet and some friends. I have many questions but I will keep it general at this point. For such a big gmu like 47 where do I find elks topography and elevation wise, also in plain sight or thick bushes, how far away from roads I would start seeing them. Around small lakes or creeks. And if am phrasing my question wrong or in an irrelevant way please tell me. Help is very much appreciated.

 

[sneakypete]

Welcome to the forum! Sorry I'm no help I have only hunted Co,or ado a few times and not in that area. Good luck though.

 

[WestAL]

Thank you sneakypete for passing, am sure help will show up.

 

[Catahoula12]

If I remember correctly 4th season elk hunt is mid-November. Elevation of elk may vary depending on snowfall. They (elk) will come down in elevation as snow piles up. Colorado Parks and Wildlife website actually has great info also. Also watch weather for the Aspen area as far as snowfall. Be prepared for any kind of weather...it will be cold.

 

[WestAL]

Yes catahoula12 it's mid November 11-15 and am expecting the worst when it comes to weather. Am looking for an affordable 4season tent, they are so expensive. Now would the elk prefer tree high dense area or something lighter than a timber line?

 

[Musket Man]

That time of year in that area a good canvas tent with a good heater would be your best bet. As catahoula12 said it will depend on weather. They will usually stay as high as they can for aslong as they can.

 

[Thomas11]

Where are you from? I see your handle WestAl. I'm actually from southwest Al. I don't know know much about the fourth season. I ve only hunted archery season in CO

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

One thing to keep in mind....snow or no snow, it will be damned cold. Well below freezing at night and probably in the 40's in the day time.

 

[WestAL]

Thanks for the replies. I am actually a soldier stationed at ft carson and currently deployed, hoping to be back two weeks before the season starts. Am even doing elevation training to prepare for co. Am taking the army extreme cold weather gear and army sleeping system, they should be good for -40 combined, and a 4 season tent. For those who might have a clue about the area, should I look into the north or south of 47? Just in general.

 

[ew2642]

Independence Pass should be closed that time of year so your access to the south portion will be somewhat limited I believe. I've only been in/around 47 during Aug/Sept. Saw a decent bull during mulie archery years ago at the top of the pass. Unfortunately, I've never accessed 47 from the north

 

[Musket Man]

Thanks for the replies. I am actually a soldier stationed at ft carson and currently deployed, hoping to be back two weeks before the season starts. Am even doing elevation training to prepare for co. Am taking the army extreme cold weather gear and army sleeping system, they should be good for -40 combined, and a 4 season tent. For those who might have a clue about the area, should I look into the north or south of 47? Just in general.

The army sleep system will keep you warm enough. I have slept in mine down close to zero and stayed warm. Im not sure what the extreme cold weather gear is or how well it works. I guess they sent me to too hot of a place to issue it to me. From what little I know of that area the southern part of 47 is some very high country and i doubt on a normal year you would be able to get into it or there would be elk there still. I think you will want to look in the northern part and the lower elevations that time of year.