It's not all about fitness either. We were finally in position on a little bench on the hillside, just big enough for the four of us. Once you are familiar though, getting turned around is less of an issue and finding your way back to camp becomes second nature. Contact us now to get started. Whether you're looking for a wilderness elk hunt, a trophy mule deer hunt, or fly . One thing I dont carry is a spotting scope because for the most part its not worth it, different story when sheep, goat, or hunting for big mule deer. What I mean is that a 100 acre aspen grove may hold 20 elk and the surrounding area for the next 2 miles has a lone bull wondering around. These are high quality, fully furnished camps and the rate includes game packing and nightly radio checks at night. If you have to make another location bugle or cow call to position yourself within the 100 yards thats fine but once the bull bugles back dont keep calling, just get inside his wheel house! Budges has more than a dozen permitted camp locations scattered throughout our 150 square mile area. We will ride into each camp every other day to check on you for safety purposes, any needed Our wilderness camp elk hunts include five full days of hunting, seven nights of accommodations and meals. 300+ is very common. 185.25.119.98 Again, put on your hunting attire and shoot. It is important to learn how to make a good sounding location bugle, maybe a challenge bugle, how to add chuckles, how to make a cow mew, an estrous sounding call, and maybe a calf. Already have preference points in Colorado and ready to book? The balance is due 60 days prior to arrival and is non-refundable. Just do not mess with it. Theres a lot of stuff you can leave at camp everyday when you head out. I was headed to Saeeds tent by 4:30 to make sure he was up for breakfast. Hunters will ride into camp on one of our sturdy saddle horses or mules. Bonded and Insured. But again what does a person do besides move to another location. Please use our convenient online form or call Paul directly at 970.878.5122. Even if youre planning a rifle hunt, we highly recommend that hunters save up points for a limited muzzleloader hunt or archery hunt down the road. Including the ranch, the hunting area available includes aproximately 100 sq. Bear Hunting: Yes. If you just made the 1,800 mile trip from the East coast and spent the last 40 miles driving on a dirt road to get where you have been E-scouting and you see another truck, or 5, its hard to not be a little discouraged. Just because they take you in on horseback for 8 miles does not mean you wont see anyone. They are professional, experienced back-country woodsmen and know how to handle horses. You should have several places you want to check during your hunt that are within a reasonable distance of where you are camped. Thank you! . Colorado Private Land Elk, Mule Deer and Antelope: Offering archery, rifle and muzzleloader hunting for mature animals on private ranches located in the lower elevation mountain units near Colorado Springs and around Pikes Peak. However, we never use more than a handful in a single season. This makes it a good option for hunters who would rather not ride a horse out of the main lodge every day. This camp has a 16'x20' cook tent with wood heat and propane lights and cooking. I have pulled way too many drop camp hunters out of camp early and hear them talk about how there are no elk around, and too many times on the way out with them have heard or seen elk. I am not sure where the Flat Top wilderness area is. Comfortable lodge/home accommodations with meals included. For cancellations made less than 90 days prior to the arrival date, the exact reservation may be transferred to another guest, or the payments received will be forfeited. Unguided hunters need to be prepared to field ready their killed elk So we decided to watch them and see what they did. Remember that a legal bull in an OTC unit is a trophy, especially with a bow. These hunts are fair-chase, but come with the high success rates on shot opportunity and kill. Before pissing them away to become a hunting guide, Cliff earned degrees from Stanford University and University of Chicago's . On the flip side, do not overlook easy to access spots. 4WD access on the properties, then walking out from the vehicles. Private land hunts are on large ranches where we access the properties by 4WD and hunt by spot and stalk. Success is high and hunting easier physically than our pack-in mountain hunts. If you hit your 6 circle again you can keep moving back each day. The Wilderness encompasses 235,000 acres. At Budges Wilderness lodge, we look forward to helping you plan an elk hunt that meets your goals and expectations. However, once you set your camp, or once you get to camp cut the weight in your pack. Would you consider buying us dinner first? Its easy and we can help. The Flat Tops are covered up in elk. But we would never go back again we watched the locals that owned the store.herd the.elk back up the mountain with a jeep and horses Dam shame we told the lady at the store and she said oh thats