Elk hunting in Colorado

With the herd of some 300,000 elk (more than in any other state!), good road access, and availability of both guided and DIY hunts, Colorado is one of the most popular elk hunting destinations. Over-the-counter bull elk tags are available in more than half of the units for the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. In limited draw units, landowners can apply for private land only OTC tags and transfer them to resident and non-resident hunters. As for what are the best trophy units in Colorado, according to the state’s Parks & Wildlife Service, most 300+ point elk trophies come from GMU 2, 10, and 201. Units 76, 79 and 791 may have the highest overall numbers, with success rates for GMU 76 topping 50% (but this is a limited draw unit). Bear in mind, though, that the more popular the unit, the higher the hunting pressure. Elk begin to bugle in mid-September, and the rut continues through the archery and first rifle seasons (which is limited draw only). It’s best to hunt high-altitude units earlier in the season, before the snow pushes the elk to lower altitudes.