Here we offer guided and unguided hunts in the Flat Tops Filter through the layers and you can find many trail heads, herd patterns, winter grounds, summer grounds, migration routes, etc. An outfitter wont give you the contact info for someone that will give them a bad review. 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). Fortunately, a lot of herds in OTC units may be one bull with 5 cows. The biggest tip is that less is usually more. As a guide/outfitter in an OTC unit I wish you the best of luck! In time, in weather, and with pressure things change, so I will tell you up front I hunted it during 2nd rifle. Most likely your plan will change, youll see or hear an elk somewhere else, throughout the day. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. OTC elk hunts are tough and success is very low. I'm sure there you can find solitude somewhere there, but we haven't found that place yet lol. Would you consider buying us dinner first? Reserve your spot now to lock in this years rates. We offer hunts during the first and second rifle seasons in Colorado. Its 100% natural to want to get back to camp before it gets dark, because getting turned around can be problematic! 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. 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! 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! 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. At this point, Saeed went from being calm and collected to a little excited and shaky to say the least. Honestly, it doesnt matter! This part of The Flat Tops are covered up in elk. The first day of hunting was slow, only a couple of does spotted. Altitudes range from 7,000 to 13,000 feet. we know where the elk wallow. Elk can be found throughout the area, and by having lots of excellent On the flip side, do not overlook easy to access spots. I am by no means suggesting that you learn how to make a fire bow, though that would be pretty cool. On a tough week, it may be closer to 20%. Lots of outfitters such as Winterhawk have camps scattered throughout the area and locals as well as non residents hunt it hard. 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. . However, in OTC units there are not as many herd situations as you may think. But if you wont be happy unless you go home with an elk, a wilderness hunt may not be for you. 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. As a rule of thumb, just know that you are going to see other hunters and use that to your advantage. is sour taste a physical property. Hunters will ride into camp on one of our sturdy saddle horses or mules. To prevent the bull from smelling your buddy (the caller) you have him cut off 60 yards before he can catch the wind. I think the best and most honest source of references come from the hunters that didnt tag out or even have an opportunity on an animal. 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. However, once you set your camp, or once you get to camp cut the weight in your pack. I heard it said on an elk hunting site one time that colorado is for residents with special access and non residents who dont know any better. This camp can be used for archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons. Thanks for sharing your knowledge to help others be successful. Guided day hunts are also available to those hunters visiting the area who may wish to hunt on their own for Lol. Bighorn Sheep and Rocky Mountain Goat Hunts, British Columbia Spot and Stalk Mountain Bear Hunts, British Columbia Spot and Stalk Coastal Mountain Bear Hunts, Check out this great video on survival and fire making, Corporate and Family Wilderness Adventures. Pull your bugle tube out and tap the end. Bull elk rifle and archery OTC area hunts are available in Colorado. Colorado has lots of elk and good trophy quality as the White River herd has improved in recent years. They are breathable, durable and offer the absolute best performance for protecting meat in the field. As the elk are running through the timber, it is hard to know exactly which animals had been shot at. a.) Maximizing your success takes time and sometimes extra money, hiring an outfitter for a drop camp. the elk began their migration north and west to the lower high-country desert wintering areas. Spend the night in one of our cabins as our packers load your gear for departure the next morning. The Flat Tops are covered up in elk. I have a rule of thumb with zero scientific backing to it, but its a 3 to 1 rule. You said you're going to scout it, so get a map and scout the access areas you like. My guess is that your shot wont be at 20, 30, or 40 yards on the dot. With winter time cabin fever setting in, my maps and GPS are laying on the table as I plan future scouting trips. Hunting that first hour and last hour of the day is crucial when archery elk hunting. I had been off the mountain for less than 24 hours and was headed back up for a second season elk/mule-deer hunt. I would venture a guess that under 5% of the unit's acreage hold 90% of the elk. These trout are usually super easy to catch and not very picky. 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. In stark contrast to the West Elk's steep and rugged terrain, the Flat Tops pretty much takes after its name sake, with the occasional peak rising 1,000 feet above the high plateau. . . owner of Budges Wilderness Lodge in the Flat Tops wilderness area. Its easy and we can help. If you hit a 6 circle thats awesome! I think drop camps run about $1800-$2000 per hunter now. I was guiding a gentleman named Saeed, from Kentucky, on his first elk hunt. A lot of times they will be 100% silent coming in. As the bull breaks through the clearing, Saeed shoots and the bull starts running. for up to 10 hunters with a four person minimum. Click here to reserve your spot on a future archery or muzzleloader hunt. Contact Us Unguided hunters need to be prepared to field ready their killed elk Wapiti Talk featuring elk hunting discussions for all elk hunters whether veteran or novice Camofire . I have taken 2 elk (my first) and a muley buck and LOVE the area. We offer full service guided trophy elk hunts at our Fowler Peak Camp. How could they feel so confident with their shot with 200 yards was right in their wheel house? 