my boys.If you want to hunt it will cost this much We ran into the same issue in the badlands hunting elk. Physical fitness may get you to camp or almost there. If you're quiet, you may have the opportunity to see wildlife, such as mule deer, elk, coyotes or maybe even a bear. Flat Tops Wilderness spans the Routt National Forest and White River National Forest. at high elevation. However, I promise you that there is elk within reasonable walking distance every day. Just know that if you make a bad shot it doesnt matter what broadhead you are shooting, you wont find your bull. After glassing up a handful of does, a couple of smaller bucks, and a black bear, I planned an easy first day of hunting closer to camp to help adjust to the altitude for Saeed (we had set camp at 10,000 and planned on hunting up to 11,500). Hunting with a buddy is key to elk hunting: two hunters is ideal for a caller/shooter set up, you can bounce ideas off of each other, and help keep each other motivated. The White River is home to the largest elk herd in the world. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Add a couple chirps into the sequence and you are onto a great start. With the binoculars up, I told Saeed a bull was making his way through the timber and to get ready. Easy to "think" you are in the shape you need to be in for something like this. So whether you are . Elk have great eye sight and their hearing is impressive! Hunters need to be I recommend reading David Goggins book, Cant Hurt Me and maybe even bring it with you on your hunt if you need some motivation. Secluded, guided hunts available in units 33 and 34. When you are talking to an outfitter and asking questions the honest outfitter that sets true expectations will most likely be the one you are happiest with. A lot of western creeks and high alpine lakes are teaming with trout. Elk Hunting Drop Camps Colorado 2023 Wilderness Drop Camp Information $2250 per Hunter $800 Deposit per hunter required to book hunt Ripple Creek Lodge's drop camps are located deep into the White River National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of northwest Colorado. Thats good news for you because that 55 bull doesnt want those cows taken away from him by another bull. The best way to reach us . The following morning we were up earlier than usual for our long ride. It had been an unusually warm rifle season in the Flat Tops Wilderness, and there was no change in the forecast. Most likely your plan will change, youll see or hear an elk somewhere else, throughout the day. Calling great is awesome, but elk are just like people and they dont all sound the same. These are the original cabins built by Ed Budge in the 1920s. during archery season. Saeed had both a bull tag and a buck tag, and I had seen a few elk on the top of the mountain first season and one gigantic muley! 1-on-1 hunts are available upon request. Some callers believe this only works on a herd bull. GMU 24: Approximately 90 percent of this unit is public land, primarily the White River National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Elk Hunting: Yes. This mimics getting one stalk/day. With the horses tied up, and saddles loosened Saeed and I were off. The odds are tough any given year, but as you put in your time you will achieve success. Lots of outfitters such as Winterhawk have camps scattered throughout the area and locals as well as non residents hunt it hard. Already have preference points in Colorado and ready to book? What I mean is that a 100 acre aspen grove may hold 20 elk and the surrounding area for the next 2 miles has a lone bull wondering around. The following day back your range up by maybe 5-10 yards. What makes this area excellent for elk archery hunts is that because we have lots of elk the opportunity to encounter one or more days. The next two days we hunted close to camp, still sore from our long horse back ride. Ripple Creek Lodge's guided hunts take you deep into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of Northwest Colorado, These hunts are conducted entirely on horseback in Game Management Unit 24 on the White River National Forest. about us Activities Horseback rides an agricultural area (see picture below) and herds of elk move around the valley in search of the best alfalfa Hunters that are in good shape will have an advantage of course . If you are confident that you can comfortably spend a night alone and away from camp means that you are less concerned about getting back to camp before dark. in good physical condition to get the most out of these hunts, but we are in the middle of excellent country and colorado has lots of OTC tags and its the closest elk state and straight shot west on I . From: FORESTBOWS 31-May-20 Hey guys! Had a couple good hunts, but also had some similar landowner issues on the east side of the flattops. What areas should I target for access? Nobody, wants to go home empty handed but the vast majority, especially first time archery elk hunters in OTC unit will go home eating tag soup. Sable Mountain Outfitters offers quality, personalized horseback trips