Colorado Rifle Combo Hunt - 2nd Season
Shared Trip
Active hunting
Colorado 2nd rifle season targets elk and mule deerDrawonly combo hunt with expert guide assistance includedCooler weather drives game into accessible hunting areas
Picture this: crisp mountain air, fresh snow dusting the peaks, and elk bugling echoing across the canyon. That's what you'll get with Silver Spur Outfitters' 2nd rifle combo hunt in Colorado. This isn't your average weekend hunt - it's a draw-only opportunity that puts you right in the sweet spot when multiple species are on the move. When the weather turns and those first snowflakes start flying, game patterns shift dramatically, and that's exactly when you want to be out there with a tag in your pocket.
The 2nd rifle season hits that perfect window when Colorado's big game really starts moving. We're talking late October into early November, when the rut activity is winding down but the animals are getting pushed by weather into more predictable patterns. This is a solo hunter's dream - just you, your guide, and miles of prime Colorado hunting country. No crowds, no rushing, just methodical hunting at its finest. Your guide knows these mountains like the back of their hand, and they'll have you glassing productive basins and migration routes where elk and mule deer funnel through as winter approaches. The combo tag means you're not locked into hunting just one species - flexibility is key when conditions change by the hour up here.
Colorado's high country during 2nd season is all about elevation changes and weather patterns. Your guide will have you starting high - think 9,000 to 11,000 feet - where you can glass the timber edges and open parks at first light. As the day warms up, game often moves into the darker timber, so we'll adjust our strategy accordingly. Fresh snow is your best friend out here - it makes tracking a whole lot easier and pushes animals down from the alpine zones. We'll be covering ground on foot, so come prepared for some hiking. The terrain varies from open meadows where you might take a 300-yard shot to thick timber where 50 yards is a long poke. Your guide will help you read the wind, identify fresh sign, and position you for the best possible shot opportunity. Expect to use your binoculars more than your rifle - patience and good glassing skills separate successful hunters from the ones going home empty-handed.
Elk are the crown jewel of Colorado hunting, and during 2nd season, they're transitioning from rut behavior to winter survival mode. Bulls are still carrying their full rack but they're not as vocal as they were in September. Instead, they're focused on feeding heavily before the deep snow arrives. Look for them in the aspen groves and south-facing slopes where the sun keeps the grass accessible. A mature Colorado bull can weigh 700-900 pounds, and there's nothing quite like spotting one of these giants silhouetted against a snow-covered ridge. The meat quality is outstanding this time of year since they've been feeding all summer and haven't been stressed by the rut for weeks.
Mule deer during 2nd season are absolutely prime - their gray winter coats are coming in thick, and the bucks are still pumped up from breeding activity. Colorado produces some of the biggest mule deer in North America, with mature bucks easily scoring 160-180 inches. They're creatures of habit, often bedding in the same draws and feeding in predictable areas. The key is catching them during their movement windows - early morning and late afternoon. Unlike whitetails, mule deer will often stop and look back when spooked, giving you that second chance if you're ready. The high-protein summer diet of mountain forbes and browse creates incredibly flavorful venison that's lean and perfect for steaks or roasts.
This combo hunt represents everything that makes Colorado hunting legendary. You're getting access to prime units during the most productive time of year, with a guide who's spent decades learning these mountains. The draw-only nature means limited pressure and better hunting conditions. Weather can change fast up here, but that's what makes it exciting - and productive. One day you might be hunting in shirtsleeves, the next you're tracking elk through fresh powder. That's Colorado hunting at its finest. Silver Spur Outfitters has the tags, the knowledge, and the country to make this hunt one you'll be talking about for years. Don't wait on this one - combo tags for quality units are getting harder to draw every year, and this opportunity won't last long.
Colorado