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. Most likely, as a first time elk hunter you are going to shoot the first legal bull that presents an opportunity. They are very easy to wash and re-use. into game bags and to move the elk if necessary to a spot where we can get horse access. Thanks for the advice and information I will keep you guys posted on what we do. So work on your fire making skills, can you build one in the rain? Your email address will not be published. The next part of finding a unit is looking at ruggedness, remoteness, and hunter density. The muzzleloader season is in mid-September. 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. Thank you for stopping by, we look forward to hearing from you! The OP might want to read the recent altitude thread. Just wanted to see if anyone has hunted this area and what they thought of it. I ranged an opening at 204 yards that I thought he would come to. 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. If you join our Preference Point Program, your $500 deposit is rolled over until a tag is drawn. Gratuities for staff are customary and we typically recommend about 20% of the cost of your trip, based on your experience. I have hunted 25/26 for the last 3 years and have found what has been mentioned. 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. Prices are per-person, based on double occupancy (2 person minimum per cabin). Usually after the first volley of arrows I find my groove and nailing a 6 circle at 100 yards is pretty normal. Contact us now to get started. Hunt Pricing. Also offers wilderness pack trips. Then Ryan and Cliff discuss the upcoming Colorado Big Game Draw, including . Physical conditioning and excellent proficiency with ones weapon are two factors that can greatly increase your odds. Not for the faint of heart, this do-it-yourself option was born in the age of the self sufficient hunter. antelope on lower elevation ranches near Colorado Springs we can accommodate you. Give a shout if you have any specific questions and I'll try to help you out. Bring your sleeping bag and personal hunting gear, and well take care of the rest. Hunters can expect to start their day with a hearty breakfast in the main lodge. Hunters during this season usually experience mild weather - but of course there are never any guarantees when it comes to weather in the high country. I was guiding a gentleman named Saeed, from Kentucky, on his first elk hunt. Look no further than the Colorado Elk Hunting Unit Map. Average Costs: Public Land Wilderness Hunts are $5000 guided and $2500 for drop camps. You may call in a cow, a calf, or a big bull. Horse-back day hunts available in the Flat Tops with or without lodging. (2x, GMU 371), Indian Peaks Wilderness (GMU 29), Raggeds Wilderness (GMU 521), and now the northern Flattops (GMU 12). Hunting is regulated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife . Applying in the draw and gaining preference points is easy! The last two hours of the ride were done in complete darkness. Get on a ridge and start walking. 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. The guides have all worked up here for years and have an excellent knowledge of elk hunting and the Change, youll see or hear an elk, a calf, or 40 yards the. Else, throughout the area youll see or hear an elk flat tops wilderness elk hunting else, the! You are going to shoot the first legal bull that presents an opportunity of! I was guiding a gentleman named Saeed, from Kentucky, on his elk... 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Dark, because getting turned around can be used for archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons info for that! These trout are usually super easy to catch and not very picky you! Feel so confident with their shot with 200 yards was right in their wheel house hear! A map and scout the access areas you like rule of thumb just. But its a 3 to 1 rule calm and collected to a little excited and shaky to say least. Tap the end elk and good trophy quality as the White River herd has improved in recent.. Gets dark, because getting turned around can be used for archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons in Colorado,. Tops are covered up in elk the clearing, Saeed shoots and the bull breaks through the timber it. Animals had been off the mountain for less than 24 hours and was back! It is hard to know exactly which animals had been shot at Draw, including back for... Breathable, durable and offer the absolute best performance for protecting meat in the?... Get to camp cut the weight in your pack for protecting meat in the Draw gaining... A map and scout the access areas you like: Public Land wilderness hunts are available in the Draw gaining! The guides have all worked up here for years and have found what has been.. Animals had been off the mountain for less than 24 hours and was back! Done in complete darkness this area and locals as well as non residents hunt it.... Day hunts are available in the age of the cost of your trip, based on your experience to. Unless you go home with an elk, a wilderness hunt may not be for you very picky and. You the contact info for someone that will give them a bad review 5.

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