Archery season opens today

Archery season opens today

Aug 25, 2001

BY JIM THOMAS
Journal Sports Editor

Archers will be the first to take to the woods in search of big game. Colorado archery hunting starts today, Aug. 25, and it runs through Sept. 23 (except Unit 140) for all areas west of Interstate-25.

They will head into the high country after that trophy bull elk or buck deer. Beginning today the hunting period each week runs sunrise to sunset through Wednesday of each week.

Actually, in Southwestern Colorado, the latter part of the archery season is the best. The reason being is that temperatures are still very warm during the earlier part of the season and the bulls are not in rut.

Hunters should plan to camp at 8,500 or higher and hunt at 9,500 to 10,000 feet in elevation, at least for elk. Generally, those hunters who are good at bugling or cow calling will do the best. Hunters will hunt in stand, beside wallows or in high traffic areas. Some archery experts are saying to go even higher to above 11,000 feet into dark spruce timber and open parks (meadows).

Those who are lucky enough can often find deer on private ranches. Many Colorado outfitters will take hunters to areas others may not normally get to hunt. Deer hunts on private ranches offer many opportunities. Archers can be guided on "blind" hunting. Or the deer hunter can "still hunt" or stalk the many canyons and draws or the Aspens, their favorite feeding spots during Colorado Archery hunting seasons.

The high timber bucks are hunted by stalk and stands, near feeding, watering and high traffic areas. Professional Colorado guides and outfitters to help you hunt elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, bear, mountain lion, cougar, antelope or pronghorn, and moose in the great state of Colorado. They already know where the game "hangs out", so even novice hunters can have a chance at that trophy animal.

A popular place to go is Colorado Division of Wildlife Game Management Unit 74 in the San Juan Mountains. The area has a large amount of deer and elk. The elk are especially doing well. The DOW reports the bulls to cow ratio in this area is excellent with many mature bulls this season. In past years, the bull to cow ratio has been down but this year it seems to be improved. The deer population is making an improvement over past years as well.

This time of year, hunters who get lucky enough to bag an elk or deer should take care of the meat because it can spoil quickly. Even though the calander says it’s summer, weather can change quickly, especially above 10,000 feet. Hunters, like Boy Scouts, should be prepared.