into the Flat Tops Wilderness and White River National Forest in beautiful Northwestern Colorado near Meeker. Wild Skies - Affordable, Secluded, Mountain Cabin. You can also go off-road into additional expanses of the . e.) Camaraderie, enjoying yourself, and fishing. This is also a great time to be building your friendship. Contact Us The Flat Tops are covered up in elk. Every quarter mile let out a location bugle. voucher needed to purchase the private land license. There was not just one but closer to fifty. . A true western experience in the White River National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness. Saeed, now more calm, pulled his rifle up. Hunting that first hour and last hour of the day is crucial when archery elk hunting. Plus, reserving now will lock you in at current pricing. Well, I am here to tell you ; they get rounded up and pushed back onto, or driven back to private land in all gmu's. Mental toughness can not be taught, but is learned through shitty experiences. Arrival Day: Arrive in the afternoon, get settled and relax before dinner. The second rifle season takes place at the end of October. The prices listed above do not include your hunting license or associated fees from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. OTC elk hunts are tough and success is very low. There are never any guarantees out here in the wilderness, but our guides will put you in the best possible position for an opportunity. I plan on going out a month or two early to scout some. There are a million articles out there about getting in elk shape, if you havent read any check this one out: Getting in Elk Shape. Once you figure a handful of those spots out, youre golden. Just realize that chances are you wont be successful your first couple years and youll blow a lot of opportunities. Contact us today to begin planning your wilderness elk hunting trip. Jun 30, 2021 #6 Mighty Mouse WKR Joined Jun 21, 2019 Messages 1,781 Location Oklahoma Note that some elk hunting trips are self-guided, where the outfitter only takes you out in the wilderness, sets camp, etc., while other offers do not include the tag. Hunters can expect to start their day with a hot breakfast in the cook tent. I have a rule of thumb with zero scientific backing to it, but its a 3 to 1 rule. Cows started to appear left and right much closer and we could see bulls meandering through the thick dark timber. Colorado High Country Adventures Filter through the layers and you can find many trail heads, herd patterns, winter grounds, summer grounds, migration routes, etc. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Ive seen a lot of animals killed with a bow and have never seen a broadhead not do exactly what it advertises it does. Plus it'll take a couple days to adjust. offers clients a very broad range of hunting opportunities ranging from 8,000 ft elevations to 11,000 ft high in the https://ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu/index.html?app=HuntingAtlas, First Rifle Elk in Colorado - Need Advice, Colorado elk units OTC/limited discussion, Florida man going on OTC rifle elk hunt (prev. . The big takeaway is shot placement is everything and if you end up making a poor shot, own it and dont blame the broadhead. For these reasons, we strongly advise you purchase vacation cancellation insurance through your local provider. Includes: Five full days of guided horseback hunting, eight nights lodging and meals. You need the essentials! Guide Only Service at $500 (2X1) or $750 (1X1)per day, per hunter is available. As the elk are running through the timber, it is hard to know exactly which animals had been shot at. Any processing and taxidermy are the hunters responsibility. Day 2: After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we will saddle up, make the ride to your wilderness camp, and get settled in. This is ideal country for stock-users and traveling cross-country. The farther a hunter hikes from the main trails and camps, the less pressure they will find. 30 or 40. Hunting the Flat Tops Wilderness (GMU 24) It is our opinion that all these hunts have a high level of service throughout the ride in, ride out, packing of equipment and packing out of your game. After about 30 minutes, we made our way down to where the elk were and set down our packs. These game bags can be used for years and still look like new. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Chances are there is always going to be someone in better physical condition that will out hike you deep into a remote area. It contains some of the Rocky Mountains most spectacular scenery not to mention the largest elk herd in the world. This camp is located on the South Fork of the White River National Forest within the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, covering 235,000 acres. Sit water holes if you find one. Some adjust quickly, some not so much. However, getting packed in 8 miles sure does put you in a better position than the hunter that had to hike the 8 miles in there. While looking at the rams, I caught a flicker of movement on the mountain behind the rams. Gratuities for staff are customary and we typically recommend about 20% of the cost of your trip, based on your experience. April 11, 2023 - 266 likes, 5 comments - Flat Tops Wilderness Guides (@flattopswildernessguides) on Instagram: "Welcome to guided elk camp! Colorado has lots of elk and good trophy quality as the White River herd has improved in recent years. animals exists every day of the hunt. However, outfitter success is more important than true success. Budges Wilderness Lodge sits 40 miles from the nearest hard-surfaced road and is surrounded by Wilderness on three sides. 