Colorado Elk Hunting

There’s a reason Colorado pulls serious elk hunters back, year after year. Between the sheer size of the state’s elk herd, which hovers around 290,000 strong, and the diverse terrain, it’s about as close to a guaranteed adventure as you’ll get in the Lower 48.

If you’re thinking about your first trip, the truth is that Colorado will humble you if you let it. However, it’ll also reward you if you’re prepared. With both OTC and draw tags available, access isn’t the difficult part. Success on a Colorado elk hunt comes down to picking the right unit, respecting the land, and showing up ready to work.

When is Elk Hunting Season in Colorado?

Colorado’s elk seasons are structured to give hunters of all weapon types a solid window to work with.

● Archery Season runs from late August through late September. If you want to call bulls during the rut, this is your shot. Just note that it’s a little warmer this time of year.

● Muzzleloader Season typically falls mid-September, often overlapping the peak of the rut. It’s a short season, though it can be very rewarding for those with solid calling skills.

● Rifle Seasons are split into four rounds from early October to mid-November. The terrain and elk behavior change with each phase especially as pressure and weather ramp up.

● Late-Season Cow Elk Hunts happen in December in select GMUs and require good tracking skills in snow-covered country.

Draw tag applications are due by early April. Whichever season you choose, make sure it matches your physical prep and comfort in the backcountry.

Where to Hunt Elk in Colorado

With more than 23 million acres of public land, Colorado gives elk hunters room to roam. Most of the action happens on National Forest and BLM lands, and it pays to know where you're headed.

● Northwest Colorado (GMUs 1, 2, 10): These limited-license units produce some of the best bulls in the state. Tough to draw, but worth the wait if you're chasing trophy class.

● Flat Tops Wilderness: Great mix of OTC access and moderate terrain. It’s great for solo hunters or those new to Colorado’s high country.

● San Juan Mountains: Rugged, remote, and scenic. If you're comfortable hiking above 10,000 feet and want fewer hunters, this is your spot.

● White River National Forest: Known for having the highest elk density in the state. OTC access, good trail networks, and solid camp spots.

If you’re going DIY, expect to hike, glass, and pack out solo. If you’re a first-timer, we recommend doing a guided hunt on private land. While they’re pricier, they do offer better odds and less pressure.

Use the CPW Hunt Atlas or OnX Hunt to study terrain, check access, and pick your unit. Elevation is a key factor, as elk push higher early in the season, then drift lower with pressure and snow.

How to Hunt Elk in Colorado

Good elk hunters scout smart, know elk behavior, and match their strategy to the terrain and season.

Start with e-scouting. Use OnX or CPW’s Hunt Atlas to pinpoint dark timber pockets, north-facing bedding areas, water, and travel corridors. Once you’re in the field, confirm what you’ve mapped. Fresh tracks, rubs, wallows, and scat tell you if elk are nearby.

It’s also important to understand elk behavior.

During pre-rut, bulls and cows are often separate. Rut season means vocal bulls and herding behavior, which is great for calling. After the rut, elk push toward winter range, becoming harder to locate but easier to pattern.

You’ll want to adapt your approach:

● Spot and stalk for open basins and ridges

● Calling (cow calls, bugles) during the rut

● Ambush hunting at wallows or waterholes, especially early season

In OTC units, expect to find more pressure. Elk get quiet and move deeper.

Third, master the terrain. Elk like benches, saddles, and drainages, especially near burn zones with regrowth. Note how air patterns shift as well. We always say to hunt mornings downhill and evenings uphill to avoid blowing your scent.

Finally, get fit. Hiking at 8,000–10,000+ feet will test anyone not acclimated. Don’t overlook your prep. It’s half the hunt.

Recommended Gear for Colorado Elk Hunting 

The mountains of Colorado will test every piece of gear you bring. Think of it as packing for survival.

Clothing

Start with a merino wool base, add a soft shell for breathability, and bring an insulated puffy for glassing in the cold. A rain shell is non-negotiable. Don’t forget gloves, gaiters, and a beanie. Temps can swing 40°F in a single day.

Pack

A three-day or frame pack should carry water (hydration bladder or bottles), a basic kill kit, first aid, and enough food for 8–12 hours. If you're using a UTV to reach camp, bring lockable storage boxes to keep important gear free from dust and secure while glassing or stalking. This way, you're not scrambling after the shot.

Optics

Reliable binoculars (10x42 or better) are a must. A tripod or glassing mount can also be valuable when you’re scanning basins. And while a spotting scope is optional, it can be useful for identifying bulls from a distance.

If you’re heading out at night, we recommend getting your hands on some lighting accessories, such as fang lights or a whip light mount. 

Weapon Setup

Whether rifle or bow, you should prioritize accuracy over speed. Most shots are between 150–300 yards. Sight in accordingly and know your limits. Also, you want to keep your weapons secure, which is why we recommend using a mounted gun rack to keep your rifle or shotgun protected as you bounce through backcountry roads. 

Accessories

Bring a headlamp, wind checker, backup batteries, GPS or app-based map system, and multiple elk calls (cow and bugle). 

Elk-Specific

Pack quality game bags, a compact sled or drag rope, and have a clear strategy for meat cooling, especially in the early season when it’s still warm.

Tips for a Successful Colorado Elk Hunt

1. If you’re coming from lower elevations, tag a day just to acclimate—altitude sickness is very real, and it can ruin your hunt faster than any busted stalk.

2. Always play the wind. Elk live by their noses, and they’ll ghost out of a drainage long before you ever see them if they catch your scent.

3. Don’t get tunnel vision chasing bugles. Instead, move strategically and cut them off. Elk move fast, and you’ll burn out trying to chase every sound.

4. Plan for a solo pack-out, even if you’re with buddies. Things happen. If you're not physically and mentally ready to haul 200+ pounds off the mountain alone, rethink your game plan.

5. Get good at reading sign. Fresh tracks, rubbed trees, droppings, and bedding spots tell the real-time story.

6. And when midday hits, glass-shaded timber and benches. Elk don't vanish. They just bed down where you’re not looking.

7. Lastly, have an exit plan. Storms hit fast, and cell service is a luxury in these hills.

Final Thoughts

The hunters who punch tags year after year are the ones who are prepared. Success in Colorado starts well before opening day, with smart scouting, clean gear, and a realistic plan.

Elk hunting will test you, and that’s exactly why it’s worth doing. You’ll never forget your first bull. Just make sure you’ve earned it.

FAQs

Q1: What licenses do I need to hunt elk in Colorado?

A1: You’ll need a valid elk tag (draw or OTC), a habitat stamp, and a CPW ID. Tags are unit- and season-specific.

Q2: Can non-residents hunt elk in Colorado?

A2: Absolutely. Non-residents can apply through the draw or buy over-the-counter tags for select units, though fees are significantly higher than for residents.

Q3: Do I need to quarter elk in the field?

A3: Most of the time, yes. If you’re more than a few hundred yards from a road, you’ll need to bone it out and pack the meat.