Over the counter CO elk

Hey all, I made it out to Colorado this year and bought an over the counter elk tag to do a little DIY elk hunting. We camped by tent from the truck. This was my first time hunting the North Park area. I bounced around some hunting State park, Medicine Bow NF and Routt NF. Late last Friday morning I was out ridge running and had one bark at me. Moved in closer and above him. I sweet talked him a little and he came right in for a 30 yard shot. I double lunged him and he didn't go far. After all the busted set-ups it's nice when things go right for a change.





There's some awesome country in that area. I had to see 25+ moose in all, 10 in one day. Had one bull at 25 yards, see picture below. I also hiked it up to 11K chasin bulls. They still have snow left over from last year.

Congrats on a great bull and a great hunt. DIY Elk is not an easy hunt at all

Thats fantastic, an elk on your own-with a bow-is no small accomplishment! Very Cool!

Man that is awesome, it looks like you are haveing tons of fun

Thanks guys. I've been addicted to chasin bulls for a few years now. It's always a great primer before our deer season comes in round home here. I was relentless this year cause with starting a new job I'm not sure if I'll have the time. Earlier in the hunt I was in on a few real nice bulls but no good shot oppertunities. The best was a good 6 point at ~15 yards screaming in his wallow as I was at full draw but just couldn't close the deal. Could have shot one of his cows but I wanted him. Exciting none the less. This one never bugled once, just that one bark.

Nice bull. I would love to do that. How long were you hunting and how much were the tags?

Colorado NR tags are around $554, archery are either sex. I prefer taking two weeks if you're DIY'ing it but do what you can. Some guys like it earlier in the season but I prefer the last two weeks cause they tend to be more vocal. The draw is early April and that may help you get into a limited unit. Although OTC tags are good for several units. I hunted 3 different units this time out.