7 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First OTC Elk Hunt in Colorado
So you’re heading out west for your first over-the-counter (OTC) elk hunt in Colorado? Here are a few things I wish I had known before my first trip back in 2011.
#1 Success is Certainly Not Guaranteed
The success rate for over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags in Colorado can vary significantly based on several factors, including the specific hunting unit, the type of elk (cow, bull, or either-sex), the season (archery, muzzleloader, or rifle), and the experience of the hunter. Generally, OTC tags tend to have lower success rates compared to limited draw tags due to higher hunting pressure and often more challenging hunting conditions.
As of the most recent data, the average success rates for OTC elk hunts in Colorado are roughly as follows:
- Archery Season: Approximately 10-15%
- Rifle Season: Approximately 15-20%
- Muzzleloader Season: Approximately 20-25%
These rates are broad averages and can vary widely. For more precise information, you can check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website or their annual Big Game Harvest Statistics report, which provides detailed success rates by unit and season.
These statistics are not extremely inviting, but a few things have helped my hunting party “beat the odds” over the last two decades and harvest some quality animals. (It should be noted that we tend to go out for the first or second rifle season.)
#2 Put a Mule Deer Tag in Your Pocket
Many units allow for mule deer hunting during rifle season; our group has taken full advantage of that. You typically need to apply for mule deer tags online after the season closes the year before you plan on taking your trip.
Of course, a big bull elk is the ultimate prize, but we have shot several mule deer that scored between 150”-190” and one that even eclipsed the 200” mark back in 2016. For whitetail hunters from Wisconsin, that is nothing to scoff at.
#3 Be Prepared to Hike… A LOT!
I used to think elk hunting would be like it is on TV. Large open areas where you would set up and glass until you found the herd. Some areas are like that, but none of the areas I’ve hunted are. So unless you have access to horses, plan on putting LOTS of miles on your boots. A few guys in my hunting party, myself included, typically cover 10-12 miles a day. Sometimes more. So quality boots are probably the most important thing to have on your hunt. For elk hunting, having the right boots is crucial for comfort, durability, and support in rugged terrain.
Here are some of my top recommendations for elk hunting boots:
These boots are insulated and waterproof, featuring 400 grams of Thinsulate for warmth. They are made with 2.8mm full-grain leather and a rubber sole for durability and traction.
Price: $520-$560
Features: These boots offer excellent support and are known for their durability. They feature a Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing and breathability, making them suitable for various weather conditions.
Price range $390-$425 ~ Check pricing
Crispi Nevada GTX
JD loves his Crispi’s. Check out his review
Features: The Crispi Nevada GTX is well-regarded for its comfort and support. It features a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and a Vibram sole for superior traction.
Price: $400
Description: These boots are known for their durability, comfort, and waterproof capabilities. They feature a GORE-TEX lining, which keeps your feet dry, and an Ortholite footbed for added comfort.
Price: Around $270
Make it stand out
Features: These boots are lightweight and offer good waterproofing and insulation. They feature ScentBan technology and a rugged RPM composite sole.
Price: $160
These boots are designed to handle the demanding conditions of elk hunting, providing the necessary support, warmth, and durability to ensure a successful and comfortable hunt.
#4 Take Care of Your Back with a Quality Pack
Second to boots is a quality elk pack. As previously mentioned, it is not uncommon to cover 10-12 miles per day. For most, all of those miles will include carrying a pack on your back. At minimum you will need water, bullets and snacks. At maximum you will have camping gear, additional clothes, hunting gear, and hopefully a rack and game bags full of meat. Loaded packs can sometimes weigh over 100lbs and that really takes a toll on the body after hiking several miles over mountainous terrain.
My first year out west I had an old, rickety, frame pack. My dad shot a bull 5 miles from our truck and by the time I got to the truck, my back and hips were not happy with me. The next year, I bought an Eberlestock Dragonfly and I have been using it since 2012.
Pros: Versatile, customizable, and durable.
Cons: Can be heavy when fully loaded.
Price: $299 (for the frame, add any pack or buy as kit : 2500 kit, 5000 Kit )
Pros: Modular, lightweight, customizable.
Cons: It requires a separate purchase of frame and bag.
Price: $399.99 (for 3600 Pro)
Pro: The Kuiu 5500 pack offers excellent durability and lightweight design, making it ideal for long backcountry hunts.
Con: Some users might find the pack's fit and comfort lacking under heavy loads, which could be an issue on extended trips.
