Would I be in over my head? - Colorado Elk

[Jethroat]

My brother called yesterday to say he had a lead on a Colorado Elk hunt. Local with a cabin that backed up to public land and he wants to know if I'm in.

I am still a learning hunter, got my first deer last year in WI after four years of trying. My brother was on staff at Philmont scout ranch (Sangre De Cristo mountains) for years, and has helped some buddies in TX on elk and auodad hunts. He is comfortable and skilled in the mountains. I did a 10 day trek at Philmont myself 7 years ago, our route was 120 miles, starting from the south end of the property, and ending at the north on the chase ranch. I was the oldest boy on my crew and my pack averaged 60-65lbs.

I've not kept up with strength and endurance training well the last five or so years. I'm 25, weigh approximately 165lbs I believe. But obviously could work towards building strength back up.

Give me your gut take, should I commit? For those who know Philmont, how much harder is getting after elk going to be?

 

[Indian Summer]

Just do it. It’s not a race.

 

[cam813]

I would say commit, but it depends on how bad you want to go.
If it were me, I would start walking/hiking with a pack to get your cardio up. You can increase the weight as you train.
My brother and I figured things out on our own after one time doing a guided hunt, and have been very fortunate to harvest Elk in the process. The experience and memories you get to make with your brother are priceless IMO.

 

[SuperDUECE22]

should I commit?

Absolutely

 

[Poser]

My brother called yesterday to say he had a lead on a Colorado Elk hunt. Local with a cabin that backed up to public land and he wants to know if I'm in.

If you want to go elk hunting, go elk hunting. Don't overthink it.

BUT, I wouldn't put much stock in this lead on a cabin owned by a local that backs up to public land.

 

[180ls1]

You wont regret it.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

Go for it. Start by getting back in shape, not that you sound like a total physical wreck.

 

[jgilber5]

Give me your gut take, should I commit? For those who know Philmont, how much harder is getting after elk going to be?

Absolutely go, whatever happens you'll learn. I'm assuming since this is coming up after the draw and you're looking at public, you're hunting an OTC rifle unit.

Philmont is pretty much as good as it gets. Hundreds of thousands of acres of prime habitat in one of the best units in the country, bordering other mega-ranches. As someone who has spent time on neighboring properties and hunted OTC Colorado, those are wildly different experiences. It will be far more challenging. Not impossible, elk will still do elk things, but you're going to have 100x the pressure and that will change things for sure.

 

[T-Rex]

I would go, don't worry about being "over your head". We all have to learn somewhere and it seems like a great opportunity to hang out, learn, and make memories with your brother!

Go for it!

 

[thisguy]

Can't think of many places I'd rather be than the mountains in September.

 

[TaperPin]

All parents just want their boys to make it to 30 without killing themselves doing something stupid. After that they will probably live a full life. Don’t get stuck on a ridge in a lightning storm, climb up or down any big rock faces that might be questionable, don’t get lost, have a backup plan if you are lost, or get stuck overnight with what’s in your pack, and don’t slice yourself when dressing out an elk. Oh, and don’t get Hep C from the fun girls in Denver.

Other than that, go and have fun.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

Yes, OP, you'll be fine. Go ahead and commit and do a little conditioning before season. Going in trained vs going in cold makes a big difference even if you don't build a lot of strength and endurance, you'll be fine.

 

[Rich M]

You're 25 - GO! By all means, train.

 

[cnelk]

Got something better to do?

 

[fngTony]

You're 25 - GO! By all means, train.

Agree! 25 yo me could be drunk with a broken leg and run circles around 45yo me

 

[Westensee]

You're 25, have done long days in a row hiking and are essentially going with a guide. Not to mention you have 3.5 months to prepare yourself for whatever shape you'd like to strive for. You will be fine.

Get your workout plan started today. Get your gear over the next few months. Get online and learn to elk hunt and research the area. Go hang out with your brother and enjoy the week together. Whatever else happens is a bonus.

20 years will go by quickly, and soon you will find that both of you have kids in different life stages and living in different states. Then hunting with your brother will be way more challenging to set up than you'd like, even if you both live in mountain states with elk.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Creature comforts of a cabin to fall back on, I think it would be a mistake not to go, worst case is you spend time with your brother in beautiful country for a while.

 

[Slick8]

I'd go, you have plenty of time for someone of your age to get in shape for the hunt.

Don't put too much stock in the cabin as that may not be where you want to hunt. It's a nice thought if it works out.

Be prepared safety wise and based on your personal experience set limitations. Taperpin outlined that well.

If possible, make a scouting trip. Even if only a full day in the elk country it will give you a much better appreciation for how to prep and what to expect on the hunt.

 

[Quandary]

Dude you're 25, not over weight and wondering if can do an Elk hunt..... To put this in perspective I'm 68 and pondering whether or not I can manage an Alaska sheep hunt after Caribou and Grizzly in the Tundra last year. Go hunt.

 

[hereinaz]

Do it.

The only thing a 25 yo often doesn’t have is the mental fortitude of a fat out of shape man who knows his limits but would rather die in the mountains than cutting out In n Out shakes.

Edited to add that I did a Philmont trek at 21 with my 65 year old dad, who continued to go in his 70s. You can do it.