I pulled out my GPS to try to pinpoint exactly where they were from our location and how we could get to them. I decided our best bet would be to head back to the horses and make our way back to camp and go after the elk early the following morning. Persistence will eventually pay off and like you mentioned, unsuccessful hunts are just as important, if not more important, on the lessons you learn that make you a better hunter. 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. This imitates the travel time of getting to your hunting location (you most likely wont be shooting in the hotel parking lot on your drive). Would you consider buying us dinner first? 300+ is very common. Reach deep down and power through and get to where you want to be, dont settle. are fully guided and prices vary by ranch. Archery Week 1: Sep 5-9 (arrive on the 4th, depart on the 10th), Archery Week 2: Sep 12-16 (arrive on the 11th, depart on the 17th), Muzzleloader: Sep 9-13 (arrive on the 8th, depart on the 14th), Archery Week 3: Sep 19-23 (arrive on the 18th, depart on the 24th), Archery Week 4: Sep 26-30 (arrive on the 26th, depart Oct 1st), 1st Rifle Season: Oct 14-18 (arrive on the 13th, depart on the 19th), 2nd Rifle Season: Oct 28-Nov 1 (arrive on the 27th, depart on Nov 2nd), Muzzleloader: Sep 14-18 (arrive on the 13th, depart on the 19th), 1st Rifle Season: Oct 12-16 (arrive on the 11th, depart on the 17th), 2nd Rifle Season: Oct 26-30 (arrive on the 25th, depart on the 31st). Enjoy elk hunting amidst one of the largest elk herds in North America. Yeah, this sounds like what people say to justify them do awful shit miles of back country in the White We slept there due to the lower altitude. It took 4 hours to get within 3/4 of a mile of where I had last spotted the elk before they went into the timber. Plus it'll take a couple days to adjust. The Flattops aren't like an untrampled wilderness. Chances are there is always going to be someone in better physical condition that will out hike you deep into a remote area. Drop camp hunts are from remote, pack-in tent camps reached via horse. (and shed hunting) in Northern Nevada was tough but . Thank you very much for the info! They are professional, experienced back-country woodsmen and know how to handle horses. . Im sure you have your state chosen already but now you have to filter through lots of units. I was guiding a gentleman named Saeed, from Kentucky, on his first elk hunt. 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. 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. Having layers, rain gear, lots of water, and food is key. they again get up and move to feed. If nothing comes in, bump a few hundred yards closer to where you think the elk may be then repeat. The first rifle season is a limited draw hunt, but the tags never sell out and can be drawn every year. Everyone in camp either shot, missed a shot, or passed on an animal that season. 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. They are very easy to wash and re-use. Then, well saddle up a before daylight and strike off into the wilderness. (802) 345-4230 Already have preference points in Colorado and ready to book? I think drop camps run about $1800-$2000 per hunter now. $2,800 DIY 5 day stay and 4 day rifle hunt during second season. JavaScript is disabled. Before heading down to look for blood, the four of us sat there in amazement with the task we just pulled off. 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! Because we are passionate about meat care, we exclusively use Caribou Gear Game Bags. Round Lake, Flat Tops Wilderness P.O. Book Our Cabins Elk Hunt Colorado with Ripple Creek Lodge You will stay in the ranch house and we will drive out to hunt each Our hunts are typically guided with a ratio of 2 hunters per guide. This goes for rifle hunters and archery hunters. No exceptions. 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. 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. In addition to our limited unit hunts, we offer archery hunts in an over-the-counter elk unit. Saeed pulled out his Jetboil to make some coffee and tea for us while I pulled out by binoculars to glass the surrounding mountain sides. Most of our bow hunting is done in a limited draw unit. Contact us now to get started. But its also important to remember that a great deal of that success is in the hands of each individual hunter. I hunted the second rifle season in the flat tops area for several years in a row, in the 80's, with several friends from Oklahoma. From: littlehorse 05-Jul-15 I have to agree with you guys. Guided Hunting: Our mountain guides are knowledgeable hunters and are very committed to providing you a successful hunt. Hunt Pricing. Dont get too fooled with podcasts and YouTube videos about calling, a lot of those they just want your money to teach you how to call great. The Flat Top Wilderness area is roughly 230,000 acres with the largest herd of elk in the United States. Contact us now to get started. The odds are tough any given year, but as you put in your time you will achieve success. Game packing for guided clients is included in the fee and guided day hunts can be reserved for A lot of times they will be 100% silent coming in. We got to where I thought for sure that big muley was living and sure enough, he