Price $479
Pros: Durable, versatile, great for heavy loads.
Cons: Heavy and complex.
Price: $525
Pros: Lightweight, expandable load shelf, hydration compatible.
Cons: Expensive.
Price: $695
#5 The Wind is Your Friend
Hunt into the wind and keep moving until you find them. Most hunters know this and use the wind so as not to be smelled by their prey. However, when elk hunting, there is another reason to do this. Elk stink. They stink REALLY bad. It is a distinct smell, very musty and very strong. I don’t know exactly how to describe it, but “you’ll know it when you smell it.” That’s what my dad told me before my first hunt, and he was right. Many of our most successful hunts directly result from smelling the elk before actually laying eyes on them.
I was once walking a ridgetop, and the wind was blowing towards me from the dark timber. I reached a certain spot and the smell of elk was overpowering. I turned and hunted stealthily towards the smell and got within 50 yards of the bedded elk before filling my tag. Another time, my cousin was walking across a meadow and caught a whiff of elk. He stopped and glassed the area the smell was coming from and found a lone bull bedded. Tag punched. So not only is it important to hunt into the wind in order to remain undetected, it can also give away the position of the elk.
#6 Know where you are at all times.
I grew up and live in Northern Wisconsin. We have some relatively large areas of public land, but nothing compares to the vastness of elk country. If you intend on covering ground to find elk, you must know where you are and how to get back to your vehicle, your camp, or civilization! A GPS unit is a must. It’s also useful for marking areas where you have seen animal signs and areas where you have had success in the past.
Here are five of the best GPS units for elk hunting, along with links to where you can purchase them:
1. Garmin GPSMAP 66i
Pros: Topographic maps, inReach technology for satellite communication, weather updates, long battery life.
Cons: Expensive.
Price: $599.99 (Check here)
2. Garmin inReach Explorer+
Pros: Two-way satellite messaging, SOS feature, topographic maps, long battery life.
Cons: Requires subscription for satellite services.
Price: $449.99 (check here)
3. Garmin Montana 700i
Pros: Large touchscreen, inReach technology, topo maps, rugged design.
Cons: Bulky, expensive.
Price: $699.99 (Check Price)
4. Garmin eTrex 32x
Pros: Affordable, reliable, preloaded with topo maps, long battery life.
Cons: Smaller screen, basic features compared to higher-end models.
Price: $299.99 (Check Price)
5. Garmin Rino 755t
Pros: GPS and two-way radio, preloaded topo maps, weather updates, camera.
Cons: Expensive, heavier than other models.
Price: $649.99 (Check Price)
These GPS units are well-suited for the challenges of elk hunting, offering features like topo maps, satellite communication, and rugged designs to help ensure a successful and safe hunt.
#7 Be prepared in case of emergency.
Generally speaking, you are going to stay in a hotel or set up a satellite camp in the mountains for your hunt. We have done both. Regardless of what you plan to do, it’s worth setting up a tent with supplies in the event of an emergency. Hopefully you are never forced to spend the night on the mountain unplanned, but you should always be prepared for the worst. We always bring a two-man tent and set it up in a familiar area. In the tent we leave a sleeping bag, food, water, and a first aid kit. Although we have never been forced to use it. I have stopped by that tent many times to refill water or grab a snack.
Here are some of the best lightweight tents for elk hunting, including links to purchase them:
1. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Pros: Lightweight, durable, spacious, excellent ventilation, easy setup.
Cons: Expensive.
Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
Price: $549.95 $369 CHECK SALE PRICE
2. NEMO Hornet 2P
Pros: Ultra-lightweight, compact, easy to set up, great ventilation.
Cons: Slightly smaller interior space.
Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz
Price: $549 Check price
3. MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2
Pros: Lightweight, durable, excellent weather resistance, roomy interior.
Cons: Pricey.
Weight: 3 lbs 4 oz
Price: $527 Check Price
4. Hilleberg Anaris
Pros: Ultra-lightweight, durable, versatile setup options, great ventilation.
Cons: Requires trekking poles for setup.
Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz
Price: $635 Check price
These tents are ideal for elk hunting due to their lightweight design, durability, and ease of setup, ensuring you stay comfortable and protected during your hunt.
These tips have helped my crew to beat the statistics and have a tremendous amount of success over the years. Elk hunting has provided some of my favorite hunting memories over the years and I highly encourage everyone to give it a try.
