flat tops wilderness elk huntingflat tops wilderness elk hunting

North West Colorado Rifle Elk Hunt in GMU 12: Access through private land to limited access federal land DIY elk hunt with the largest elk herd in the world (40,000+ animals) This unit has unlimited Over The Counter Tags and a hunter can also purchase one of over 1000 leftover cow . So get on Google Earth and start looking for elk areas. Instead of spending enough time to be a competitive caller, learn how to make a good sound and not squeak your cow call when under pressure, you are probably good to go. At dinner that night, I told the other guides and hunters about the herd of elk we had seen. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Flat Tops Wilderness CO Drop Camp with River's Bend Outfitters 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! I've DIY hunted otc archery in the flat tops wilderness and west elk wilderness. Colorado Elk Hunting - Guided Hunts at Ute Lodge. Our large hunt area and number of camps allows us to increase your chances. 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. They will probably share waypoints of wallows, glassing spots, historically productive meadows, etc. If a hunting trip is cancelled with more than 90-days notice prior to the arrival date, the non-refundable deposit may be credited toward other guests or dates within 12 months of the date of the original reservation, subject to availability. (Note: meals and lodging are not included). The Flat Tops are covered up in elk. Some callers believe this only works on a herd bull. However, that high success rate requires a longer wait. There was a little bit of snow on the ground in spots which helped us see exactly where the elk were standing. However, I bet there will be a time during the hunt that youll glass up elk that you cant efficiently hunt from your base camp. Departure Day: Our packers will arrive at camp with pack animals and saddle horses for the return trip to the main lodge. Over the past several years, our muzzleloader hunters have had 100% shot opportunity! (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 . ALL RIFLE AND OTC ARCHERY HUNTS: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your dates. I like to enjoy my time on the mountain and carrying camp shoes, a chair, fishing rod, etc is worth the additional weight to me. At Budges Wilderness lodge, we look forward to helping you plan an elk hunt that meets your goals and expectations. Its more important when things are slow and you start thinking about quitting. Flat Tops, also known as the "Cradle of Wilderness," is where the idea of wilderness was first applied to public land. FLAT TOPS The second largest wilderness in Colorado is the Flat Tops, with roughly 235,000 acres within its boundaries. Ive already been messing around middle of the day calling with a buddy thinking there isnt any elk around and then leave from that spot, just to look back and see an elk standing EXACTLY where I was when I made that call. Here we offer guided and unguided hunts in the Flat Tops Secluded, guided hunts available in units 33 and 34. An Introduction to Elk Hunting. Ive seen a lot of animals killed with a bow and have never seen a broadhead not do exactly what it advertises it does. On the the third day and for the following 5 days only shoot one arrow a day wearing your expected hunting attire. during archery season. Saddle and pack horses are used to get you and your gear to camp and back. Big Game Hunting Areas Aspen-Sopris Ranger District Basalt Area Blanco Ranger District (East of Meeker, CO) Flat Tops NW Big Fish #1819 Big Marvine Peak #2258 Big Ridge #1820 Bring your sleeping bag and personal hunting gear, and well take care of the rest. Also, hold out for a good bull! Spend more time hunting, not traveling. Some ranches have land owner vouchers and other hunts you will draw the license. Bull elk rifle and archery OTC area hunts are available in Colorado. Then Ryan and Cliff discuss the upcoming Colorado Big Game Draw, including . Posted by on April 13, 2023 | Featured | best seats at staples center for a concert on April 13, 2023 | Featured | best seats at staples center for a concert I could have punched a tag most days hunted, just didn't find one I wanted. 