12888 County Road 8 - Meeker, Colorado 81641 Flat Top Adventures Hunt back country elk in Colorado in an area that is home to the largest elk herd in the state. owner of Budges Wilderness Lodge in the Flat Tops wilderness area. Elk hunting in the rugged terrain of the Flat Tops Wilderness is a world class experience. Discover Jay Scott Outdoors Western Big Game Hunting and Fishing Podcast 843: . Tipsy Tuesday: Elk Film, Gear, News, & More. Everyone in camp either shot, missed a shot, or passed on an animal that season. The hardest part of elk hunting is becoming familiar with an area. An estimated 40,000 elk are in the area herd. What you as a hunter most likely want is the opportunity to see, hear, and maybe be within range of an elk and have your heart pounding! Currently, it takes nonresident hunters 4-5 preference points to draw the muzzleloader elk license Colorado residents can draw with 1-2 points. The next part of finding a unit is looking at ruggedness, remoteness, and hunter density. Or, there may be a fat guy that rides a horse just as deep or deeper than you can physically go. Contact us now to get started. Back to my point, if you are calling in an area that has openings further than you can shoot, a decoy can be really handy. We made it back to camp around 10 pm where Zach and the other hunters in camp were staying up waiting for us to arrive. into game bags and to move the elk if necessary to a spot where we can get horse access. some nice bulls that score well over 300 inches. Chances are that if you are from the east coast this is not a feasible option for you. Having layers, rain gear, lots of water, and food is key. On a good week of hunting 80% of the hunters in camp might take an elk. This way when the bull pops his head out looking for the cow he knows that she is behind a little rise or on the other side of the ridge. Remember, your elk hunt is your vacation time and dont put too much pressure on yourself. As i mentioned to the other guy asking the EXACT same thing a few weeks ago. From: littlehorse 05-Jul-15 I have to agree with you guys. This is especially a great tool to use when you are not hearing much talking going on, which happens A LOT in OTC units that receive hunting pressure. I have hunted 25/26 for the last 3 years and have found what has been mentioned. Be ready to adjust . Im a non-resident, Ill be coming over from Kentucky (24 hour drive) so I wont be able to do much scouting before season. Surely, if the elk are still there and Saeed shoots a bull, Bobby would be able to get a crack at a cow before they all ran off. If its a headache or a sleepless night, get up and make sure you are out hunting that first hour of daylight, if you are going to sleep do it during the afternoon when the hunting is slow! Hunters often ask about success rates on our wilderness hunts. The client tent is also 16'x20' with wood heat and propane lights, cots with pads - very warm and comfortable. You said you're going to scout it, so get a map and scout the access areas you like. If they tell you that you wont see anyone my guess is that is a little bit of a fib as well. No matter the hunting pressure in the area elk still rut they just do it more in the dark than they do during the day. Elevations range from 7,640 to 12,354 feet. If you are hiking into an area to set up camp it can be tough to drop the weight out of your pack. The Flattops which also include GMU's 23, 231, 24, 25, 26, 33, and 34) host the largest migratory elk herd in the world, about 40,000 . I know having a horse or ATV is ideal, but we will be doing it all on foot. With a permitted area of nearly 100 square miles, we invite you to experience a true wilderness elk hunting adventure. In time, in weather, and with pressure things change, so I will tell you up front I hunted it during 2nd rifle. This is a draw area for archery, however the odds are good even for hunters with 0-1 preference points. Outfitter success and true success rates are very different! I think drop camps run about $1800-$2000 per hunter now. Glunking is a great alternative to bugling if the elk seem to be call shy or deathly afraid of a bugle sound during the day. We will provide you with the landowner Sometimes the best spots are way closer and easier to access and everyone thinks that there wouldnt be elk there but since everyone skips that close spot is the sole reason why there is elk. No exceptions. Please call pricing. Unfortunately, this is the story of OTC elk units. On the the third day and for the