Elk Hunting

Elk hunting in Colorado is what many hunters around the world dream about. Bowhunting begins in late August and lasts through the end of September. As the aspens begin to change from green to gold and you hear the bugle of a majestic bull as he gathers a harem, you'll swear you're in Rocky Mountain heaven.

Muzzleloaders can hunt in mid-September and rifle hunters begin their challenge usually around the middle of October with seasons continuing through the end of December. Teller county has a healthy elk population and over 80% of Teller County is public land available for your hunt.

There are several outfitters in Teller County who know the area well and can help you with a drop camp or fully guided hunting experience. More independent hunters should secure the newest area maps and check out the DOW interactive maps listed above which also show you summer and winter elk movements and staging areas.

First and fourth season elk hunts are now available only by limited draw. Find out complete information by clicking here 2008 Colorado hunting license information.

Mule Deer Hunting

Mule deer in Colorado have rebounded from a decline during the 1990's. Teller County is home to much of the Cripple Creek herd which approaches almost 15,000 animals. Deer can be found throughout the county with popular areas including Rampart Range, Shelf Road, and southern Cripple Creek. Hunting is available in Pikes Peak National Forest, several State Wildlife areas, BLM land, and state trust lands.

There are several outfitters in Teller County who know the area well and can help you with a drop camp or fully guided hunting experience. More independent hunters should secure the newest area maps and check out the DOW interactive maps listed above which also show you summer and winter deer movements.

Deer licenses are available by limited draw only. Find out complete information by clicking here 2008 Colorado hunting license information.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Colorado is home to the largest population of the Bighorn Sheep anywhere. Teller County's Dome Rock State Wildlife Area is home to many of these beautiful animals. The animals are five to six feet long with a tail three to six inches in length. Rams weigh 150-250 pounds, ewes 120-200. Males are about three feet high at the shoulder, ewes slightly less. Color is usually grayish brown, with a paler belly and a white rump patch. The massive, coiled horns of mature rams may make up to 10 percent of the body weight. Ewes have spike-like horns.

?Brooming? is the term used to describe the chipping and fraying of horns, usually caused by fighting. Some brooming may be caused by accidents or digging. Rams achieve ?full curl? at about seven or eight years of age. Usually, bighorn sheep are diurnal, being active during daylight and exhibit little nocturnal (nighttime) activity. Adult rams stay segregated from ewes, except during the rut. Young rams join bands of rams when they are two to three years old. Rams battle each other, cracking horns, to test dominance within in herd.

There are several outfitters in Teller County who know the area well and can help you with a drop camp or fully guided hunting experience. More independent hunters should secure the newest area maps and check out the DOW interactive maps listed above which also show you summer and winter sheep movements and staging areas.

All sheep season licenses are available by a very limited license draw. Find out complete information by clicking here 2008 Colorado hunting license information.

Black Bear Hunting

Black bears are familiar to everyone, and with the demise of the grizzly bear they are the largest of Colorado's carnivores. Although called black bears, they can be honey-colored, blond, brown, cinnamon or black. They may have a tan muzzle or white spot on the chest. Although brown or cinnamon-colored bears are sometimes mistaken for grizzly bears, there are no known grizzlies living in Colorado.

Adult males weigh from 275 pounds. Females weight about 175 pounds. Depending on the season, food supply and gender, black bears may weigh anywhere from 100 to 450 pounds. Black bears measure about 3 feet high when on all four feet. They can be 5 feet tall when standing on back legs.

Black bear have become more abundant thoughout Colorado and this includes Teller County. Bear hunting in Colorado remains a fall hunt only. Baiting is not allowed and scouting is highly recommended. You may be fortunate to come upon a bruiser exceeding 500 lbs. Care should also be taken while elk hunting and using calls. Bear and mountain lions have been known to respond to the sound of an elk calf or cow.

There are several outfitters in Teller County who know the area well and can help you with a drop camp or fully guided hunting experience. More independent hunters should secure the newest area maps and check out the DOW interactive maps listed above which also show you summer and winter bear movements.

Bear season licenses are available by limited draw and over the counter. Find out complete information by clicking here 2008 Colorado hunting license information.

Small Game Hunting

Hunting for small game is a great way to add meat to the freezer and to get out in the woods and fields to hone your outdoor skills. Teller County offers a variety of small game ranging from cottontail rabbits to large hares along with pine, red, and gray squirrels. Add blue grouse, dove, and turkey and you may have a hard time deciding where to concentrate your efforts.

Check out spring turkey hunting, turkey scouting, and muzzleloading articles for additional information.