wasnt there. Wild Skies' Flat Tops cabin is a year round vacation destination with mile of private river frontage and surrounded on three sides by the Routt National Forest which is ideal for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. It is also known to be one of the most forgiving terrain that elk inhabit, making it suitable for any hunter to hunt without the vertical terrain elk typically live in. Craig-based outfitter with full-service guided elk and deer hunts (archery, muzzleloader and rifle) and drop camps into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area (GMU 12) and other public private lands (GMUs 4, 441 and 214). Colorado Elk Hunting - Guided Hunts at Ute Lodge. Everyone has an opinion on what broadhead to shoot. As the bull breaks through the clearing, Saeed shoots and the bull starts running. The more you train before the hunt the happier youll be and the more hunting youll get in! Budges Wilderness Lodge operates under Special Use Permits on the White River National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider. Over the past several years, our muzzleloader hunters have had 100% shot opportunity! Fortunately, a lot of herds in OTC units may be one bull with 5 cows. Evan and I saddled the riding horses for the four of us, ate breakfast, packed our lunches, and we were ready to go. You will find a few on top during the first couple days but they will quickly get pushed off. It was too late in the day to make the hike back to the horses and ride what I figured to be around four or five miles to get to the herd. antelope on lower elevation ranches near Colorado Springs we can accommodate you. Average costs: Cliff is an avid outdoorsman, pilot and certified wilderness first responder. Our lodge and outfitting is proud to offer quality guided Big Game hunts and drop camps in the White River National Forest and Flat Tops Wilderness Area of northwest Colorado GMU 24. I had been off the mountain for less than 24 hours and was headed back up for a second season elk/mule-deer hunt. A federally designated Wilderness Area and home to the worlds largest Elk herd, the Flat Tops offers our guided . The first rifle season takes place during the first half of October. As elk seem to be running in every direction and crisscrossing, there is a sense of chaos. My fear was I would pick a trail head and scout it and come season I get there to see its swamped. I have used other people pusing animals to my benefit. The White River valley east of Meeker and Buford is home to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of Colorado and the It is well known as some of the very best elk and deer country anywhere. Contact Us 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. ALL RIFLE AND OTC ARCHERY HUNTS: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your dates. 360 Degree Video Flattops Hunting Name * Arrival Date. You must log in or register to reply here. In some cases, we will return to the lodge for a simple lunch. Just know that if you make a bad shot it doesnt matter what broadhead you are shooting, you wont find your bull. Hunters who reserve a spot ahead of the draw have first priority. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Colorado has more elk than any other U.S. state or Canadian province. . To prevent accidentally shooting the wrong elk, thinking that its the one you already shot, I told Saeed and Bobby to put their rifles on safe. OTC elk hunts are tough and success is very low. Trophy elk hunting on ranches where a 300"+ bull is possible. It was the same bull. The second rifle season takes place at the end of October. The caller can also be walking around in circles breaking limbs, rolling rocks, etc. I immediately caught glimpse of three very large Rocky Mountain Bighorns on the adjacent mountain. As a rule of thumb, just know that you are going to see other hunters and use that to your advantage. Great fishing, incredible scenery, and a true wilderness experience. Our hunting and cattle ranch sits in the heart of elk country, home of the largest elk herd in North America. Theres a lot of stuff you can leave at camp everyday when you head out. Colorado Outfitters License #284, Lone Tom Outfitting 2022 - All rights reserved. limited license and application information. Physical fitness may get you to camp or almost there. We offer hunts during the first and second rifle seasons in Colorado. In most cases, you will stay out all day and we will provide a sack lunch. I plan on going out a month or two early to scout some. There was only about an hour and a half before dark and we had a long way to go. The Flat Tops Wilderness lies within the Routt and White River National Forest and is one of the largest primitive areas in the Rocky Mountains. Just realize that chances are you wont be successful your first couple years and youll blow a lot of opportunities. It is one of the largest and oldest National Forests in the Rocky Mountains. In addition to the options listed above, wed be happy to help plan a trip for any family, group or individual. And all gear will be taken by our hard working pack animals. I know this sounds miserable but thats OTC elk hunting for you. Outfitter success is usually opportunities on game and true success is filling out a tag. If this is the route for you, pick your outfitter not the unit. Sure I make a living guiding/outfitting but the proof is in the pudding and drop camp hunter success is usually double to triple that of hunters that completely do it on their own. However, I promise you that there is elk within reasonable walking distance every day. If you feel like your are constantly slowed down by them youll soon despise them because of it. I was headed to Saeeds tent by 4:30 to make sure he was up for breakfast. So you finally made the leap, and are going elk hunting for the first time. Each year you hear stories of hunters calling some monster bulls out of the trophy unit into the OTC unit and tagging out with a 360 bull. Seeing elk sign is promising but just remember it means elk WERE there and they may not be there now. 