%3B%7D%0A%09.st1-pro%7Bfill%3Aurl(%23PRO_2)%3B%7D%0A%09.st2-pro%7Bfill%3A%23FFFFFF%3B%7D%0A%3C%2Fstyle%3E%0A%3CradialGradient%20id%3D%22PRO_1%22%20cx%3D%22119.3454%22%20cy%3D%221.2055%22%20r%3D%2294.5354%22%20fx%3D%22120.9682%22%20fy%3D%22-66.4064%22%20gradientTransform%3D%22matrix(1%200%200%20-1.1501%200%20131.8377)%22%20gradientUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%3E%0A%09%3Cstop%20%20offset%3D%220.4666%22%20style%3D%22stop-color%3A%23000000%3Bstop-opacity%3A0.8%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cstop%20%20offset%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22stop-color%3A%23000000%3Bstop-opacity%3A0%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2FradialGradient%3E%0A%3Cellipse%20class%3D%22st0-pro%22%20cx%3D%22120%22%20cy%3D%22127.9%22%20rx%3D%2294.2%22%20ry%3D%22112.1%22%2F%3E%0A%3CradialGradient%20id%3D%22PRO_2%22%20cx%3D%22120%22%20cy%3D%22-33.3%22%20r%3D%22107.1804%22%20gradientTransform%3D%22matrix(1%200%200%20-1%200%2084)%22%20gradientUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%3E%0A%09%3Cstop%20%20offset%3D%220%22%20style%3D%22stop-color%3A%2379C729%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cstop%20%20offset%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22stop-color%3A%2361A021%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2FradialGradient%3E%0A%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st1-pro%22%20d%3D%22M120%2C0L24%2C42.7v64c0%2C59.2%2C41%2C114.5%2C96%2C127.9c55-13.4%2C96-68.8%2C96-127.9v-64L120%2C0z%22%2F%3E%0A%3Cg%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st2-pro%22%20d%3D%22M75%2C74.1c6.2%2C0%2C9.2%2C3%2C9.2%2C9.2v14.3c0%2C6.2-3%2C9.2-9.2%2C9.2H60v14.8H47.2V74.1H75z%20M70.3%2C96.5c1%2C0%2C1.2-0.3%2C1.2-1.2%0A%09%09v-9.5c0-1-0.3-1.2-1.2-1.2H60v11.9H70.3z%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st2-pro%22%20d%3D%22M126.5%2C121.7l-8.1-15.9h-5.3v15.9h-12.7V74.1h27.9c6.2%2C0%2C9.2%2C3%2C9.2%2C9.2v12.4c0%2C5.3-2.1%2C8.2-6.5%2C9l8.3%2C16.9%0A%09%09H126.5z%20M123.5%2C95.7c1%2C0%2C1.2-0.3%2C1.2-1.2v-8.9c0-1-0.3-1.2-1.2-1.2h-10.4v11.3H123.5z%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st2-pro%22%20d%3D%22M164.4%2C121.7c-6.2%2C0-9.2-3-9.2-9.2V83.3c0-6.2%2C3-9.2%2C9.2-9.2h19.1c6.2%2C0%2C9.2%2C3%2C9.2%2C9.2v29.2%0A%09%09c0%2C6.2-3%2C9.2-9.2%2C9.2H164.4z%20M168%2C109.8c0%2C1%2C0.3%2C1.2%2C1.2%2C1.2h9.6c1%2C0%2C1.2-0.3%2C1.2-1.2v-24c0-1-0.3-1.2-1.2-1.2h-9.6%0A%09%09c-1%2C0-1.2%2C0.3-1.2%2C1.2V109.8z%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fg%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E%0A)
Colorado Archery Elk Season
Hunting archery elk in Colorado means covering miles each day at high elevations (i.e. 9000 ft to over 11,000 ft) in tough terrain and with a backpack. Having the right gear to deal with weather changes (yes, it can snow even in early September!), big temperature swings, and hiking in tough terrain is critical to your success and safety too! I've been hunting elk in Colorado for 30 years including just finishing my 14-year guiding. Below, please find my recommended gear list that will ensure you are prepared for your hunt!
May contain sponsored links*Optics
Binos
Bino Harness
Spotting Scopes
I don't use one during the archery season.
Range Finder
Backpacks & Gear
Backpack/ Pack Frame
Knives
Hydration
Satellite Messengers
Safety/ First Aid
Gear Accessories
Success with hunting elk during the archery season can depend on your ability to call with confidence. I've used many calls including diaphragms over the years but nothing beats Phelps Game Calls! Given the manufacturing consistency of their calls, I know each time I open a package for a new diaphragm it will sound as good as the last. I've used others where this is NOT the case!
Camping Equipment
Staying dry and warm is critical to your backcountry experience as is having gear that is reasonable to pack in terms of bulk and weight!
Sleeping Bag
Food & Nutrition
Carrying the right food and enough of it is critical to your hunt! Archery hunting elk can require covering 6-10 miles per day so you need enough calories and protein to keep going! Staying properly hydrated is also critical!
Snacks/ Bars
Freeze Dried Meals
Clothing
As with all gear hunting elk in the Rockies, lightweight, packability and durability are critical features! A layering system is also critical to deal with the big temperature swings. I also choose base layers made of merino wool given they breathe, dry quickly if they get wet and don't retain order. Lastly, I also recommend buying the best rain gear your budget can afford!
Baselayers
Outerwear/ Jackets
Rain Gear
Clothing - Accessories
With clothing accessories, the same critical feature apply including lightweight, packable, durable and insurance these items will keep you warm and dry.
Hats/ Beanies
Firearms
Archery Equipment
Archery equipment can be a more personalized choice of the shooter so I didn't provide recommendations here.