This November I’ll be headed to Colorado on my first elk hunt. We will be hunting 4th rifle season on unit 67 near Gunnison. I’ve drawn a bull tag. I’m going with a buddy that has been multiple times and had a lot of success, so I’m not really looking for hunting tips. I’m really just trying to get an idea of what to expect and clothing/gear recommendations. I’m also trying to decide on wether or not it’s worth carrying a side arm. I know Colorado has a decent mountain lion and black bear population. The largest caliber I have right now is a 9mm. My buddy has filled me in on a lot of this, but I thought I would get aldeer’s expert opinions as well.

When I'm toting a rifle, I don't carry a pistol.
You'll want to eliminate any unnecessary weight. No need to carry even a few ounces of something you don't need.

you have a rifle, no need for handgun, it will only add weight.

1. get in shape by climbing stairs, stadiums steps...UP and DOWN.

2. see #1

3. see #1

4. again...get in shape.

5. get there a couple days early to acclimate to altitude, you will be out of breath no matter yer shape, but in shape will get you over it faster.

My uncle went on a ram hunt said same thing when be got back said he was miserable

I'm no expert. Only hunted CO once but from my experience the weather can be a little crazy. The day before our hunt it was in the 50-60's, the day my buddy shot his bull it was -5 when we started that morning and it never got to double digits.

https://www.rokslide.com/forums/threads/colorado-1st-rifle-elk-2018.133073/ here's a link to a write up he did on our hunt.

Son and I went every year for about 12 years. I lived at 987 feet I started the day I got home from a hunt and did two hours at the gym every other day and walked a brisk five miles every day rain or shine at the local high school track which included up and down the bleachers. During the summer cut grass with a push mower for additional training. Now I was doing this between the age of 52 and 64 and the hunt whipped my ass every year. I made it okay but it put the hurt on me. My son at this time was 26 to 38 and he trained as I did (except the grass cutting) and it just barely caused him to be just a little short of breath. So yeah get in shape so you can have a good time.

As others have said GET IN SHAPE. Use a training mask for high altitude conditions and weight vest for the pack you’ll probably carry . Be serous about and work hard then you won’t sound like a dog with distemper when you get up around 8K’ or higher

Leave the handgun at home.
Get in the best shape you can and I don't mean bench pressing. Walking/climbing/running/etc.
Buy the best clothing you can afford. (Sitka/Kuiu/First Lite/etc.) It does make a difference regardless of what some might say.
Buy a good set of walking sticks. These will be very helpful.
Buy a good back pack. A pack frame isn't required but will come in handy if you are successful.
If you don't have a set, borrow or buy a good set of binoculars. You will likely use them more than any other piece of equipment.
The most important......BOOTS. Buy a good pair of boots TODAY of you don't have them and start wearing them several times a week to get them broken in.

One other thing get a high quality below zero sleeping bag you’ll be glad you did.

You might want to ask your Dr. about a prescription for Diamox. It prevents altitude sickness and if you ever get it, you'll wish you had some meds. BTW, being in shape does not prevent altitude sickness, but it can lessen the bad effects.

Thanks for all of the reply’s.




BGH, I’ve been looking at Sitka, First Lite,and Kuiu gear. I feel like I have a decent layering system currently, but I’m trying to decide if it’s worth upgrading. Those companies offer so many different setups. Do you have one you recommend?

The only time I would consider carrying a pistol during a rifle hunt is when packing meat. I bought some high end clothes, but didn’t find them to be needed. However, good boots are a must, especially when hauling weight. I’ve found gaiters to be very handy as well.

Get use to hauling weight on your back and how to actually load it correctly in your pack.

Off the top of my head, here's what I wish I knew the first time I went:

1) As others have said, get in the best shape you possibly can
2) I've never gone that late, but when I've been there, It may be warm one minute and snowing like crazy 15 minutes later. Be prepared. Dress in layers.
3) Take care of your feet!!!! I keep a vacuum sealed pair of socks with me at all times. Blisters can ruin a hunt. Keep athletic tape, moleskin, band-aides, etc. with you.
4) I like a good pair of hiking boots over anything else I've tried. Make sure they are waterproof and broken in before hand.
5) Your sleeping bag will never be too warm
6) There are many equipment lists posted. Review them and make sure you don't need something and not have it.
7) Chapstick is your friend.
8) A quality day pack with a hydration system is EXTREMELY helpful. Stay hydrated!!!!!!
9) When you are climbing, take a few steps and stop for a breath or two, even if you don't feel like you need it. If you get out of breath, it takes longer to recover.
10) A good walking stick can really help.
11) Gore-Tex is also your friend.
12) Pace yourself. Don't over do it the first few days
13) Headaches are common
14) Eat enough to keep you going. You burn a lot of calories out there.

As stated before, getting in shape is paramount. I bought an altitude training mask and used it for 6 months, religiously. 11k feet still kicked my ass. I'm with Outback, if you are toting a rifle, no need for extra weight of a pistol. Snakes at higher altitudes are almost non-existent, and you would rather shoot bears/mt lions with a rifle. If you are hiking in and camping......eliminate as much weight as possible.

Solid advice

4th season is normally cold with snow. Make sure boots comfortable, waterproof, and built for hiking.
Also, you'll want a quality wide brim style hat to keep snow off your neck and collar area.

Fred nailed it. That was the first thing I thought when I read the post title. Air is thin when you get up high.

Just got back from Breckenridge this weekend. We still have a bunch of snow on the mountains that might not be gone before it starts falling. It's been a wet winter and summer so far. One of the wettest I've witnessed. Plan on dealing with snow on the ground as well as falling. Good news is that makes it relatively easy to gather clean water.

What are your plans for shelter? Using a well-equipped base camp or are you taking a shelter along with you?

Got any emergency communications capabilities? Iridium phones come in handy out in the middle of nowhere. There are other options available too.

During the 4th season hunt the bears will be in the hole. No need to worry.
You are more likely to see a black panther here in Alabama than to see a mountain lion in actual mountain lion country.

If you already have a good skin base layer and a merino mid layer; I'd go with a good quality outer layer. I have a few different set ups but for that time of year I'd suggest Kuiu Guide Jacket and Pants. You'll also need some sort of wool/merino shirt.

Another thing would be a good set of rain gear and gaiters.

Thanks for the info. The guy I’m going with has access to a private cabin on the unit we are hunting.

1. Get in shape
2. Give your bodytime to adjust to the altitude.
3. Buy the best boots, clothing and pack you can afford.
4. Optics are essential. If you cant buy premimum, borrow some.

All of these will positively or negatively effect your hunt.