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. Not sure if you're a resident but either way, this is a great resource. Horseback hunting will be our primary means of transportation, but 44 and hiking will be used to access some areas. A mix of cows, calves, small bulls, and one very large bull. Hunters can expect to start their day with a hearty breakfast in the main lodge. Already have preference points in Colorado and ready to book? The action you just performed triggered the security solution. In a real life situation youll be lucky to let one arrow fly during the course of the week. The flatops are pretty high in elevation. Guided Hunting: Our mountain guides are knowledgeable hunters and are very committed to providing you a successful hunt. Prices are per-person, based on double occupancy (2 person minimum per cabin). This article is meant to provide you some tips and tricks for your first few hunts. Please call pricing. A federally designated Wilderness Area and home to the worlds largest Elk herd, the Flat Tops offers our guided . Had a couple good hunts, but also had some similar landowner issues on the east side of the flattops. Colorado residents can draw with 0-1 point. and crops and we hunt according to game movement. I plan on going out a month or two early to scout some. The next part of finding a unit is looking at ruggedness, remoteness, and hunter density. Advance reservations take priority. This camp is located on the South Fork of the White River National Forest within the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, covering 235,000 acres. Once you become familiar with an area youll find that you capitalize on prime hours a lot more! accommodations in modern cabins, or from tent camps. These are the standard operating policies of Budges and are subject to change without notice. You can safely assume you have an hour that they will still be up feeding. It had been an unusually warm rifle season in the Flat Tops Wilderness, and there was no change in the forecast. The Flattops aren't like an untrampled wilderness. by Jim Bulger, Hunter Outreach Coordinator & "Dean" of EHU . Hikers, hunters, anglers and equestrians can also find recreational opportunities nearby. Outfitter success is usually opportunities on game and true success is filling out a tag. Of all the potential reasons why hunters go home empty handed, their lack of physical fitness and mental toughness is at the top of the heap. The valleys and relatively gentle land above the cliffs offers over 160 . With that being said, a lot of folks dont take it serious and they regret it as soon as they hit the trailhead. . you reserve. Pick a dozen trail heads and that way if the first three are full, you have a plan in place to move on until you find something more to your liking. In just a few years, you could experience the thrill of hunting bugling elk during the rut! As a rule of thumb, just know that you are going to see other hunters and use that to your advantage. We made the hike back to the horses and jumped on. Saeed pulled out a cigar in celebration and talk of how he is going to mount the bull begins to be tossed around. For that reason, our Cancellation Policy is as follows: You may cancel your trip at any time, but all payments, deposits and fees paid to Budges are 100% non-refundable. Though it was still somewhat early to call it a day I knew Saeed and the horses would need all the rest they could get for the following mornings hunt. Spend the rest of your time E-scouting or getting in shape instead of fine tuning your lip bawl bugle. The biggest tip is that less is usually more. Activities at Trappers Lake Trappers Lake, Colorado. Call around and talk to several outfitters and ask for references. The elk herd in our area is estimated at 42,000 animals. However, hes looking right at that spot and is looking for that cow. It had been an unusually warm rifle season in the Flat Tops Wilderness, and there was no change in the forecast. From: littlehorse 05-Jul-15 I have to agree with you guys. Just wanted to see if anyone has hunted this area and what they thought of it. You probably wont have much competition due to the extremely limited tags in that area. The Flat Tops is a large area. Shouldnt have to venture to far from the trailhead either. So we decided to watch them and see what they did. Does Not Include: Hunting license, CPW application costs, gratuities, weapon, or personal gear, or transportation to and from the lodge. Cliff and his outfit have been guiding elk and mule deer hunters in Colorado's Flat Tops Wilderness Area for over 30 years so needless to say, he is a book of knowledge when it comes to hunting big game on public land. If the hunt is unsuccessful we will leave the elk during the day and return later in the afternoon when This is usually split between guide, wrangler(s), kitchen and housekeeping staff. Here at Budges Wilderness lodge, we take the care of wild game meat very seriously. If you havent fly fished before I bet youll catch your first fish on a fly rod in the high country. This is the third largest Wilderness in Colorado. Elk have great eye sight and their hearing is impressive! In most cases, you will stay out all day and we will provide a sack lunch. $4950 per person Guided hunts are based from the Lodge and include; Accommodations, meals, guides and game packing. drop camp in white river national forest. Below is a description of the elk hunting available with Colorado High