How to Plan a DIY Colorado Public Land Elk Hunt

A DIY elk hunt becomes much more manageable when you break it into a few decisions: where to hunt, how to get there, what you need to carry and what you will do when Plan A falls apart.

Start With the Country

Before the season, identify several areas rather than betting the whole trip on one location. Study access, terrain, likely elk habitat and how the country can be hunted with the wind you are likely to encounter.

Use E-Scouting to Build Options

E-scouting should help you arrive with a shortlist of places to investigate. Look for terrain that creates security, travel opportunities and useful glassing positions. Then be prepared to confirm or reject those assumptions once you are on the ground.

Plan Your Access and Exit

An overlooked part of elk hunting is how you enter and leave. A great morning setup can become a bad evening setup if your exit route pushes through where elk are likely to be. Think about the whole day, not just the first setup.

Prepare for the Physical Side

Backcountry hunting rewards useful fitness. Build the ability to hike uphill, carry your hunting load and recover well enough to do it again the next day. Your fitness plan should support the actual demands of the hunt.

Keep the Gear Purposeful

Every item should earn its place. Prioritize reliable footwear, clothing layers, navigation and safety equipment, a pack that carries well and optics that help you find elk efficiently.

Always Have a Plan B

Pressure, weather, other hunters, access and elk movement can invalidate a perfect plan. Having alternate areas and routes keeps one setback from becoming the end of the hunt.

Final Pre-Trip Check

• Multiple hunt areas identified.
• Access and parking researched.
• Wind and terrain considered.
• Fitness and pack-carrying prepared.
• Gear tested before the trip.
• Backup plan ready.