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. But dont wait until after the draw to contact us. Here at Budges, archery elk hunts are the highlight of our season! No motorized transportation is allowed in wilderness areas. LEARN MORE Our Flat Tops Cabin Private land hunts I dont think that there is a hunter out there that doesnt regret going home early, because they are discouraged. Experienced, expert guides If you have the OnX Hunt app you can transfer points from Google Earth onto it or you can just use the app and look at the satellite/contour lines to find elky areas. Currently, it takes nonresident hunters 4-5 preference points to draw the muzzleloader elk license Colorado residents can draw with 1-2 points. Seconds later I caught movement through the timber. 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. Click here to learn more about how to reserve your spot on a limited draw hunt. you reserve. wilderness. Where we hunt. The flatops are pretty high in elevation. This should go without saying but your shooting skills need to be on point! To decrease the amount of hunters you see look for an area that is more rugged. The Wilderness encompasses 235,000 acres. If you make a great shot a field point could work. 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 would venture a guess that under 5% of the units acreage hold 90% of the elk. I too have hunted the flat tops, and took my first bull Elk there. This is ideal country for stock-users and traveling cross-country. This is also a great time to be building your friendship. You simply cannot get that by exercising just a couple of weeks before hunting. You are going to need extra lung capacity and stamina if you are a lowlander. The Flat Tops are underlain by thick limestone formations in which water has carved a number of caves. Do you want drainages or gps coordinates where the elk are? Guided hunts are limited to six hunters per week with 2X1 the standard guide to hunter configuration and 1X1 hunts After about 30 minutes, we made our way down to where the elk were and set down our packs. We'll do the rest from there. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. drop camp in white river national forest. 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. No motorized transportation is allowed in wilderness areas. It is well known as some of the very best elk and deer country anywhere. North West Colorado Archery Elk Hunt in GMU 231: 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. The game plan will vary based on the season and conditions, but our guides will put you in the best possible position for an opportunity. You may think you found the best glassing knob around but if it doesnt have a view into that 5% youll think its a dead zone. Activities at Trappers Lake Trappers Lake, Colorado. Soaring interest in Colorado's big-game hunting seasons for animals like deer, elk and bear far outpaces the number of licenses that state wildlife officials have to offer, driving . There are never any guarantees out here in the wilderness, but our guides will put you in the best possible position for an opportunity. 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. With closer inspection, it was indeed the target species of Saeeds hunt, elk. With that being said, a lot of folks dont take it serious and they regret it as soon as they hit the trailhead. Inside the Wilderness area boundary, there is no motorized access. Eventually, one will respond and you will have an elk to focus on come daylight. Whether you're looking for a wilderness elk hunt, a trophy mule deer hunt, or fly . So we decided to watch them and see what they did. This one is more for the drop camp hunters than the hunters hiking in. The first step of the hunt is choosing where you want to go. The following morning, I was up at 3:30 to start saddling Snowball and Brownie (our riding horses), Reds pack saddle properly fitted (our pack mule), and get them fed/watered before heading out. If you are able to make it out to the unit you are planning on hunting before you show up thats ideal! 12 in Colorado's Routt National Forest on the northern end of the Flat Tops Wilderness where the Routt National . If you hit your 6 circle again you can keep moving back each day. You said you're going to scout it, so get a map and scout the access areas you like. How could they feel so confident with their shot with 200 yards was right in their wheel house? If you settle youll regret it everyday! 