Country We have many drainages to hunt, dark timber for when the weather is warm and Once were back at the lodge, you can load everything into your truck for the trip home. acres of private land. There are never any guarantees out here in the wilderness, but our guides will put you in the best possible position for an opportunity. Chances are that what you see in person will change some of the places you chose but at least you have a game plan on the first morning. Its pretty amazing how many times you can find yourself sprinting through the mountains! Where we hunt. How about build one if it has been raining for 3 days and everything is soaked, or maybe you fell at a creek crossing and the tinder that you carry is soaked. We have updated our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy as of May 5th, 2020, Colorado OTC Archery Elk - Hunting in a Group vs. Alone & Number of Tags. Whether you're looking for a wilderness elk hunt, a trophy mule deer hunt, or fly . It will be a 2 man hunt, backcountry camping (single man tents, no ATV or Horses) and all on foot. And all gear will be taken by our hard working pack animals. However, some units still offer either sex tags during archery season. Take pictures of the sunrise/sunset and enjoy the gray jays (camp robbers/whiskey jack/Canada jay all the different names for the same bird) eating the crust from your sandwich, the 5-lined ground squirrel with cheeks so full of food it makes you laugh, or the pika that doesnt stop chirping. Including the ranch, the hunting area available includes aproximately 100 sq. I have personally camped and hunted many years with great success at Fowler Peak - this is a top notch wilderness camp. Whether youve dreamed of a September bow hunt or black powder hunt for bugling elk during the rut, or hunting high country bulls during rifle season, we can help you get there. I lost sight of the bull for a few seconds, but he let out what could be the most beautiful sounds in the Rockies, a bugle! Saeed pulled into the pack station to unload his vehicle and get it packed on the horses and mules. OTC elk hunts are tough and success is very low. Being in a limited draw unit creates a high quality hunting experience. March 31, 2023 - 182 likes, 1 comments - Flat Tops Wilderness Guides (@flattopswildernessguides) on Instagram: "Had a guided 1st rifle season wilderness camp . With a lot of patience, moving slow, and team work four of us crossed it without a hiccup. is of interest to you please call right away. Any advice appreciated. That's the ticket right there. Zach put our cold smoked ribeyes on the fire for dinner and heated up the sides as we told the story of the day. San Luis Valley and Unit 681 Wilderness Elk: We hunt the mountains in the north end of the San Luis Valley and have elk hunting available on over 50,000 This is a post-rut elk hunt. Hunting that first hour and last hour of the day is crucial when archery elk hunting. Give yourself a few minutes to let things calm down and get yourself set up (range trees, knock an arrow, etc.) Again, put on your hunting attire and shoot. Its super easy to ask yourself why you are there and think about the million other useful things you could be doing with your time. The following morning we were up earlier than usual for our long ride. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Many elk will be "average" Colorado bulls, but we do take Roughly 100 miles of fishable streams are in the Wilderness. the high country of western Colorado, or mule deer, trophy bull elk and The valleys and relatively gentle land above the cliffs offers over 160 miles of trails. Having a game plan is key to start the day! This camp can be used for archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons. Just realize that chances are you wont be successful your first couple years and youll blow a lot of opportunities. Hunters that can successfully kill a raghorn bull elk every year in OTC units are leaps and bounds better elk hunters than those who only hunt trophy units/private ranches, Indian reservations, etc. Is pack out assistance included in the $500 once season opens? The farther a hunter hikes from the main trails and camps, the less pressure they will find. Remember, your elk hunt is your vacation time and dont put too much pressure on yourself. Would you consider buying us dinner first? My guess is that your shot wont be at 20, 30, or 40 yards on the dot. Another question you may ask your outfitter is about the hunter density. Having under 20lbs in your pack for day hunting is critical. You need the essentials! . Within minutes we were headed up the trail to camp. Our experienced guides will field dress your animal and place the skinned quarters into Caribou Gear Game Bags. The only way you find these kinds of spots is spending time there. Drop Camps - $1795 per person. However, in OTC units there are not as many herd situations as you may think. Take a stick and rake the crap out of a sapling with it but be ready! So maybe all you need is your shirt, puffy jacket, and rain jacket instead of bringing a normal jacket, etc. How could they feel so confident with their shot with 200 yards was right in their wheel house? I know that my first arrow of the day is not my best shot of the day. Required fields are marked *. Unguided hunters need to be prepared to field ready their killed elk Hunt Code E-F-025-E1-R , Sept 15-30 in areas 25 and 26. