Looking to plan my first Colorado elk hunt on public land. For you all that have experience what are my best chances early September hunting water holes or later September in the rut?

I think the week before muzzle loader season is your best chance.

Depends on where you hunt, but I always liked the last two weeks of season. Second to last overlapped with the muzzleloaders, of course. Rather crowded then, but have the woods practically to yourself the last week of season. Critters are quite a bit spookier then though, and fewer of them.

Only hunted the opening week once. Too many people running around for my tastes then.

I hunted it seems when it was to warm yet. Elk hadn’t come down from higher elevations yet and we were at 10k feet. This was in Estes Park area. We were on public land.

"I think the week before muzzle loader season is your best chance."

YUP!

The issue with public land otc units in Colorado is many guys think the week before and the last two weeks are better, so they come in in high numbers. Hunting water holes on public land, otc, good luck with that!!

Colorado isn't like it used to be, high hunter numbers, low elk numbers. Your best bet for success is to cover ground, lots of ground, and learn to call, when to call, and what to say. Elk become extremely call shy after the first two weeks, hit water holes early before light and head to bed. They don't hit water holes in daylight. We've seen this on our cameras. Good luck...

as soon as it opens on a water hole

We’ve tried it all over the past 26 years and I would not trade the last week for anything. Nothing in the woods compares to being in the mountains when they’re fired up. I would add that it depends on how you want to, or are able to, hunt. If you plan on only stand hunting, maybe earlier is better. We prefer to put on miles and find a bull looking for a fight.

First week: Elk closer to roads, water holes/wallows can be productive, usually not a lot of bugling. Bulls often come in silent. Usually hot and quiet most of the daylight hours.

Second week: Elk are getting pushed away from popular access areas, bugling picks up a little, bull's interest is picking up but still can be quiet even if interested and investigating.

Third week: Bugling is better, harems are changing hands as the bigger bulls get serious, muzzleloaders can be a huge issue or almost no issue depending on what drainage you are in.

Fourth week: Bugling is usually as good as it gets during archery season. Common to get an exciting response from a vocal herd bull but also common for him to round up his cows and head away from competition if you play it wrong. He has what he wants. Satellites don't have what they want, so they can provide some good action

Each week has advantages and disadvantages. Also, there are bulls that act like its week four on opening day and visa-versa. Weather also can get things fired up or shut things down. OTC units on public aren't usually an easy hunt but there are elk and they will be rutting. One day can be incredible and the next 3-4 are super slow.

I agree with Woodchucker.

I live and hunt in Oregon but both Woodchucker and Glunt sound on track with what their experiences. I think Glunt lays it out nicely.

Lots of very insightful comments here...especially when Stix says "hunt them like any other species of deer in a dry climate." Nothing beats wearing out boot leather and reading sign, in my limited experience out there.

Agree with all the above, but I'll add that of you're after any legal elk, the first week is when I've had the most encounters, even in heavily hunted areas. Pick a finger ridge with decent/recent sign and play the wind while mewing once in a while. Stay alert as I've had cows and calves come in silently and catch me fidgeting. Pretty exciting stuff even though no big antlered bulls were with them at the time.

Public land, first week. It gets tougher after that. Too many hunters, elk move to private land quickly.

My first 10 trips to CO I was 50%. Actually should have been a little bit better, but I got fussy. Now the best tip I can give is hunt private and go any time.

Draw areas are better than OTC.

If I was going to hunt public and OTC, I'd do my scouting with a map and google earth. I'd look for a spot where I could backpack a minimum of 2 or 3 miles and make camp, no other access. Not easy to find, I don't mean from a trail head. I'd get there 2 days before opening. One to get in and a day to look around.

Bowmania

Thanks a lot of good info. It will be public land OTC and I have no problem shooting a cow.

Just be prepared for 4 wheelers everywhere!!!

If 4wheelers are everywhere you are in the wrong place. If you want to drive up and set a comfy canp you will plenty of company. You will need to roll out very early and do some serious walking to beat the crowds and even then maybe you won't be alone. Not dissing that mode, i like comfy camp but if i drove 2000 miles and paid up for a nonres ticket and burned valuable vaca time only to fight crowds, then i hope you enjoy the camping trip.

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