Most of the area there is private land so hopefully you've already got a place lined up. Spanish Peaks SWA is the only real public huntable land to speak of. Would be OK for early September archery. First or second rifle can be good as well but on private land only. There's a lot of cattle ranches with water and hay fields to hold elk. Have seen lots of big bulls taken in unit 85 but all on private land.
Hope this helps.
Rojo
Mar 31, 2012
Peak of the Rut by: Dave, Elk Hunting Tips (MT)
Jerry,
No one can predict when the peak will happen in a certain area, but it happens within 5-10 days of the autumnal equinox (September 22). Of course, what we see and hear of the rut is affected by local weather, hunting and predator pressure. You can't predict those things.
That said, my favorite time of the rut is the first week or two of September. Most bulls are running around checking other bulls and the cows out in preparation for the rut. They're looking for the early estrus cows. Act like one and be ready for a quiet bull to show up.
Once the noisy part of the rut starts, the big bulls are harder to pull away from cows, but the brush bulls (younger, smaller ones) are ready to rock and roll. You can you read more about it here.
Mar 31, 2012
Elk Hunting Colorado Unit 85 by: Jerry
I'm looking for any good advice on hunting elk in unit 85 in Colorado Spanish peaks area. I applied for first rifle but will likely be hunting the archery season if I do not draw. Does anyone have any idea about when the rut takes place in that area? Any info would help a bunch. Thanks.
Aug 26, 2011
Spanish Peaks Wildlife Area by: Dave, Elk Hunting Tips (MT)
Brings back lots of memories, but none that would help you. I killed my first elk ever near Aguilera, CO. I had little clue what I was doing. My 21 year old son was born in Trinidad and I killed that first elk in that area the year before that! I hope someone can give you some good advice.
