Colorado Elk Hunt. Sidearm??

[cjk]

I have been invited on an archery elk hunt in Colorado in 2008. The group has been going for years and has an opening. They do not carry sidearms and say they havent had any problems.

Having never BTDT, I envision downing an elk, and meeting or having a large critter(bear,etc) follow the blood trail dripping out of my pack loaded with meat while heading back to camp.

I would rather not lug around extra weight(pistol) of its not needed, but i sure would like it there if I do need it.

So anyone have trouble with critters in Co?
Nothing to worry about?
Buy a new .45?

 

[royinidaho]

I'd say that you shouldn't have to be concerned w/BIG critters or arguments over the gut pile with them.

In parts of Eastern Idaho its a different story The griz have learned to come to the shot knowing that sometimes there is a nice gut pile waiting. That's why its good to "gut and get gone".

My research on this forum says that a 45 Long Colt in Ruger Blackhawk, 5.x" barrel w/310gr hard cast bullets loaded to around 1000fps is just the ticket.

Nice to carry, nice to shoot, and has plenty of frontal area w/some umph...

 

[ss7mm]

Just be sure to check all game laws for Colorado.

I can't say about Colorado, but there are states that won't allow you to carry a firearm of any kind while archery hunting, so check before just to be sure.

 

[J E Custom]

Sidearms

CJK

The only time you will have problems is if you are still
hunting and slip in between a sow and her cubs.

Normally the bears want to get as far away from you
as possible.

I have bow hunted in colorado at least 15 seasons and
never had a problem with any nasty's coming to a kill
( to much celebrating going on ).

Depending on where you hunt, magpies ( a very noisy
Bird ) may find your elk before you. "Can be good help
at times".

Also be sure and check the management area rules if
you decide to carry a side arm.

Good Luck
J E CUSTOM

 

[huntinfool18]

if i remember correctly you can not have ANY firearm with you when archery hunting in colorado. your not even suposed to have them in your vehicle or camp. might want to check and make sure. huntinfool18

 

[royinidaho]

there are states that won't allow you to carry a firearm of any kind while archery hunting,

Who in their right mind would obey a dumb regulation like that?

Got involved in a field investigation as I was in the area. The warden asked if any of us were carrying a side arm. We said, no, as none of us were. But he never looked.

 

[cjk]

Thanks guys. I didnt read anything in the rules that says sidearms are illegal. Sounds like the wild, wild west isnt as wild as it used to be.

 

[Eaglet]

Thanks guys. I didnt read anything in the rules that says sidearms are illegal. Sounds like the wild, wild west isnt as wild as it used to be.

Yah, that's because there's a bunch of idiots called law makers that have nothing better to do but create stupid laws!!!!!!!!!! Any human's life should be higher valued that an animal's life. If you're bow hunting in bear country, and it's illegal to carry side arms, your law makers don't give a hoot about your life!!! Believe it or not!!!

 

[msalm]

I just came back from an archery hunt in CO and it is legal to carry a sidearm, and I did. Turned out I was very glad I did as after shooting a large cow one evening and boning out the meat my buddy and I were headed back to camp with headlamps on. We ran into a mountain lion that was pretty curious about us, and got within 40 yards or so before it disappeared. A brother-in-law of mine hunts out there every year with his father and a friend and twice now they've encountered black bears that acted quite aggressively. We've never had to use our side-arms yet (knock on wood), but they've been very comforting to have on our sides at times.

Out of the group, a couple carry blackhawk 44 mags, one Airweight 44 mag, one Taurus 454 Raging bull, a blackhawk 45 Long Colt, and before my hunt I bought a Freedom Arms 475 Linebaugh with 6" barrel. Maybe a little large, but I didn't feel encumbered by it at all and it was mighty comforting to have stoked with 420gr WFN boolits.

I'd say carry one. It would be better to have one and not need it than need it and not have it....

 

[hillajam]

I just got done talking with the Colorado DOW and they said it is legal to carry a sidearm as long as it is visible. It cannot be concealed. They also said even a person accompanying you who doesn't have a license can carry one for protection.

 

[rtv900]

There are no brown bears in CO. Mtn. Lions are there but they will wait until you are gone if they come in at all. I have archery hunted all over CO for years and never had a problem. I own side arms but personally have never brought one with me in the field in CO. To much weight for something I will never use in that state.

If you get into Utah, Wyoming and MT then you should think about taking something with you.

 

[Eaglet]

To much weight for something I will never use in that state.

I know you mean well though that's the thing that will get you in trouble.
A man might only need it once all his life, that once is what counts. I won't go no where without my glock 22. At camp is under my pillow, in my truck is next to me, at home the same and I always pray the Lord never to let me use it against a human being. I also have a 44 mag. Ruger Red Hawk, that one is too heavy, but if it was all I had at least is more accurate than my 40 if it has bullets, and if I run out of bullets I can use it very effectively by holding it at the muzzle end.

I advice to get some small, light weight 40 caliber hand gun to pack where ever you go, even running around the block. Don't do it without a conceal weapon permit.