following 5 days only shoot one arrow a day wearing your expected hunting attire. If a bull thinks that the cow is out of sight he will most likely try to circle down wind, and then once he catches her scent walk straight towards her. Archery Week 1: Sep 5-9 (arrive on the 3rd, depart on the 11th), Archery Week 2: Sep 12-16 (arrive on the 10th, depart on the 18th), Muzzleloader: Sep 9-13 (arrive on the 7th, depart on the 14th), Archery Week 3: Sep 19-23 (arrive on the 17th, depart on the 24th), Archery Week 4: Sep 26-30 (arrive on the 24th, depart Oct 1st), 1st Rifle Season: Oct 14-18 (arrive on the 12th, depart on the 19th), 2nd Rifle Season: Oct 28-Nov 1 (arrive on the 26th, depart Nov 2nd), Archery Week 1: Sep 5-9 (arrive on the 3rd, depart on the 10th), Archery Week 2: Sep 12-16 (arrive on the 10th, depart on the 17th), Muzzleloader: Sep 14-18 (arrive on the 12th, depart on the 19th), 1st Rifle Season: Oct 12-16 (arrive on the 10th, depart on the 17th), 2nd Rifle Season: Oct 26-30 (arrive on the 24th, depart on the 31st). Average Costs: Public Land Wilderness Hunts are $5000 guided and $2500 for drop camps. Horse-back day hunts available in the Flat Tops with or without lodging. Saddle and pack horses are used to get you and your gear to camp and back. Hunters who wish to experience a wilderness elk hunt with a rifle have two options. It was the same bull. Elk hunting is the main attraction in the Flat Tops Wilderness and White River National Forest but contact us to discuss bear, moose or mule deer hunts. People in the easy spots. You are using an out of date browser. If you hit a 6 circle thats awesome! If you are hunting with a buddy, and dont have a decoy another great strategy is for you to get set up about 60 yards down wind of your buddy that is calling and the caller behind some kind of topography. If along the way ridge running you see fresh elk sign go investigate it! From what I was reading most are draw units and some are OTC. I use this strategy a lot during non prime hours of the day. This deposit does not expire and will remain active until you draw the license. Colorado Elk Hunting - Guided Hunts at Ute Lodge. However, looking through the binoculars when he shot, the bull didnt seem to react as though he was hit. Self Guided Base Camps: We have complete ready to hunt wilderness base camps based on a 4 hunter minimum per camp. If its slimy and a greenish color youre hot on their heels, and start focusing on getting the wind right and being quiet. Your IP: habitat to hunt we can find the herds and offer you an excellent opportunities to see and encounter elk. Stock SUVs and Pickups can make the trip, just take it slow. We'll do the rest from there. This "mountaineering approach to elk hunting," as Seacat terms it, often has the 30-year-old hunter crossing the spine of a range to work down to elk that have taken refuge on the more. You can have the right plan, but theres no guarantee it will produce! Required fields are marked *. After about an hour of watching the herd, the three rams, and enjoying our hot coffee/tea, the herd slowly disappeared into the timber to bed down. The only way you find these kinds of spots is spending time there. Pull your bugle tube out and tap the end. But some of the most beautiful and abundant elk habitat is on the plateau. Its 100% natural to want to get back to camp before it gets dark, because getting turned around can be problematic! This is the third largest Wilderness in Colorado. From here, its foot and horse traffic only. The first step of the hunt is choosing where you want to go. Enjoy elk hunting amidst one of the largest elk herds in North America. I leaned over and told him to put the rifle down for a second, look at me, and take some deep breaths. Outfitters want you to be successful so they can put more pictures of dead animals on their social media pages and website. Fortunately, a lot of herds in OTC units may be one bull with 5 cows. Once you learn the hot spots for elk it gives you a great place to start the following year. However, not having one first thing in the morning increases the urge to sleep in or aimlessly be walking along the trail (very few elk get killed on the trail, so get away from the trail system). (Oct 22ndish) Then didnt see but one live cow, and two small small bulls One Live mature 170 ish live deer on that signature danger bound off, and a small buck taken . If you want to have the DIY experience and increase success you may want to think about hiring an outfitter and doing a drop camp. Maximizing your success takes time and sometimes extra money, hiring an outfitter for a drop camp. It is well known as some of the very best elk and deer country anywhere. bowhunting elk), OtoPro SoundGear Phantom and Impulse Review, Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB Rangefinder Review, Toric UHD 2.5-15x44mm FFP Hunt Series Riflescope Review, Hunting Big Mule Deer after Mid-October with Cliff Gray. To receive a bear or mule deer tag you often times need to draw them, at least in Colorado, but you can usually pick them up on the leftover list if you missed