My brother and myself are headed to the Sangre De Cristo mountains in southern Colorado this year. We have a little leeway on the week we want to go, and we're trying to decide on the time frame. We can go either the week before muzzleloader or the week after. Our thoughts on the matter are that the week before may be more crowded, and the elk may not be as vocal. The week after may be less crowded, but the elk are coming out of a week with the area full of orange. Any opinions? Thanks.

There's really not that many muzzle loader hunters, it's all draw and I've only seen a couple that got very far from their ATVs! Later in the season is also nicer for weather! Both times are good to go! Even during ML season!

Sent you a PM. I would go the week after.

I agree with oldgoat. Especially in that part of the state. The Sangre de Cristos are like a wall. Most are unwilling or unable to climb it! If you are physically able to handle them you will have a lot of country to yourself.

Go during ML - they just might help you keep um moving and in fact you probably won't see many while still hunting

Season starts early this year like above ml or the week after although I'm going the first two weeks.

I'm going the ML week and the last week.

I like vocal bulls.

I'll be there during and after the muzzle-loaders. Hoping the weather turns wetter and cooler between now and then.

Every week has its pros and cons.

Week 1 is usually warmer and less vocal but a elk haven't been pressured and you can often find them close to access. Bulls will come to calls but sometimes they never make a sound. Water holes/wallows can be really active.

Week 2 is a little more vocal, good week for calling bulls in and you get Labor Day. That means a "free" day off but also a busy weekend for campers.

Week 3 is great for bugling and bulls responding. Weather cooling and aspens turning. Muzzleloaders can be a big factor or no factor depending on whats happening in your spot.

Week 4 is usually really vocal, great hunting weather, but guys spend a lot of time working bulls that have some girlfriends and would rather just sound tough while they take their harem up into some dark nasty timber for the day while guys trail along wondering why it isn't working like the video they watched, just before they bump the elk over into the next unit.

This is just in general. I have hunted the first week with bulls screaming and the last week in hot temps and nothing talking.

If its new country I would go the last week. Bulls may not be as eager to come to your calls (and may pack up and leave) but you can't shoot an elk you can't find and hearing them makes finding them a lot easier. Plus, the aspens are amazing.

Taking the moon phases in consideration, we are thinking the week of muzzleloader looks the best. The last week will have a full moon the entire week for the most part. I appreciate everyone's input, it has been most helpful.

I go before, during and after

Each year we all have to consider what week is the best one out of four. One of those four is smoke pole week, and the full moon week always comes into play for some. That gets it down to only 2 weeks when nothing is screwing with us. We (bowhunters) really need to somehow get another week added in to make it five weeks. LOL Give me a High 5

I don't like that they stuck the ML season smack dab in the middle of the archery season. It could've gone directly after.

"I don't like that they stuck the ML season smack dab in the middle of the archery season. It could've gone directly after."

That's a contentious matter but doesn't look like it's going to be charged any time soon. In fact, many bowhunters, myself included, regularly share camp.

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here