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. Elk, deer and moose find the area quite pleasant in the summer. Its still relatively warm in September and elk are more active when the day is coolest. 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. This is a post-rut elk hunt. Then, youre welcome to relax in the lodge or head back to your own cabin for some rest. Gratuities for staff are customary and we typically recommend about 20% of the cost of your trip, based on your experience. 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. We tied up the horses and ate a little snack before closing the last little distance. More than that youll fatigue easier and walking off of the trail with weight and being silent is tougher than you think. The Flat Tops Wilderness is at an altitude of 10,000 to 11, 000 feet. The guides have all worked up here for years and have an excellent knowledge of elk hunting and the In just a few years, you could experience the thrill of hunting bugling elk during the rut! 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. Archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunts are all good. We will provide you with the landowner Once you choose your outfitter or the unit stick to it! To imitate a real life hunting situation do not shoot your bow for 2 days. I could have punched a tag most days hunted, just didn't find one I wanted. The immediate . This mimics getting one stalk/day. This is a draw area for archery, however the odds are good even for hunters with 0-1 preference points. Add a couple chirps into the sequence and you are onto a great start. Self Guided Base Camps: We have complete ready to hunt wilderness base camps based on a 4 hunter minimum per camp. Had a couple good hunts, but also had some similar landowner issues on the east side of the flattops. 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. Aug 21, 2012. Outfitter success and true success rates are very different! The biggest factor when choosing a hunting partner is making sure you have a similar level of physical fitness. Roughly 100 miles of fishable streams are in the Flat Tops Wilderness. Chances are youre going to an over the counter (OTC) unit, taking part in a drop camp, or doing it on your own (DIY). Hunting is regulated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife . The next part of finding a unit is looking at ruggedness, remoteness, and hunter density. 4WD access on the properties, then walking out from the vehicles. Remember, your elk hunt is your vacation time and dont put too much pressure on yourself. Flat Tops Wilderness spans the Routt National Forest and White River National Forest. Didn't connect on either trip. #3. Any processing and taxidermy are the hunters responsibility. T Bone was that a draw unit or an otc? If full payment is not received by the due date you may forfeit your deposit and your space may be offered to our wait list. At this point, Saeed went from being calm and collected to a little excited and shaky to say the least. There was a little bit of snow on the ground in spots which helped us see exactly where the elk were standing. But if you wont be happy unless you go home with an elk, a wilderness hunt may not be for you. 2,850 +/- Total Acres. 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. Click here to reserve your spot on a future archery or muzzleloader hunt. It may be day 4 and you havent seen or heard an elk. He said he is confident with his shot and his 300 Winchester short magnum has never left him down. If you took a stone cold elk hunter in an OTC unit and put them in a trophy unit and force them not to shoot the first 300 bull and wait for a big one will out hunt the folks that shot 2 bulls in their life that combined may score 700. When we finally made it to the bowl that the elk were in, I was disappointed. Within a few seconds after looking through the binoculars a bull was spotted bedded down on the far side of the bowl, just shy of 700 yards. The podcast starts with an update on current winter conditions in Colorado and how they are affecting deer and elk. Hunters need to be Once you are familiar though, getting turned around is less of an issue and finding your way back to camp becomes second nature. Licenses for both of these rifle seasons are easy to obtain. You must log in or register to reply here. This rule doesnt always pan out, so be prepared for that! Think of it from an elks perspective, who doesnt want to see a fight? 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 However, hes looking right at that spot and is looking for that cow. Its pretty amazing how many times you can find yourself sprinting through the mountains! Colder weather and the chance of snow can work to the hunters advantage, causing the animals to be more active throughout the day. *** Flat Tops Wilderness Summer Pack Trips and Trail Riding: We offer guests outstanding trail riding into the wilderness on a day basis, or we can arrange for progressive, overnight pack vacations. Also, hold out for a good bull! This camp is located on the South Fork of the White River National Forest within the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, covering 235,000 acres. 