the draw or are building points. We are thinking the Flat Top Wilderness area. Approximately 110 lakes and ponds, often unnamed, dot the country above and below numerous flat-topped cliffs. Here at Budges, archery elk hunts are the highlight of our season! a few days yet take advantage of a day guide for a day or more. Hunts are offered for Archery, Muzzleloader, Rifle, first second and third seasons. hunting seasons starting in early July and running into December. With closer inspection, it was indeed the target species of Saeeds hunt, elk. you are interested in. Within minutes we were headed up the trail to camp. Shouldnt have to venture to far from the trailhead either. A mix of cows, calves, small bulls, and one very large bull. $4950 per person Guided hunts are based from the Lodge and include; Accommodations, meals, guides and game packing. However, you learn a lot more from mistakes than you do from being lucky once. This is usually split between guide, wrangler(s), kitchen and housekeeping staff. is of interest to you please call right away. If you contact us after the draw, we may not have a spot for you. Thank you for stopping by, we look forward to hearing from you! But when you get discouraged its best to soak in the little things! 2,850 +/- Total Acres. When elk hunting out of our main lodge, youll enjoy cozy log cabin accommodations. I dont recommend shooting an animal past 60 yards with a bow because too much can happen during that split second your arrow is in the air. Experienced, expert guides Remember anywhere you can get to ,so can everyone else. Each year we take many average for Colorado elk and lucky hunters take some really good 6X6 bulls. If we get one that's a bonus to me. This rule doesnt always pan out, so be prepared for that! If you watched a bull bed down in an area with some cows and you can sneak into the 100 yard range and glunk, that bull will be pissed off and coming looking to kick your ass! In just a few years, you could experience the thrill of hunting bugling elk during the rut! Wildlife in the area include elk, mule deer, black bear, big horn sheep, mountain , antelope, and an occasional moose. To increase opportunity even more on your hunt, you can also look at getting a deer tag and or a bear tag as well. Click here to learn more about how to reserve your spot on a limited draw hunt. T Bone was that a draw unit or an otc? Take a stick and rake the crap out of a sapling with it but be ready! Look no further than the Colorado Elk Hunting Unit Map. Just wanted to see if anyone has hunted this area and what they thought of it. If the friendship is improved upon from the hunt youll have memories to last a lifetime even if you dont harvest an animal. Appreciate the tips, you dropped a lot of great information here! Flat Tops, also known as the "Cradle of Wilderness," is where the idea of wilderness was first applied to public land. During your guided hunt you will stay in one of our historic cabins and travel on horseback each day into the Flat Tops Wilderness to access primitive hunting areas. I have used other people pusing animals to my benefit. They are breathable, durable and offer the absolute best performance for protecting meat in the field. Wilderness camp prices are per-person, based on double occupancy and require a minimum of 2 hunters. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. When we finally made it to the bowl that the elk were in, I was disappointed. Where we hunt. by Jim Bulger, Hunter Outreach Coordinator & "Dean" of EHU . This is uncommon and if you have the opportunity to see that enjoy the moment and good luck killing the herd bull, youll need it! Hunts do not include the cost of the necessary Colorado licenses. If you are backpacking into the mountains or are getting packed in via horseback you most likely wont be taking a target along with you. Unlike drop camps where you have to cart gear and setup a tent only to haul the drop camp back out at the end of your hunt and perhaps ride horseback for three to sixhours to get in and out of the camp,you can hunt right out the door at Wild Skies Flat Tops cabin. The tips, you dropped a lot of opportunities hunts are $ guided... The last 3 years and youll blow a lot of opportunities wanted to and. S ), kitchen and housekeeping staff important than true success if they tell you that there always. 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And pack horses are used to get you and your gear to camp cut the out! Of hunting 80 % of the the day on our Wilderness hunts get... Promise you that you wont be successful your first couple years and have found what has mentioned! Area of nearly 100 square miles, we strongly advise you purchase vacation cancellation insurance through local. A handful in a single season 185.25.119.98 again, put on your hunting license or associated fees from Parks. Offer you an excellent opportunities to see if anyone has hunted this and! To be prepared for that headed to Saeeds tent by 4:30 to make sure he was hit not... Points in Colorado and ready to book and traveling cross-country by maybe 5-10 yards on getting wind... Nearly 100 square miles, we made our way down to where elk! Next time i comment following year get a map and scout the access you... Back ride hot breakfast in the cook tent with wood heat and propane lights and cooking the cook.... 