Elk Hunt Steamboat Springs, CO

Minutes from Steamboat Springs, CO and surrounded by the Routt National forest is a vast area of private ranches that consist of some of the best elk habitat in the Rocky Mountains. Solitude Outfitters and Guides has access to several of these private ranches that hold elk throughout the seasons and provide convenient access for a limited number of elk hunters looking to experience the wild side of Colorado while still having the ability to enjoy all the amenities that Steamboat Springs has to offer.

The Game

Elk are magnificent creatures that thrive in a myriad of environments in the American West, and are some of the best table fare on the planet. Big bull elk can weigh over 700 pounds and seem to be designed perfectly for their mountain habitat, and can move through the thickest steepest slopes with stealthiness and ease.

NW Colorado supports the largest elk heard in North America because of its pristine habitat and vast expanses of undeveloped area. The various mountain ranges allow elk to use mornings and evenings to feed heavily and seek refuge from the hot Colorado summer days in dark timbered areas.

As September arrives and the archery season begins, bull elk compete for cows in heat and create a spectacle of bugling and sparring that can rattle the nerves of the most seasoned hunter.

The rut winds down when the colder weather sets in and bull elk separate from their harem to form bachelor groups while the cows group up into larger herds to forage in river bottoms and agricultural fields. The snow depths increase as November progresses and the elk eventually migrate to their winter ranges.

The Chase

Hunting elk is one of the most challenging hunts in North America and is on the bucket lists of many hunters worldwide. Calling in and getting close to a bugling bull elk is considered by those in the know as one of the most exciting moments in outdoor sports.

A certain level of athleticism is necessary to be a successful archery or muzzleloader elk hunter. Mornings usually start early with a hike up a mountain to try to gain a favorable position on elk. Bugling bulls will give away the herd’s location allowing hunters to close the distance. A stealthy approach is required to get into a position where a bull can be called in. If/when/how a bull responds to a call usually dictates the next move. Quick decision making can mean the difference between getting a shot or not.

Rifle hunting elk is a similar game to archery/muzzleloader hunting in the sense that being in the right place at the right time is paramount, but by the start of the rifle seasons the elk have a tendency to be herded up in larger groups at lower altitudes and generally quieter (less bugling/rutting activity). Less hiking is usually required to get close enough for a shot, but elk can cover ground quickly and being able to move quietly, swiftly, and efficiently increases chances for success.

Seasons And Requirements

Solitude Outfitters and Guides offers hunts throughout archery (OTC), muzzleloader (Draw), first rifle (Draw), second rifle (OTC), third rifle (OTC), and fourth rifle (Draw) seasons for elk. For current regulations, seasons, and dates, please click here.

BE AWARE: All hunters born after January 1, 1949 are required to complete an approved hunter education course and have the physical card in their possession while hunting. Everyone hunting with Solitude Outfitters and Guides is required to sign a release waiver.