Elk Hunting Season in Colorado – What Time of Year is Best?
Introduction
Colorado is home to some of the best elk hunting in North America, offering a thrilling experience for both archery and rifle hunters. With extensive public and private lands, diverse terrain, and one of the largest elk populations in the country, Colorado provides ample opportunities for a successful hunt. Whether you prefer the close-range challenge of archery or the precision of a rifle, our elk hunts promise excitement and the potential for a trophy bull.
Archery Season:
Typically runs the whole month of September, coinciding with the peak rut for high calling action.
Rifle Seasons:
- First Rifle: Early to mid-October
- Second Rifle: Mid to late October
- Third Rifle: Late October to early November
- Fourth Rifle: Mid to late November
Muzzleloader Season:
Usually occurs mid-September, offering a unique challenge during the rut.
Hunting Options & Pricing:
- Guided Hunts: $5,500 – $7,000 (lodging and meal options vary per unit).
- DIY Hunts: $3,500 (access to prime hunting land with no guide).
Hunting Units:
We offer guided hunts in Game Management Units 4, 33, 42, and 421. Units 11, 33, and 52 are our available DIY units. These units require a draw; however, hunters can typically secure a tag with zero or one preference point.
Tag Application Deadline:
The primary draw application opens from March 1 to April 1. Applicants must apply online at https://cpw.state.co.us/buy-apply. Draw results are posted at the end of May. A Hunter Education card is required to apply for an elk license. The nonresident elk license fee is $825.03. A Habitat Stamp is also required for a fee of $12.74.
Success Rates:
Guided hunts typically yield higher success due to experienced guides and local knowledge.
What Will This Year Look Like – Colorado Elk Hunting Draw
Archery
This year’s archery elk season in Colorado is expected to provide exceptional opportunities, especially during the peak of the rut. With most archery units requiring only zero or one preference point to draw, access remains favorable for non-residents.
There is also a NEW PLO archery tag for private land only for our hunts that is very favorable for our non-residents to draw. With a healthy elk population and well-managed hunting areas, archers can anticipate strong bugling activity throughout September, creating exciting close-range encounters. The combination of spot-and-stalk tactics and calling techniques will be crucial for success. Hunters should prepare for varying weather conditions, from warm early-season temperatures to cooler, unpredictable weather later in the season. As always, patience and persistence will be key in these challenging yet rewarding hunts.
Rifle
Rifle elk hunters in Colorado can look forward to another promising season, with multiple opportunities across October and November. Early rifle hunts in October should offer ideal conditions for tracking and locating bulls that have recently come out of the rut, while the later seasons in November may present harsher weather but increased visibility as elk move into lower elevations. December and January months is a great time to harvest a cow elk with putting meat in the freezer for the year. With most rifle units requiring only zero or one preference point to draw, access remains favorable for non-residents. Hunters should be prepared for potential snow in the later seasons, which can aid in tracking but also present more demanding conditions.
Colorado Compared to Other States
Montana Elk Season vs. Colorado
Similarities
- Montana and Colorado boast some of the largest elk herds in North America, providing ample hunting opportunities.
- Both states offer diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and open plains, catering to different hunting styles.
Differences
- Hunter success rates are generally lower in Montana due to the rugged terrain and dispersed elk herds.
- Applying for a tag in Montana requires non-residents to build preference points to draw limited-entry tags. Our units require zero or one point to draw a tag.
New Mexico Elk Season vs. Colorado
Similarities
- Both states have areas known for producing trophy bulls, especially in well-managed units.
- Whether in the mountains of Colorado or the mesas of New Mexico, elk hunting in both states requires skill, patience, and physical endurance.
Differences
- New Mexico licenses are more expensive than Colorado, the odds of drawing a tag in NM as a non-resident are low due to high demand and limited tags.
- All applicants have an equal chance at drawing a New Mexico tag, they do not honor the preference points system making it harder to draw.
Wyoming Elk Season vs. Colorado
Similarities
- Both states use a preference point system for limited-entry elk hunts, with hunters accumulating points over time to improve their draw odds.
- Premium units in both states produce trophy bulls exceeding 300″, with some units offering potential for 350″+ bulls.
Differences
- Non-residents are limited to a smaller percentage of total tags in Wyoming, and many prime units require a guide for non-residents.
- Colorado provides flexible hunting options, with multiple rifle seasons and landowner voucher programs.
Online Resources
For those planning a Colorado elk hunt, having the right information is key to success. Two valuable resources include Colorado Outdoors Magazine, which provides expert insights, hunting tips, and strategies, and the Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) website, offering official regulations, licensing details, and season dates. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a first-time visitor, these resources will help you navigate the state’s elk hunting opportunities.
This video, “Colorado Elk Hunting – Archery Season Adventure”, captures the raw excitement and challenge of archery elk hunting in Colorado. It shows why archery season is one of the most thrilling and rewarding ways to pursue elk. The close encounters, the adrenaline rush of calling in a bull, and the deep connection to the wilderness make it an unforgettable experience. If you’ve ever considered archery elk hunting, this video proves just how worth it the journey is!
Western Outdoors offers an exceptional elk hunting experience, combining expert knowledge, prime locations, and guide support to ensure a memorable and successful adventure for hunters of all levels. Book your hunt today!
Colorado Hunting Lodge – Colorado Drop Camps
Western Outdoor Adventures LLC has a 1 to 1, 2 to 1 or a 3 to 1 guide ratio guide service. Guide service is based on a limited number of clientele. Motor vehicles are use for guided hunts on private ground only …
Elk Hunting FAQs
Elk hunting can be physically challenging, requiring long hikes in rugged terrain at high elevations. We recommend preparing with cardio training and endurance conditioning before your hunt.
You must apply through the Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) draw system. Applications are typically due in April each year. More details can be found on the CPW website.
You will need a Colorado elk hunting license and a Habitat Stamp (required for hunters 18+).
We recommend:
- Archery Hunters: High-quality compound or traditional bow, broadheads, rangefinder, and scent control gear.
- Rifle Hunters: A .270, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, or similar caliber, with quality optics and a sturdy bipod or shooting sticks.
- Clothing: Layered, scent-free camo for changing weather conditions.
- Boots: Waterproof, insulated hunting boots.
- Other Essentials: Binoculars, daypack, hydration system, and game bags.
- Archery Season: Warm days, cool nights (40s-70s°F).
- Rifle Season: Expect cold temperatures and possible snow (20s-50s°F).
