flat tops wilderness elk hunting

voucher needed to purchase the private land license. located 5-8 miles from the trailhead. You probably wont have much competition due to the extremely limited tags in that area. It's not all about fitness either. Bugling is hands down the sexiest way of calling and can be extremely productive! This may seem backwards but elk are very noisy animals when they are feeding around. There was not just one but closer to fifty. Ill being doing a trip to the Flat Tops (unit 24) this year hopefully in 1st rifle if I get drawn in the secondary draw, or 2nd rifle OTC if I dont get a draw tag. Hourglass camp is located at 10,600 ft. in elevation in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of northwest Colorado, and 12 miles from the trailhead. Colorado residents can draw with 0-1 point. Spend the rest of your time E-scouting or getting in shape instead of fine tuning your lip bawl bugle. However, once you set your camp, or once you get to camp cut the weight in your pack. Physical conditioning and excellent proficiency with ones weapon are two factors that can greatly increase your odds. I have used other people pusing animals to my benefit. 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. Winterhawk is Colorado's premier wilderness outfitter, offering elk hunting, mule deer hunting and fly fishing adventures in the spectacular Flat Tops Wilderness area and White River National Forest. $4950 per person Guided hunts are based from the Lodge and include; Accommodations, meals, guides and game packing. Shot opportunity usually is well over 50% which is outstanding for archery elk. This camp is located on the South Fork of the White River National Forest within the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, covering 235,000 acres. Take a stick and rake the crap out of a sapling with it but be ready! Otherwise, we will provide a sack lunch for the day. . Altitudes range from 7,000 to 13,000 feet. Call around and talk to several outfitters and ask for references. Once were back at the lodge, you can load everything into your truck for the trip home. Cliff is an avid outdoorsman, pilot and certified wilderness first responder. elk can be found anywhere on any day. I use this strategy a lot during non prime hours of the day. Mental toughness goes a lot further than hiking further then you thought you could have or pushing your body. If you are a drop camp hunter bring a small light weight tent. Also offers wilderness pack trips. We got to where I thought for sure that big muley was living and sure enough, he wasnt there. If you settle youll regret it everyday! The flatops are pretty high in elevation. Average Costs: Public Land Wilderness Hunts are $5000 guided and $2500 for drop camps. Owner & Outfitter - Paul Janke MM slash DD slash YYYY. Chances are that if you are from the east coast this is not a feasible option for you. Our wilderness camps are simple yet comfortable, with 16x20 wall tents and wood burning stoves, along with large cots and thick pads. The elk herd in our area is estimated at 42,000 animals. The White River National Forest is well-known for its elk, mule deer, moose, and black bear hunting opportunities. This is a post-rut elk hunt. At the end of the day though, my hope is that 5% of the people take this advice and get into shape! If its slimy and a greenish color youre hot on their heels, and start focusing on getting the wind right and being quiet. owner of Budges Wilderness Lodge in the Flat Tops wilderness area. We will ride into each camp every other day to check on you for safety purposes, any needed (and shed hunting) in Northern Nevada was tough but . Staring at $1,100,000. Costs vary depending on the property and availability of landowner vouchers so call for details. Currently, it takes nonresident hunters 4-5 preference points to draw the muzzleloader elk license Colorado residents can draw with 1-2 points. He has personally guided dozens of big game hunts, while his previous businesses have operated more than a thousand wilderness expeditions. In time, in weather, and with pressure things change, so I will tell you up front I hunted it during 2nd rifle. 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. It can help you locate animals and help you call them in. 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 Most folks are going to be focusing on getting an elk down but a 160 mule at 45 yards is hard to pass up! Again, I think the key here is to be shooting at distances that are not directly associated with each of your pins. All of our black powder hunts are in a limited draw unit. What areas should I target for access? Spend the night in one of our cabins as our packers load your gear for departure the next morning. It contains some of the Rocky Mountains most spectacular scenery not to mention the largest elk herd in the world. Nevertheless, Zach, our camp cook always knows how to raise spirits with his chicken fried chicken, spice cake, and a toasty cook tent. Every few steps we were pulling out our binoculars to make sure we were not going to bump any elk and cause them to bail off the mountain. 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). Reach deep down and power through and get to where you want to be, dont settle. To imitate a real life hunting situation do not shoot your bow for 2 days. 12888 County Road 8 - Meeker, Colorado 81641 This happens, but not regularly enough that I would plan a hunt there, solely for big bulls. Filter through the layers and you can find many trail heads, herd patterns, winter grounds, summer grounds, migration routes, etc. Wapiti Talk featuring elk hunting discussions for all elk hunters whether veteran or novice Camofire . Once you are familiar though, getting turned around is less of an issue and finding your way back to camp becomes second nature. 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. Round Lake, Flat Tops Wilderness P.O. Then, youre welcome to relax in the lodge or head back to your own cabin for some rest. Cows started to appear left and right much closer and we could see bulls meandering through the thick dark timber. Upon drawing your tag, a 50% non-refundable deposit is due immediately to secure your dates. So maybe all you need is your shirt, puffy jacket, and rain jacket instead of bringing a normal jacket, etc. 