2025 Colorado Public Land Archery Elk Hunt

This is the kind of hunt that reminds us why preparation matters. We went to Colorado with a DIY public-land archery plan, knowing that the plan would have to adapt to what the elk and terrain gave us.

The Hunt

We were able to tag a cow elk on Day 2. The biggest takeaway was not one magic tactic—it was the value of being prepared enough to recognize an opportunity and act when it appeared.

For a public-land hunt, every day is a balance between finding elk, moving without burning an area, managing the wind and keeping enough energy in reserve to make the next move.

What Worked

• Preparation before the trip: Knowing the country and having a plan made the first days more productive.
• Mobility: A lightweight setup makes it easier to adjust when the first plan is not the best plan.
• Wind discipline: The best-looking setup is still a bad setup if your wind gives you away.
• Being ready for opportunity: When a legal, ethical shot opportunity appears, preparation lets you focus on execution instead of scrambling.

Lessons We Would Carry Forward

DIY elk hunting rewards flexibility. We would rather have a strong framework and adapt it in the field than lock ourselves into a single ridge, drainage or calling strategy before we know what the mountain is doing.

We also think the physical side deserves more attention than it gets. The ability to climb, reposition, carry your gear and still make good decisions late in the day is part of the hunt.

Watch the Hunt

If you want to see the hunt rather than just read about it, watch the Wapitibros video below.