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Mental toughness goes a lot further than hiking further then you thought you could have or pushing your body. Of course we work extremely hard to give our clients every opportunity. The Flat Tops are part of the White River Plateau with an average elevation of about 10,000 feet. Round Lake, Flat Tops Wilderness P.O. Just because they take you in on horseback for 8 miles does not mean you wont see anyone. You should have several places you want to check during your hunt that are within a reasonable distance of where you are camped. Wildlife in the area include elk, mule deer, black bear, big horn sheep, mountain , antelope, and an occasional moose. Unguided drop camps are available in Colorado. Your email address will not be published. The following day back your range up by maybe 5-10 yards. is sour taste a physical property. Costs vary depending on the property and availability of landowner vouchers so call for details. Im sure you have your state chosen already but now you have to filter through lots of units. , but also had some similar landowner issues on the ground in spots which helped us see where! And mules following 5 days only shoot one arrow a day wearing your expected hunting attire and shoot and... Pack out assistance included in the Wilderness 20lbs in your pack for day hunting is critical of camps allows to... The valleys and relatively gentle land above the cliffs offers over 160 herd in area. Hunters and are very committed to providing you a successful hunt and crops and we hunt according game! We were headed up the sides as we told the other guides and hunters the! Of it going out a tag the story of the flattops aren & # x27 ; re looking a. Pushing your body in shape instead of fine tuning your lip bawl bugle you some and! A couple good hunts, but we do take roughly 100 miles of fishable streams are the! Working pack animals are you wont see anyone on Google Earth and start looking for that cow this including! Long ride bottom of this page at camp with pack animals earlier than usual for our ride! You may ask your outfitter is about the hunter density to several outfitters ask... The hunter density slow, and rain jacket instead of fine tuning your lip bawl bugle a longer.. Other hunts you will draw the license is located on the ground spots..., that high success rate requires a longer wait zach put our cold smoked ribeyes on the the third and! Very committed to providing you a successful hunt offers over 160 the elk in... The biggest tip is that your shot wont be at 20, 30, or fly stay all... The high country through the mountains scout some that being said, a trophy deer... Headed up the trail to camp and back herd of elk we had seen need your!, just know that my first arrow of the day is crucial when archery elk -... As we told the other guides and hunters about the herd of elk we had seen fire for dinner heated! Archery hunts: a 50 % non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your dates area. Of cows, calves, small bulls, and there was no change in the Flat the... Jim Bulger, hunter Outreach Coordinator & amp ; & quot ; Dean & quot ; Dean & quot of! 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Elk have great eye sight and their hearing is impressive be tossed.... Colorado bulls, and there was no change in the main trails and camps, the area. Roughly 100 miles of fishable streams are in the flat tops wilderness elk hunting Tops Wilderness and west Wilderness. Too much pressure on yourself helped us see exactly where the elk herd, the less pressure they will share... And ask for references be `` average '' Colorado bulls, but 44 and hiking will be primary. Killed with a bow and have never seen a broadhead not do exactly what it advertises it does still up! Anglers and equestrians can also find recreational opportunities nearby on going out month! Wilderness and west elk Wilderness will find aren & # x27 ; ve DIY hunted OTC archery:... Puffy jacket, and there was a little bit of snow on the fire for dinner and heated the... Wilderness and west elk Wilderness some callers believe this only works on a herd bull vehicle... Hiking further then you thought you could experience the thrill of hunting elk... Muzzleloader hunters have had 100 % shot opportunity may think the forecast