Preparing for Your First Elk Hunt in Colorado

Elk Hunting

Aug 30

Tips for a Successful Adventure

Heading into the mountains of Colorado for your first elk hunt is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. From choosing gear and scouting locations to understanding elk behavior and navigating rugged terrain, there’s a lot to think about before your trip. Proper preparation is key to making your first hunt successful, safe, and unforgettable.

At Mountain View Adventures, we guide hunters from all over the country through their first Colorado elk hunt. With access to over 350,000 acres of private and public land, comfortable cabin accommodations, and expert guidance, we help make sure your first hunt is everything you dreamed it would be.

1. Understand the Terrain and Habitat

Colorado’s elk country is vast and varied, ranging from high alpine ridges to dense timber and open meadows. Understanding where elk feed, bed, and travel will help you plan your hunt. Early-season elk stay high in the mountains, often above 9,000 feet, feeding on lush grasses. As the season progresses and snow falls, elk move to lower elevations in search of food and shelter.

Scouting before your hunt — or relying on local guides — is crucial to knowing where the best hunting areas are and increasing your chances of seeing elk during your trip.

2. Choose the Right Gear

Your gear can make or break your hunt. For a first elk hunt, focus on comfort, safety, and practicality. Some essentials include:

Clothing: Layered moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hunting boots that can handle snow, mud, and rocky terrain.
Optics: Quality binoculars or a spotting scope for glassing ridges and valleys.
Backpack: Big enough to carry water, snacks, first aid, and essential gear for long hikes.
Other Essentials: GPS or map, trekking poles, and a good knife for field dressing.

Remember, Colorado’s weather can change quickly, so prepare for rain, snow, and sun — often all in the same day.

3. Understand Elk Behavior

Elk are smart, wary animals. Knowing their behavior can help you predict movement and improve your success.

Feeding Times: Elk are most active at dawn and dusk. Plan your hikes and stands around these times.
Rut Season: Bulls become more vocal and move more frequently, making September a popular time for hunters targeting big bulls.
Signs to Look For: Tracks, droppings, rubs, and wallows all indicate elk activity and can guide you to where they’re feeding or bedding.

Understanding these patterns will save you time and energy, especially for your first hunt.

4. Physical Preparation

Elk hunting in Colorado is physically demanding. Expect to hike long distances over steep ridges and through rugged terrain. Preparing your body beforehand will make a huge difference.

Cardio: Hiking, running, or stair climbing will help improve stamina.
Strength: Focus on legs, core, and back muscles to handle heavy packs and uneven terrain.
Endurance: Simulate long days in the mountains by practicing with a weighted pack.

Being physically ready will allow you to enjoy the hunt without getting overly exhausted.

5. Work with a Guide

For first-time elk hunters, a guide is worth their weight in gold. At Mountain View Adventures, our guides know the local elk patterns, terrain, and strategies to give you the best chance at success. Guided hunts also provide safety, learning opportunities, and insider knowledge that makes your first hunt far less stressful and far more memorable.

Whether you choose a fully guided hunt or a semi-guided adventure, having an experienced guide by your side ensures that your first elk hunt is a rewarding experience — from spotting elk to field dressing and even connecting with local taxidermists.

6. Plan for the Harvest

For many hunters, the thrill of the hunt isn’t complete without bringing home the meat or the rack. Make a plan in advance for transporting and preserving your elk.

Meat Processing: Consider your freezer space and whether you’ll use a professional processor.
Trophy Mounts: Decide if you want a European mount, head mount, or full shoulder mount to commemorate your first bull.

Planning ahead ensures that all your hard work in the field translates into lasting memories.

7. Enjoy the Experience

Finally, remember that your first elk hunt is about more than tags and trophies. It’s about the experience — the crisp mountain air, the sound of a bugle echoing across the ridges, the thrill of spotting your first bull, and the memories you make with friends or guides.

Even if you don’t tag a bull on your first hunt, the lessons you learn and the stories you create are priceless. Colorado’s elk country offers adventure, challenge, and beauty at every turn.

Book Your First Colorado Elk Hunt
Your first elk hunt is an adventure of a lifetime. With Mountain View Adventures, you’ll have the expertise, access, and support to make your dream hunt a reality. From scouting and gear to guided strategies and accommodations, we make sure your first Colorado elk hunt is unforgettable.

Book your hunt today and start planning the adventure you’ll remember forever.

Megan Ellis