My first elk hunt ...was a success!

[Frog4aday]

Let me get this straight - 3rd rifle season (meaning the elk had already been chased and shot at PLENTY by this point); Over the counter bull tag; and you get a five point on public land? YOU DID AWESOME! Trophy? That's a beautiful trophy. Agree with others, score is great in basketball and football but meaningless (to me) when it comes to hunting. It is about the planning, the pursuit, the work, the camaraderie, and the memories that last a lifetime. You did it right and the outcome was far better than most (only a 13% success in GMU 78 for 2017!) Thanks for sharing the story and pics.

 

[seattleman1969]

I traveled to Colorado for my first elk hunt this last November. I hunted the third rifle season on public land in unit 78. We were on elk on day 1 and 3. Day 2 we were close but couldn't get a visual. On the 5th day of the hunt this Bull and I crossed paths. He's not a trophy by trophy elk standards but it sure made my hunt of a lifetime an even better one. The best part is enjoying a freezer full of meat. It was the most demanding but fun hunt I had ever been on. The pain in my legs from backpacking the meat out only last a short while but the memories will last forever. I plan to go back this year and if nothing else, the hiking and scenery is awesome!

Congratulations! ANY elk is a trophy, as are the experiences you gained in searching for him. Welcome to the Jungle!

 

[jd126]

Watching TV and Youtube, I would see these hunters glassing from ridges and able to see for miles. I get to southern Colorado with that in my mind and it was a big eye opener. Those timber are thick! Most places I hiked through I could see hundred yards at most. On the evening of the fourth day I found a nice spot where I could see for a long ways, for many miles. I sat there and just took it in. It was absolutely stunning to say the least. On the hike out I noticed a very well used trail with deep ruts, maybe a migration route? Went back early the next morning. Shortly after the sun came up there he came behind some cows! Sealed the deal and the real work began.

 

[One shot wonder]

I traveled to Colorado for my first elk hunt this last November. I hunted the third rifle season on public land in unit 78. We were on elk on day 1 and 3. Day 2 we were close but couldn't get a visual. On the 5th day of the hunt this Bull and I crossed paths. He's not a trophy by trophy elk standards but it sure made my hunt of a lifetime an even better one. The best part is enjoying a freezer full of meat. It was the most demanding but fun hunt I had ever been on. The pain in my legs from backpacking the meat out only last a short while but the memories will last forever. I plan to go back this year and if nothing else, the hiking and scenery is awesome!

 

[One shot wonder]

Cant eat the antlers ,,congrats Memoriesast a lifetime too

 

[seattleman1969]

Watching TV and Youtube, I would see these hunters glassing from ridges and able to see for miles. I get to southern Colorado with that in my mind and it was a big eye opener. Those timber are thick! Most places I hiked through I could see hundred yards at most. On the evening of the fourth day I found a nice spot where I could see for a long ways, for many miles. I sat there and just took it in. It was absolutely stunning to say the least. On the hike out I noticed a very well used trail with deep ruts, maybe a migration route? Went back early the next morning. Shortly after the sun came up there he came behind some cows! Sealed the deal and the real work began.

It all depends on where you hunt. Where I hunt you have both opportunities. I find my best success in the borders between recent burns and thick timber on ridges with lots of benches.

 

[jd126]

Thanks again everyone for the kind messages. I like this forums way of thinking, every elk is a trophy! Wanted to add that this was a team effort and I would not have had this opportunity without my uncle John. Good times

 

[Texanjohn]

When you watch tv and you hear over and over" that's not the bull we came for" mean while you're saying " I'd shoot that" you have to ask yourself, what did you go hunting for? For me it's the whole hunt. The experience,the struggles ,the accomplishment,and yes even the failures, I one time sent a arrow 6 in over the back of a beautiful bull that hadn't spooked nearly as far as I gave him credit for running, still one of my best hunts and an outfitter I would sincerely recommend, he put me in the rite spot, my screwup no one else's, by the same token OP should be very happy with his hunt, the meats a bonus, the memories will last forever.

 

[del2les]

Any day elk hunting is a good day, and taking a bull on your first public land hunt in our state is a great day. I think the success rate runs about 1/6 for "all" elk hunters in CO, so congrats on your special memories.

 

[Hal The Slayer]

I traveled to Colorado for my first elk hunt this last November. I hunted the third rifle season on public land in unit 78. We were on elk on day 1 and 3. Day 2 we were close but couldn't get a visual. On the 5th day of the hunt this Bull and I crossed paths. He's not a trophy by trophy elk standards but it sure made my hunt of a lifetime an even better one. The best part is enjoying a freezer full of meat. It was the most demanding but fun hunt I had ever been on. The pain in my legs from backpacking the meat out only last a short while but the memories will last forever. I plan to go back this year and if nothing else, the hiking and scenery is awesome!

Good Job JD!!

 

[ronstone09]

I traveled to Colorado for my first elk hunt this last November. I hunted the third rifle season on public land in unit 78. We were on elk on day 1 and 3. Day 2 we were close but couldn't get a visual. On the 5th day of the hunt this Bull and I crossed paths. He's not a trophy by trophy elk standards but it sure made my hunt of a lifetime an even better one. The best part is enjoying a freezer full of meat. It was the most demanding but fun hunt I had ever been on. The pain in my legs from backpacking the meat out only last a short while but the memories will last forever. I plan to go back this year and if nothing else, the hiking and scenery is awesome!

congratulations ! you are now hooked as a elk hunter !!

 

[Outhuntingagain]

I traveled to Colorado for my first elk hunt this last November. I hunted the third rifle season on public land in unit 78. We were on elk on day 1 and 3. Day 2 we were close but couldn't get a visual. On the 5th day of the hunt this Bull and I crossed paths. He's not a trophy by trophy elk standards but it sure made my hunt of a lifetime an even better one. The best part is enjoying a freezer full of meat. It was the most demanding but fun hunt I had ever been on. The pain in my legs from backpacking the meat out only last a short while but the memories will last forever. I plan to go back this year and if nothing else, the hiking and scenery is awesome!

Congratulations! Elk hunting can be tough, but it is extremely rewarding...especially after it's packed out.

 

[crkckr]

JD, congrats on your trophy - and make no mistake, it is definitely a trophy. Wapiti is a tough critter and can be as elusive as the wind. To come out of the woods with meat on your back is always an accomplishment! The hunting experience is what drives most of us to do it over and over again, even when we get skunked. Ya done good!
Cheers,
crkckr

 

[JimmyCP]

I traveled to Colorado for my first elk hunt this last November. I hunted the third rifle season on public land in unit 78. We were on elk on day 1 and 3. Day 2 we were close but couldn't get a visual. On the 5th day of the hunt this Bull and I crossed paths. He's not a trophy by trophy elk standards but it sure made my hunt of a lifetime an even better one. The best part is enjoying a freezer full of meat. It was the most demanding but fun hunt I had ever been on. The pain in my legs from backpacking the meat out only last a short while but the memories will last forever. I plan to go back this year and if nothing else, the hiking and scenery is awesome!

Congratulations, here in AZ I've drawn 1 tag in 25 years lol. That bull is thick on top. Nice bull.
Thinking Colorado archery next year. Thanks for posting the pic.