2014 Colorado Cow Elk?

[nightshift]

My dad and me are planning a Colorado cow elk hunt. We have been to Colorado many times, but it has been years. Things have certainly changed. I am most familiar with unit 22 Piceance Creek. I have only been there to hunt Mule deer. So does anyone have any info or tips regarding this type of hunt? I want to camp and will be bringing my 9 year-old son along, it will be his first time out of state. My dad has never shot an elk, so I figure starting with a cow elk would be a good step towards a bull elk. As for season, what would be a good time to go? Should I put in for a draw cow elk tag or wait for leftover tag? We were thinking 1st season? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Larry Zepeda

 

[Aught-SixGuy]

I hunted second season this last fall in GMU 12 & 24. Saw three cows on public land. It was rough. Piceance Creek has elk, but you know how hard it is to hunt there. Your best bet at cows is 3rd or 4th season in those areas, when the snows pile up high and drive the elk down. 1st season they'll still be up high. But if you hunt near Piceance head over toward Yellow Creek, we saw elk sign there where they came down to water in the creek. Good thing about 1st season is the bugling will tell you where the elk are! I put in for the draw for my tag but there were thousands leftover. If you want to do first season put in for GMU 12,23&24. Lots of elk, lots of land, and lots of high country. I've had luck and seen lots of elk near Three Points Mountain. Just be prepared for competition!

 

[nightshift]

Thanks for the info...really appreciate it!!

 

[Aught-SixGuy]

No prob! Best of luck to you!

 

[Aught-SixGuy]

If you end up hunting GMU 12 pm me, I'll give you a few places to look.

 

[Live2hunt]

put in for either-sex, and if you don't draw, buy the leftover cow.

 

[nightshift]

Will do Live2hunt. Thanks!

 

[FRISCOHNTR]

Tough hunts for colorado cow elk because you are dependent on the weather- no weather and the elk hold up high/on private property. I understand the expenses associated with private land but public comes with an opportunity cost too. I took my son (14yo) on a Utah private land hunt with my 70 yo Dad last year and for the 700$ cost each I had 10,000 acres to myself with an incredible experience. The cost is reasonable compared to buying a tag and hunting public land. A Utah cow elk tag is the least expensive for juniors and reasonable for us men. The one difference is it isnt during deer season and you are hunting in December long after traditional seasons. Buy a tag and pay to access some land or redeem a voucher and you"ll be happy- you have to be honest and recognize the costs associated with hunting VS. the costs. I have limited money and unlimited desire to fill the freezer.
J

 

[Sea 2'er]

Arizona is very youth friendly for cow elk tags, but again, its a draw process. Put both my kids in this year, and one drew. Pretty good for a NR $50.00 tag.

There are many options for out of state cow tags, but private land would be preferred.

 

[jimmmb]

Not trying to thread jack but I was going to put in for CO Elk tag this year, but as of Friday I'm unemployed so not gonna happen. Does anyone happen to know how much a point is? I thought I saw $40 somewhere but wasn't sure.