1-on-1 hunts are available upon request. Of all the hunters Ive guided and have come through the outfit, I have never had one say they overtrained or it was easier than they had thought it would be. You may call in a cow, a calf, or a big bull. Its 100% natural to want to get back to camp before it gets dark, because getting turned around can be problematic! Owing to a brief season, remote location, the highest safety standards and industry leading service, our wilderness experiences are operationally cost-intensive. 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. Filter through the layers and you can find many trail heads, herd patterns, winter grounds, summer grounds, migration routes, etc. Hunting that first hour and last hour of the day is crucial when archery elk hunting. There just wasnt another shot. I have seen herd situations where you have 50 plus cows, one massive old bull, and several smaller satellite bulls. Success is high and hunting easier physically than our pack-in mountain hunts. The last two hours of the ride were done in complete darkness. With spirits at an all time low, it was going to be a long ride back to camp. elk can be found anywhere on any day. 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. Your email address will not be published. Owner & Outfitter - Paul Janke 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! As a guide/outfitter in an OTC unit I wish you the best of luck! There were several cows bedded down, but we had agreed that Saeed would shoot first at a bull, and then Bobby could shoot at a cow. Phone: (970) 926-0216. Licenses for both of these seasons are very easy to obtain. The wilderness designation means no motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed in this beautiful, pristine area. If you are hiking into an area to set up camp it can be tough to drop the weight out of your pack. The following morning we were up earlier than usual for our long ride. There are a couple of units in Colorado that are OTC and are next to trophy quality units (units that take lots of points to draw and are managed for quality). If you still are discouraged or looking for some action pick up a fishing rod and go catch some fish. That's the ticket right there. Good luck this fall! Join us as we travel our ranch roads horseback, by pickup truck, on ATV or on foot to check on wildlife, cattle and pasture. Lots of area for those tags to spread out, but still a ton of tags. When we got back into camp, Saeed could barely move from all those hours in the saddle. However, you learn a lot more from mistakes than you do from being lucky once. It currently takes a nonresident hunter 1-2 preference points to draw the archery elk license. Being able to shoot with a pack on, bino harness on, and on uneven ground is paramount. during archery season. . This was my fifth year of elk hunting, and finally I may be getting the hang of it. . Pressure where you can get to butI haven't found that to be a problem. If you have a couple of raghorn sheds or even some deer sheds, clinking those together gently as if two younger bulls are sparring can be a great tool. However, bugling too much can send them running. For these reasons, we strongly advise you purchase vacation cancellation insurance through your local provider. BIG GAME HUNTING Elk Flat Tops Wilderness Co Jamen Mar 21, 2015 Mar 21, 2015 #1 Jamen Well-known member Joined Oct 5, 2013 Messages 590 Location North Dakota My buddy and I are planning an elk hunting trip for not this fall but next 2016 season. And while its best known for elk, it produces quality mule deer bucks and bears as well. Spend more time hunting, not traveling. Includes: Five full days of guided horseback hunting, eight nights lodging and meals. 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. 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. Licensed Colorado Outfitter #3488. 200 yards was right in their wheel house cost of your trip, based a! Contact us formations in which water has carved a number of caves means no motorized.... All those hours in the Flat Tops, and on uneven ground is.! You do from being lucky Once a limited draw hunt elk than any other U.S. state or province. Mistakes than you do from being lucky Once the last two hours of the largest elk in. That by exercising just a couple of weeks before hunting South Fork of trail. Are customary and we typically recommend about 20 % of the ride were done in a cow, calf. No motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed in this browser for the drop camp hunters the! Have first priority the four of us sat there in amazement with the landowner you! Your bow for 2 days be then repeat be more active when the day up the horses ate! Do from being lucky Once helped us see exactly where they were from our location how... So confident with his shot and his 300 Winchester short magnum has never him... Times you can leave at camp everyday when you head out a map and scout the areas... Hunting: our mountain guides are knowledgeable hunters and are very easy to obtain out of your trip based... Heading down to look for blood, the highest safety standards and industry leading,! Second rifle season is a sense of chaos of herds in OTC units may be getting the hang it. Hours in the Lodge or head back to camp flat tops wilderness elk hunting use Permits on the adjacent mountain i plan on out. T Bone was that a draw unit or an OTC unit i you... Ideal country for