Hunting & Fishing Planning a elk hunt next year

[Northfl]

Hi folks,
A buddy and are in the beginning stages of planning an elk hunt for next year. We are thinking a 2x1 guided hunt in colorado when we can get otc tags. Questions i have as neither of us have never been are
1 -what area of colorado would be better (northern or southern)
2 - what is the typical weather in said area
3- what kind of clothing for out that way camouflage wise
4- recomended caliber of rifle( maybe i will have to buy a new rifle for it??)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
We are flat landers so i know we need to start climbing some stairs since we dont have any hills to speak of

 

[Northfl]

Also any recommendations on guides /outfitters in the 4-5k range. Would like to do a pack in tent camp and bring the wimen folk to hang and explore around camp.
Again any and all info is appreciated
Thanks in advance

 

[kurt]

1 cant reall help
2. snow,rain, wind cold, hot, no wind,mild,rain all in one day
3.what ever have to where orange
4. what ever you shoot good

i dont know your ladies but mine would not enjoy a pack in tent camp i think you would be better off looking at a place with a lodge you go back to.

 

[Enthusiast80]

Nothfl,

Looks like you have your list prioritized very well. I am doing the same thing thing as you. A couple things that might help the guys on here answer some questions are. Are you driving out or are you flying in? That will help narrow down an outfitter based on airport location and willingness to pick you up. I have been scouring the forums trying to get an idea on your questions above as well. There is a lot of elk info and knowledge on here and the "rokslide" forum.

If you are using an outfitter/guide, as i am, the information I am taking to heart is:
Choose an outfitter and trust them because that is what you are paying them for. You are not the expert they are.
You can not plan for the weather this far out but plan for the worst regardless.
Make sure you invest in a very comfortable day pack and very comfortable boots. Train in them.
Clothing is easy if you just plan to layer and that will take care of the weather. CO requires orange. People have been hunting forever, it really boils down to what makes you comfortable. This is an assumption but if you are from North FL then your body is not used to bitter cold so you will need to manage that.
IMO the rifle conversation is easy because I will not be taking a shot over 600. My Rem 700 300wm factory rifle with my hand loads will shoot minute of elk all day at 600 yards. My hunting rifle scope has clear glass, fine reticle, true clicks, and goes to 16x. (works for me)
Training is going to be the bulk of the work that I do on this hunt. I plan to train in the rain and snow. Hoping to actually bring myself to go shoot in my gear in the wind/snow (I live in IL)......we will see.

As for your "women folk" conversation, make sure you talk to your outfitter. I assume the price will go up and so will stress if there is any complaining. My GF wanted to go with me and I told her she can come if she trains as hard as I do. This is going to be a very serious hunt for me and I plan to hunt very hard to get out of it what I want. I am not taking a "float trip" and I told her on the front end that if she doesn't want to commit to stay home. To her credit, she thought about it, sees my determination, sees my planning, and decided she is going to sit this one out. She added that she would like to do a cow hunt for her first elk hunt.

Good luck. I hope you get some constructive responses that lead to some 2019 success.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

I will echo this: if the guide says “shoot”, do it!

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Also if you are from FL and hunting in the mountains in CO, you will not be acclimated to the elevation for several days. Don’t go all out on day 1.

 

[Northfl]

Thanks for the info so far. Yes we are from florida and planned on driving out there a few days early to contend with acclimatizing. Been searching the web past few days pretty hard for guided hunts.

 

[CJS-6.5]

I wouldn't fuss to much about the actual hunt. They usually take care of themselves. Focus on the logistics that get you where you need to be with what you need to have. Cover exigencies. Spend 90% of your time figuring out the location and studying it. Plan out the, what should we do now scenarios. As far as being in shape, it is different for everyone. Some people adapt fast. I live under 1000 feet above sea level as don't feel the effects of elevation until 8 to 10k. Never bothered to train for a hike at 6k. Plan everything ahead so when you get there you can do what you want to do...enjoy every minute. Research outfitters and guides because a good one is worth it. Nothing like driving home unhappy after spending 5k when you could be driving home happy for 7k.

 

[Caveman0101]

Hi folks,
A buddy and are in the beginning stages of planning an elk hunt for next year. We are thinking a 2x1 guided hunt in colorado when we can get otc tags. Questions i have as neither of us have never been are
1 -what area of colorado would be better (northern or southern)
2 - what is the typical weather in said area
3- what kind of clothing for out that way camouflage wise
4- recomended caliber of rifle( maybe i will have to buy a new rifle for it??)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
We are flat landers so i know we need to start climbing some stairs since we dont have any hills to speak of

1. If your going with a guide ask about beetle kill it is brutal in some areas statewide. A couple of the northern herds have declined in the past couple years, and there were some big wildfires this year.
2. There is truly no way to know, bow season this year was hot and dry, two weeks later 1st rifle was cold and snowy actually had a -1F morning the 3rd morning at 9500ft. So bring layers.
3. It does not matter with a rifle.
4. Anything you shoot well out to 800 yards or so with good optics, 260rem to 340 WBY with the heaviest Accubond Long Range Bullet it will shoot.