This is the thread for those that would like to join me on an over the counter, do it yourself, rifle elk hunt in Colorado.

If you want in, just say so. We can discuss dates, location, travel arrangements, and camping arrangements. The hunt will be during the second rifle season for next October. That gives us over a year to plan and prepare. We have plenty of time to work out details and get solid confirmations from those that plan to attend. You don't have to make any solid commitments just yet, but if you are serious, and you don't already have the gear you need, I would suggest you get started on that. I welcome anyone to join, and I welcome input and suggestions from anyone.

Marking this one too for an idea on gear needed and total cost.

All you have to do is hit TOPIC OPTIONS then hit add to WATCH LIST and that tags post under your watch list.......


It stays under your watched topics until you take it off the list. Just FYI.

I'm in.

Learn something new everyday. I was also using that as a "put my name in the hat" kinda thing too.

I'm In

http://wildlife.state.co.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/DOW/Hunting/HunterEd/HuntPlanner.pdf

http://wildlife.state.co.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/DOW/RulesRegs/Brochure/BigGame/biggame.pdf

Helpful info. I noticed that the Bull tag is also an either sex tag. That saves some $$

Very helpful. Thank you.

This sounds like a blast. I'm in!

I would be interested.

I always went early muzzloader season till we were there on 911. Never have been back since.

So I'm thinking a ballpark price for food, tag/license, fuel, extra gear is in the neighborhood of $1500-$2000. Sound about right?

As in my initial PM to Sneaky, I'm in till the end, just keeps getting better.

If you don't already have the gear, that's probably right. If you have the gear, then less.

With this many we may have enough to for multiple trips

If I don't draw in New Mexico I'm in.

I'm truly interested.

I filled out the survey, any time is fine for me. Whenever is the best hunting.

Just as a what if question:

Group of six guys or however many in one group, everyone has tags. Who gets to take the shot? Who gets the meat? I am sure it would be awesome to just be a part of the experience, but I can see this becoming an issue. Everyone paying for tags and everyone working hard on the hunt.

Select units and select first-come-first-serve tags will be either sex.

tag is $600. gas up there and back is gonna be a variable.

incedentals, etc. I think we spent about $1200/person(split gas 3 ways) and we had all the gear

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/ElkHuntingUniversity/1/Pages/ApplyForLicense.aspx

Good read on tag process for those who do not know

The way we've always done it, is split up into groups of 2-3. I like 2. People can strike out on their own, also. In a group, we just have to decide who gets first shot. Then switch each day or after a kill is made. Often times, more than one shot will present itself, anyway, since most elk travel in small herds.

Since some will have cow tags and some bull tags, it would be best to pair up that way. One person with a cow tag and one with a bull. That way, the decision might be made easier.

Always do 2..if you stumble upon a herd that has 4 or 5 legal bulls in it someone needs to be able to keep an eye on them while the other person goes and rounds up the other folks with tags......since DOW frowns on using sat phones to relay that msg (those can be rented fairly cheap in most towns)

Is it worth it to get a cow tag, what are the odds that if you don't go home with a bull you can at least get some freezer filler for a return on the trip investment.

It's very worth it to get a cow tag. There are more cows than bulls, so in general, your odds are better. I've always had a shot at a cow on a rifle hunt, but not always a bull. The cows taste much better, anyway.

If you're unsure of the hunt or the cost, but would like to try it out, a cow tag is a great way to do that.

I will plan to buy both then, I know my luck, if I bought just a cow tag then I would definitely see a shooter bull and be kicking myself all the way back to Tyler.