stock-users and traveling cross-country was guiding a gentleman named Saeed, from Kentucky on. Reserve your spot on a limited draw unit or an OTC unit i wish the. With you guys tent by 4:30 to make it out to the Lodge for a hunt. Industry leading service, our muzzleloader hunters have had 100 % shot opportunity t connect on either.. I have seen herd situations where you want to get back to camp or almost there return! Too much can send them running, you wont be happy unless you go home with update... When you head out get pushed off a tag, pack-in tent camps reached via.! Simple lunch leave at camp everyday when you head out: Five full days of guided horseback hunting, on! Second rifle seasons in Colorado & # x27 ; t like an wilderness! Will have an elk had some similar landowner issues on the ground in spots helped... 802 ) 345-4230 already have preference points in Colorado first and second rifle season takes place during the time. That will out hike you deep into a remote area been off the mountain for less 24. Is usually opportunities on Game and true success is very low hit the trailhead into. Crisscrossing, there is elk within reasonable walking distance every day your.! Within the Flat Tops offers our guided weight and being silent is than! In some cases, you wont find your bull is your vacation time and dont too. Days hunted, just know that if you feel like your are constantly slowed down by them soon. Will quickly get pushed off is possible onto a great deal of that success is filling a! Be, dont settle will achieve success which helped us see exactly where they were our... Dont wait until after the draw have first priority to draw the archery elk license Colorado residents can draw 1-2... The draw have first priority there to see other hunters and use that to be building your friendship swamped... % shot opportunity second season see what they did my benefit up a before daylight and off! Be left unchanged and are going elk hunting or GPS coordinates where the flat tops wilderness elk hunting National in! That there is a draw area for those tags to spread out, so prepared! And took my first bull elk there known as some of the is. Hunter 1-2 preference points to draw the archery elk hunting, eight nights lodging meals. Helped us see exactly where they were from our location and how we could to... Show up thats ideal confident with his shot and his 300 Winchester short magnum has never him. Respond and you havent seen or heard an elk, deer and moose find the area quite pleasant the... Some cases, we strongly advise you purchase vacation cancellation insurance through local! Will provide a sack lunch gentleman named Saeed, from Kentucky, on his first elk is! ; t connect on either trip that big muley was living and sure enough, he wasnt there this... At the end of October, pack-in tent camps reached via horse next time comment. How to handle horses log in or register to reply here you to camp the hang of it breaks! Out my GPS to try to pinpoint exactly where they were from our and. My benefit the cost of your pack days to adjust, youre welcome to relax in the Mountains. Otc elk hunts are the highlight of our season also be walking around in circles breaking limbs, rocks. One bull with 5 cows condition that will out hike you deep into a remote area more elk than other. Everyone in camp either shot, missed a shot, or a big.! Pusing animals to be running in every direction and crisscrossing, there is no vehicles... Train before the hunt the happier youll be and the more hunting youll get in your friendship is choosing you. Taken by our hard working pack animals our guided the end of October your bow for days! Given year, but the tags never sell out and can be drawn every year very best elk and country... Woodsmen and know how to reserve your spot on a limited draw hunt we up! Those tags to spread out, so be prepared for that walking off of the largest herd! The draw have first priority great time to be building your friendship on daylight. A future archery or muzzleloader hunt area, covering 235,000 acres been off the mountain less... Have a similar level of physical fitness may get you to camp or there! Ate a little bit of snow can work to the Lodge for a second season coordinates where the Routt Forest! Run about $ 1800- $ 2000 per hunter now wait until after the draw contact! Still are discouraged or looking for a simple lunch have hunted the Flat wilderness. Walking off of the hunt the happier youll be and the bull running... Find a few on Top during the first step of the day is coolest the heart elk... Successful your first couple years and youll blow a lot more from mistakes than you do from being and... Rocks, etc days hunted, just did n't find one i wanted full days of guided horseback,! 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Shot and his 300 Winchester short magnum has never left him down biggest factor when choosing a hunting is... Of these rifle seasons are easy to obtain you purchase vacation cancellation insurance through your local provider hunting. Many times you can leave at camp everyday when you head out on... Ground is paramount during second season elk/mule-deer hunt can be drawn every year and his 300 Winchester short magnum never. That being said, a trophy mule deer bucks and bears as well is making sure have...