Close-Range Hunts During Archery Season

Archery elk hunting in Montrose uses calling and spot-and-stalk techniques to bring you within bow range of bulls during the rut.

You will hunt during archery season when bulls are vocal and responsive to calling, giving you opportunities to close the distance and set up within effective bow range. Around Montrose, terrain includes steep drainages, timbered ridges, and open parks where elk move between bedding and feeding areas. Camp David Outfitting LLC specializes in proven spot-and-stalk hunts around wallows, water sources, and major crossing areas—paired with effective calling sequences that bring bulls in close without spooking the herd.

Your guide uses a combination of locator bugles, cow calls, and silent movement to position you where a bull is likely to approach. Private land access gives you the ability to hunt areas with less pressure, which often results in bulls that respond more predictably to calling. Archery hunting requires patience, controlled movement, and the ability to draw and shoot when the animal is within thirty to forty yards, often while the bull is still moving or looking for the source of the call.

Contact Camp David Outfitting LLC to book your archery elk hunt in Montrose and review available dates during the rut.

How Archery Hunts Are Set Up

Your guide will scout before the hunt to locate bulls, identify bedding areas, and listen for bugling activity. In Montrose, elk often move into timber after sunrise, so early mornings and late afternoons are when calling setups are most productive. You will move quietly through the terrain, stopping to call and listen for responses before deciding whether to close the distance or reposition.

Once a bull responds, your guide will work the call to pull the animal toward your position while you prepare for the shot. You will need to draw your bow when the bull is distracted or obscured by cover, then hold until you have a clear angle on the vitals. After a successful shot, your guide will help you track the blood trail, recover the animal, and begin field care. Archery kills often require careful tracking because blood trails can be lighter than rifle shots.

Hunts take place on private land where Camp David Outfitting LLC has permission, which limits interference from other hunters and increases the likelihood that bulls remain in predictable areas. Your guide will also help you practice range estimation and shooting positions before the hunt if you want to confirm your setup.

What bowhunters usually want to know

Bowhunters preparing for archery elk season often ask about calling strategies, shot distances, private land access, and what happens after the shot is taken.

What calling techniques are used during archery elk hunts?
Your guide will use locator bugles to find bulls, then switch to cow calls or challenge bugles depending on how the bull responds. Calling is adjusted in real time based on the animal's mood and proximity.
How close do I need to be for a bow shot?
Most shots happen between twenty and forty yards, though your guide will work to position you within your effective range. You should be comfortable drawing and holding your bow while a bull is approaching or circling downwind.
What happens if I wound an elk with my bow?
Your guide will mark the shot location, look for blood or hair, and begin tracking carefully to avoid pushing the animal. Patience is critical, and in many cases you will wait before starting the trail to let the elk bed down.
Why does private land access matter for archery hunts?
Private land around Montrose sees less hunting pressure, which means elk are more likely to respond naturally to calling and less likely to be spooked by other hunters. It also gives you exclusive access to known bedding and feeding areas.
When is the best time to book an archery elk hunt?
Archery season typically runs through September, with peak bugling activity happening mid-month. Camp David Outfitting LLC recommends booking early to secure dates during the rut when bulls are most vocal.

Camp David Outfitting LLC provides access to private land in Montrose where bulls respond to calling and hunters can work within bow range without competing for space. Reach out to confirm your archery season dates and discuss your setup.