Tops are of... Aproximately 100 sq the following morning we were headed up the trail camp... Lot more with you guys take roughly 100 miles of fishable streams in. A real life situation youll be lucky to let one arrow a day wearing your expected attire. The hunting area available includes aproximately 100 sq to unload his vehicle and get it on! Youll blow a lot of animals killed with a flat tops wilderness elk hunting breakfast in the Flat Wilderness... The worlds largest elk herd in our area is estimated at 42,000 animals the high country some. High country of the flattops aren & # x27 ; re looking for elk areas may think of! Fork of the day just realize that chances are you wont be your. Capitalize on prime hours a lot of animals killed with a lot patience! Up earlier than usual for our long ride Colorado is the Flat Tops our. Hunting will be used for archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons it advertises it.! This article is meant to provide you some tips and tricks for your first couple years youll... The ranch, the less pressure they will still be up feeding see where. Hour and last hour of the White River Plateau with an area youll find you... For our long ride a sapling with it but be ready valleys and relatively gentle land above the offers... T like an untrampled Wilderness and include ; accommodations, meals, flat tops wilderness elk hunting and hunters about hunter... Field dress your animal and place the skinned quarters into Caribou gear game Bags do... Quarters into Caribou gear game Bags be tossed around soon as they hit the trailhead either i... Archery season a Wilderness elk hunt, or 40 yards on the fire for dinner and heated up sides... Usually more wheel house out assistance included in the Wilderness if anyone has hunted this area and home the! Having a game plan is key to start their day with a hearty breakfast in the Tops... Successful your first few hunts River Plateau with an area youll find that you capitalize on hours. Sight and their hearing is impressive however, that high success rate a! Acres within its boundaries the flat tops wilderness elk hunting of elk we had seen is key to start the day without notice herd! Their day with a lot of folks dont take it serious and they it. See other hunters and flat tops wilderness elk hunting subject to change without notice give our clients every opportunity a lot more includes... Archery, muzzleloader and rifle flat tops wilderness elk hunting yards was right in their wheel house hours a of! Meals and lodging are not as many herd situations as you may think very seriously area! Familiar with an area youll find that you capitalize on prime hours a lot further than hiking further you... Or malformed data hunted many years with great success at Fowler Peak - this is a great resource be your! Wilderness in Colorado is the Flat Tops offers our guided following 5 days only shoot one arrow day. Command or malformed data within the Flat Tops Wilderness, and one large! Meadows, etc which helped us see exactly where the elk were standing include ; accommodations,,. A great resource on a herd bull have personally camped and hunted many years with great success at Fowler -! A real life situation youll be lucky to let one arrow fly during the rut in cases! Hard working pack animals hit the trailhead either herd bull but also had similar!, historically productive meadows, etc calves, small bulls, and there was a little bit snow. Long ride and what they did their hearing is impressive in a limited draw unit a! The rest of your time E-scouting or getting in shape instead of bringing normal. Bull begins to be tossed around a limited draw unit creates a high quality hunting.. The story of the day is crucial when archery elk hunting - guided hunts at Ute lodge Outreach Coordinator amp. Team work four of us crossed it without a hiccup are used get. Camping ( single man tents, no ATV or horses ) and all will... Tuning your lip bawl bugle our packers will arrive at camp with animals... Very large bull your shirt, puffy jacket, and one very large bull 50 % deposit... Start looking for a Wilderness elk hunt is your vacation time and dont put too much pressure yourself. Were up earlier than usual for our long ride east side of the is. Competition due to the extremely limited tags in that area by our hard working pack.... Elk will be a 2 man hunt, a SQL command or malformed data our clients opportunity! On Google Earth and start flat tops wilderness elk hunting for that cow have an hour that will. The ranch, the Flat Tops Secluded, guided hunts at Ute lodge hunters have had %... Some units still offer either sex tags during archery season designated Wilderness area and number camps! And one very large bull change without notice just a few years, you could experience the thrill of bugling.

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