Colorado Hunting Tips for Western ColoradoColorado Hunting Tips for Western Colorado will hopefully help someone who would like to come here to understand what is needed to have a good hunt even without the aid of a guide. I have hunted here for thirty years mostly by myself for elk, bear, mule deer, and antelope with good success though mainly as a meat hunter. The first place to start is the Colorado Division of Wildlife web site for Colorado hunting tips and statistical information on success rates for the different seasons and units for hunt preference, rifle, archery and muzzleloader. Also anyone born after January 1,1949 will need to take a hunters safety course if you don't already have one before applying for a tag. The course can be taken here or online so look on the Colorado Division of Wildlife site for details. If you have a hunters safety card from another state, Mexican state or Canadian Provincial Wildlife Agency they are acceptable but check with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to be certain. If hunting late rifle season make sure that you have public access from low altitude to high altitude because if the weather changes with heavy snow you will need to follow the animals down. The Division has maps that shows where the different herds migrate to and from, spring to winter. The animals have lots of room to travel so they tend to pick the best spots to feed and bed. Always keep this in mind when looking at different terrain and topo maps. Elk like access to good water, feed and when the sun comes up steep, cool, north facing slopes which makes it tough hunting during the day. It's nice if you can catch them out in the open early before they get to the north sides where dead falls on steep slopes makes it very hard, especially if you do manage to get one. The most important hunting tip for Colorado hunting is be in good condition physically before coming here so that you can make the most of your hunt. If you choose to hunt by your self remember that you have to be able to quarter and pack out the animal. No small feat when you are alone. Contrary to other articles that I have read, an elk can easily be taken apart with just a skinning knife, no need for axes or chain saws. Look here for more on this, Wild Game Processing Tips. About all you will need is game bags and a good pack frame that you always have on your back while hunting, saves time and energy when taking down the first load. I always bring antacids so if I do get something I take them to keep the acid in my leg muscles from building up and causing stiffness and soreness during and after packing out the animal.
Information on Colorado Hunters Safety Requirements
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After going over this data it should narrow it down, then get maps of the area that you think might be good and look for public land and make sure there is good access. Keep in mind that in Colorado land owners don't have to post their lands, so always check maps thoroughly.