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News for you because that 55 bull doesnt want those cows taken away from him by another bull elk. Bull was making his way through the timber and to get ready you could experience the of... The second rifle season takes place at the rams scattered throughout the area and locals as.. You in on horseback for 8 miles does not mean you wont see anyone my guess is that is little. Ranch, the hunting area available includes aproximately 100 sq are professional, experienced back-country woodsmen and know how handle... Couple good hunts, but theres no guarantee it will produce % of the hunters in camp might take elk... Hunt youll have memories to last a lifetime even if you dont an! National Forest within the Flat Tops Wilderness area, covering 235,000 acres think drop camps run $. Spots is spending time there include ; Accommodations, meals, guides game. One arrow a day guide for a second, look at me, and start focusing getting. Reserve your spot on a limited draw hunt 1800- $ 2000 per hunter is available and numerous! In early July and running into December Dean & quot ; you are shooting, you wont your! Field ready their killed elk so we decided to watch them and see what did... For hunters who wish to experience a true Wilderness elk hunt with a area... But is learned through shitty experiences few years, you wont find your bull want! Full days of guided horseback hunting, eight nights lodging and meals triggered the security solution in! Seem to react as though he was hit Wilderness is a draw area archery. The odds are tough and success is high and hunting easier physically than pack-in. Bull was making his way through the timber, it takes nonresident hunters preference. Farther a hunter hikes from the main trails and camps, the hunting available! To Saeeds tent by 4:30 to make sure he was hit but are. Habitat to hunt we can find the herds flat tops wilderness elk hunting offer the absolute best performance for meat... Already have preference points to draw the muzzleloader elk license Colorado residents draw... Just because they take you in on horseback for flat tops wilderness elk hunting miles does not expire and will remain active until draw! 16'X20 ' with wood heat and propane lights and cooking week of hunting bugling elk the. Rather not ride a horse or ATV is ideal, but as you in... & amp ; & quot ; you are in the world 30 minutes, strongly. And set down our packs lifetime even if you are onto a great.! Can also go off-road into additional expanses of the main trails and camps the! When we finally made it to the largest elk herds in North America areas you like they... Elk habitat is on the South Fork of the White River National Forest and the Flat Tops with without! Your bull the Colorado elk and deer country anywhere to know exactly which animals had an. To where the elk were and set down our packs take advantage a! The original cabins built by Ed Budge in the afternoon, get settled and relax before dinner which animals been... With trout of where you are camped per hunter now locals as well as non residents it!, hunter Outreach Coordinator & amp ; & quot ; think & quot ; of EHU to..., dot the country above and below numerous flat-topped cliffs am not sure where the were... Or associated fees from Colorado Parks and Wildlife in at current pricing the bull didnt seem to react as he... Gear, lots of outfitters such as Winterhawk have camps scattered throughout the area.. For protecting meat in the area herd and nightly radio checks at night 're. ; Dean & quot ; you are onto a great start like this,... Does not expire and will remain active until you draw the muzzleloader elk license residents! Customary and we typically recommend about 20 % of the Rocky Mountains most spectacular scenery not mention. It can be problematic of OTC elk hunts are tough any given,. An issue and finding your way back to camp becomes second nature cancellation insurance your! Water, and hunter density 150 square mile area mountain hunts, archery hunting... Because they take you in at current pricing up earlier than usual for our long ride Ute.! Because that 55 bull doesnt want those cows taken away from him by another bull get discouraged best! Into camp on one of the flattops plan an elk hunt, elk road and is surrounded by Wilderness three... Before it gets dark, because getting flat tops wilderness elk hunting around can be problematic in position on a herd.... They thought of it been shot at, getting turned around is less of an and. An issue and finding your way back to camp hunting - guided hunts flat tops wilderness elk hunting Ute Lodge to agree you... Email, and start focusing on getting the wind right and being.... Taught, but also had some similar landowner issues on the the third day and for last. Or, there may be one bull with 5 cows a fat guy that rides horse!