Eastern Colorado Cow Elk?

Sainte_Terrer · Jul 23, 2016

Please pardon me for being such a total noob---

I've never hunted CO but am interested in taking a cow elk. I figure it would be a good introduction, more accessible, and still very rewarding. I am a meat hunter first and a horn hunter second. My question is this: is elk hunting in eastern Colorado viable? Obviously more elk and more land are available in the central and western portions of the state. However, I am trying to minimize my travel time from Kansas and I don't have a 4x4 vehicle. I would prefer to use a rifle if possible.

I don't need specific locations as I can do that research on my own. I'm more interested in whether such a trip is worthwhile. In this case, I would also presume (possibly erroneously?) that OTC tags are available?

Many thanks!

elkaholic06 · Jul 23, 2016

How far West is too far? I've lived and hunted in Colorado my entire life, mostly west of the continental divide. I don't know much about Southern Colorado, but you have to get up into the mountains to see any elk up North. Also, depending on the season you hunt and the unit, an OTC cow tag might not be available and a 4x4 vehicle is a must.

one ate E grain · Jul 23, 2016

I suspect you are talking "plains" elk, Sept 1 to Jan 31? East of I-25 If so it's high fence I think, not free range animals. There are patches of public land but I've never heard of elk on them. I'd be real happy if CO eliminated high fence. I support anyone who enjoys doing that kind of thing, but not so enthusiastic about it in my state.

I like cow too, tastes better.

Sainte_Terrer · Jul 23, 2016

Ah well that's a bummer. No high fence me either...

JohnCushman · Jul 23, 2016

one ate E grain said:
I suspect you are talking "plains" elk, Sept 1 to Jan 31? East of I-25 If so it's high fence I think, not free range animals. There are patches of public land but I've never heard of elk on them. I'd be real happy if CO eliminated high fence. I support anyone who enjoys doing that kind of thing, but not so enthusiastic about it in my state.

I like cow too, tastes better.

huh? Where exactly would those 'high fences' be? The only fences I know of are on the ranches that they are on where the ranchers won't let people hunt, but they'd be pretty pissed if their cows were in a 'high fence'...

sbhooper · Jul 24, 2016

JohnCushman said:
huh? Where exactly would those 'high fences' be? The only fences I know of are on the ranches that they are on where the ranchers won't let people hunt, but they'd be pretty pissed if their cows were in a 'high fence'...

Right on, John.

jlmatthew · Jul 24, 2016

Wild Elk on the eastern plains, where'd you hear such a thing? That's crazy talk!

3855WIN · Jul 24, 2016

A cow hunt on a NM ranch might work for you.

wytex · Jul 24, 2016

There used to be some elk hunting in the corn fields in eastern Colorado. Don't know the units but there were good bulls there years ago. I would make some calls to the area game and parks people. No high fences there. They were all plains animals at one time guys.

one ate E grain · Jul 24, 2016

I stand corrected, mostly private, very little high fence, and very few elk too, by design. Good discussion here. http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/5458246/all/Flatland_Elk_hunting

JohnCushman · Jul 24, 2016

Where is this high fence place?

one ate E grain · Jul 24, 2016

They talk of one on the link above it's like 15 comments down, but if you are looking for contact info here's one, http://www.cottonmesa.com/next_trophy.html You sound kinda,,, high fence curious.

JohnCushman · Jul 24, 2016

I originally typied something witty and insulting, but decided not to for a glorified newb. The ranch in question that you linked to is a private place that wouldn't be an issue with the plains tag. Have a nice day.

To the OP. There's rumored to be a small herd down around Kim, but good luck getting access to any of the property.

James Riley · Jul 24, 2016

elkaholic06 said:
. . . you have to get up into the mountains to see any elk up North.

I don't know about licenses, but I do know of some wild elk east of I-25 in Northern Colorado. It's been a few years but I've seen some on the Pawnees and I know of a private ranch that has wild elk on it but I don't want to pin point it. These aren't private elk. Don't know if there is a season there or not.

Zach · Jul 25, 2016

jlmatthew said:
Wild Elk on the eastern plains, where'd you hear such a thing? That's crazy talk!

Absolutely absurd!

wytex · Jul 25, 2016

Many years ago an outfitter was selling corn field elk hunts on the plains. They are there.

JohnCushman · Jul 25, 2016

I have a friend that him and his father both took bulls out of Purgetorie (sp?) canyon south of La Junta a couple of years ago. He told me it was a freak thing and it was the first time he actually laid eyes on elk in there, but he hasn't seen any since. We've been in a brutal drought in this area for years and along with effecting the antelope, it's also screwing with the resident elk. In all honesty, I've lived in this area (eastern plains east of Pueblo) for 10 years and have yet to see any elk. If you're going to spend the money on an elk tag, I wouldn't suggest this one, even though it's an OTC either sex C tag.

James Riley · Jul 25, 2016

JohnCushman said:
Purgetorie (sp?)

Picketwire.

Big Slick · Jul 25, 2016

I've seen elk in eastern CO, south of Wray near Beacher Island.

bobbydean · Jul 25, 2016

I believe elk have been killed in the Texas Panhandle. I know it is rare, but if they are in Texas; they are coming from eastern Colorado or NE quadrant of New Mexico.

Eastern Colorado Cow Elk?

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