Elk Deer Combo Hunt

[tractor]

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum but have listened to all of Randy's podcasts and most of his Youtube videos and shows. Myself and 3 other experienced Midwest (Southern MN) bowhunters want to go hunting in the mountains (SW Colorado) next year. My question is, what are some of the pros and cons of 2 guys buying OTC elk tags, and the other 2 guys applying for deer tags? My thinking is, mule deer and elk are going to be in the same general habitat in the mountains in late August - early September, so why not try to go after both...

First timer looking for advice.

Thanks

 

[Washington Hunter]

I think that's a great idea if you're trying to save money. My brother and I have talked about doing the same thing, especially when hunting an area that's new to us, and where the deer and elk seasons overlap.

 

[BlakeA]

Do it! You will have a blast! However, I personally would focus on one specie. Either all for elk or all for deer especially for your first mountain hunt. Good Luck!

 

[tractor]

Why do you say 1 species? Are Muley's and Elk in different areas during archery season?

 

[JohnCushman]

I think you have a good idea. 2 different animals available to the group is double the chances of scoring.

 

[BlakeA]

IMO, being able to focus all of your time and energy on one or the other will increase your success. The Elk will more than likely be in the steep dark timber and unless your spot and stalk game is off the charts, still hunting muley bucks in the dark timber isn't an easy task. If money isn't an issue, have both tags in your pocket just in case, but I would suggest sticking to one specie for your first trip there. Two to three days of a week long hunt can be pissed away real quick by going back and forth. Good luck, there is nothing better than being in the high country!

 

[tractor]

ok, I see what you mean now

 

[JohnCushman]

If money's not an issue then do the Montana elk/deer combo. If you strike out during archery you can go back for whatever didn't get filled during rifle season.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

IMO, being able to focus all of your time and energy on one or the other will increase your success. The Elk will more than likely be in the steep dark timber and unless your spot and stalk game is off the charts, still hunting muley bucks in the dark timber isn't an easy task. If money isn't an issue, have both tags in your pocket just in case, but I would suggest sticking to one specie for your first trip there. Two to three days of a week long hunt can be pissed away real quick by going back and forth. Good luck, there is nothing better than being in the high country!

+1 on this, it way to easy to lose focus and waste time, I have done it....

 

[tractor]

Another question for you guys... I've heard dozens of people say to call local wildlife biologists, game wardens, etc... I have the numbers I want to call and good general hunting report for SW Colorado from the game and fish website. What are some good questions to ask them? The only one I can think of is "have there been any burns/wildfires in the area recently, if so, where?"

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

I have had the best luck talking with these folks once I already have my plan together, and ask questions to confirm the plan/access/migration info/etc. If I were you I would start narrowing down to some units and do some more focused research.

 

[Bambistew]

Another question for you guys... I've heard dozens of people say to call local wildlife biologists, game wardens, etc... I have the numbers I want to call and good general hunting report for SW Colorado from the game and fish website. What are some good questions to ask them? The only one I can think of is "have there been any burns/wildfires in the area recently, if so, where?"

I'd ask specifics about what type of habitat and vegetation the animals prefer, areas they don't prefer. Think of questions that will help you find your own spots by looking at maps and your own research. Feeding/escape/bedding/etc.

Are densities higher in certain areas?

What is the doe/fawn/buck ratios

What is the average age of animals harvested, or antler size. Are large/old animals common, or 1:1000.

Popular hunting areas (avoid them).

migration/wintering/rutting areas, or types of areas they prefer different times of the year.

Most of these questions could be answered by internet sleuthing, along with your burn question. I've not found a lot of benefit to talking with bios, other than getting answers faster/easier. You will learn 10x more by putting boots.

Something else to keep in mind... you are not the first person to call and ask them for advice. Meaning any "hot spots" they give you or great information, they will also give to the next guy.

Once you understand your quarry, its pretty easy to pull out a map/aerial and draw circles on places that look promising. The only way to truth them is to walk into them and hunt them. I'm actually doing research on hunting an animal I've never hunted before. I do plan on talking to a bio, but to find out specifics about prey populations, which is very difficult to find much about.

Good luck on your planning!

 

[tractor]

That's incredibly helpful! Thank you! For sure going to ask about the popular hunting spots.

 

[1_pointer]

At the time of year you are considering going, it might be worth getting a hold of the range management specialist for the agency of the land you'll be on and find out where the livestock are permitted to be. Also, might want to get the whole grazing rotation schedule from them for that area. A ranch I worked with in UT said that with a touch of precip, the elk seemed to like to be where the cattle were 2 weeks or so previous as the grasses send up new growth.

 

[tractor]

So you're saying the elk would tend to move into areas where the cattle were grazing, if that area got some rain to promote new growth? I'm guessing what taste's good and has good nutrients for cattle does the same for elk. Interesting. Thanks for the tip

 

[1_pointer]

That was the ranch's wildlife bio's take on the matter. I've never tested it in application.