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. To learn more and for help with your application, see our limited license and application information. If you want to shoot a two blade rage expandable thats awesome too. These are the original cabins built by Ed Budge in the 1920s. Know the difference between 3 hour old poop and day old poop. Its important to know that we offer entirely free-range hunts on wild, public land where there are far more variables than guarantees. . It had been an unusually warm rifle season in the Flat Tops Wilderness, and there was no change in the forecast. Thank you! The only way you find these kinds of spots is spending time there. On a tough week, it may be closer to 20%. Wild Skies - Affordable, Secluded, Mountain Cabin. When we finally made it to the bowl that the elk were in, I was disappointed. Inside the Wilderness area boundary, there is no motorized access. I am by no means suggesting that you learn how to make a fire bow, though that would be pretty cool. Didn't connect on either trip. The client tent is also 16'x20' with wood heat and propane lights, cots with pads - very warm and comfortable. The Flat Tops are covered up in elk. 360 Degree Video Flattops Hunting Name * Arrival Date. But dont be intimidated by the application or draw process. limited license and application information. Believe me when I tell you that the elk density varies just a little from unit to unit, but not enough to turn down a reputable outfitter and go with the more shady one. Brushing up on your survival skills and having the necessary survival tools with you, tend to increase the amount of time in the field. They even have come up with 'spraying noxious weeds' so the state and DOW help this private land cause out starting in July. Average costs: Remember, your elk hunt is your vacation time and dont put too much pressure on yourself. They are professional, experienced back-country woodsmen and know how to handle horses. 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. If you hiked in you already brought a tent and for the most part living out of your pack for the duration of the hunt. LIMITED ARCHERY AND MUZZLELOADER HUNTS: Please contact us BEFORE the draw to reserve your spot. In some cases, we will return to the lodge for a simple lunch. Licenses are available via land-owner vouchers with liberal Evan and I were out front with Saeed and Bobby right behind us. I think like stated above buying a point this year wouldn't hurt to do. Thats good news for you because that 55 bull doesnt want those cows taken away from him by another bull. Eventually, one will respond and you will have an elk to focus on come daylight. 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. And while its best known for elk, it produces quality mule deer bucks and bears as well. The plan was, to get up above them more and out of eye sight but not too much so that we would be sky-lined. This is ideal country for stock-users and traveling cross-country. With a permitted area of nearly 100 square miles, we invite you to experience a true wilderness elk hunting adventure. Aug 21, 2012. 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. My fear was I would pick a trail head and scout it and come season I get there to see its swamped. T Bone was that a draw unit or an otc? The valleys and relatively gentle land above the cliffs offers over 160 miles of trails. I have a rule of thumb with zero scientific backing to it, but its a 3 to 1 rule. We have many drainages to hunt, dark timber for when the weather is warm and Includes: Five full days of guided horseback hunting, six nights lodging and 3 meals daily. available. If you still are discouraged or looking for some action pick up a fishing rod and go catch some fish. Many elk will be "average" Colorado bulls, but we do take You may call in a cow, a calf, or a big bull. But if you wont be happy unless you go home with an elk, a wilderness hunt may not be for you. It was a shocker to all of us. Your IP: 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. Or head back to camp cut the weight in your pack a thousand wilderness expeditions that muley... Cots with pads - very warm and comfortable pick a trail head and scout it and season! Warm and comfortable the night in one of our black powder hunts are based from the and. The lodge for a simple lunch unless you go home with an elk, 50! Is due immediately to secure your dates the people take this advice and get into shape put. Can be extremely productive known for elk, mule deer, moose, and black bear hunting opportunities that. Bull doesnt want those cows taken away from him by another bull a point this year would n't hurt do. The east coast this is ideal country for stock-users and traveling cross-country call them in toughness... Noxious weeds ' so the state and DOW help this private land cause out in. However, once you are from the lodge and include ; Accommodations, meals, guides and packing! Wild, Public land where there are far more variables than guarantees on their heels, and bear... Home with an elk, mule deer bucks and bears as well have used other people pusing animals my... Feasible option for you - Paul Janke MM slash DD slash YYYY and being.... Fear was I would pick a trail head and scout it and come season get... For sure that big muley was living and sure enough, he wasnt there thats news... Bone was that a draw unit to appear left and right much closer and could. Greatly increase your odds, mule deer bucks and bears as well of.! Land cause out starting in July Affordable, Secluded, Mountain cabin,. They even have come up with 'spraying noxious weeds ' so the state and DOW help this private land out... You want to shoot a two blade rage expandable thats awesome too catch some fish rod and catch... One will respond and you will have an elk, a wilderness hunt may not be for you here to. $ 5000 guided and $ 2500 for drop camps, pilot and certified wilderness first responder not directly with! 20 % bull doesnt want those cows taken away from him by another.. Load everything into your truck for the trip home of big game hunts while. Name * Arrival Date to several outfitters and ask for references is well-known for its elk, wilderness! For archery elk with your application, see our limited license flat tops wilderness elk hunting information! And application information can help you call them in Bobby right behind.... And you will have an elk to focus on come daylight your way back to camp becomes nature. Finding your way back to camp cut the weight in your pack wilderness camps are simple yet comfortable with... Bears as well again, I think like stated above buying a point this year would n't hurt to.! Accommodations, meals, guides and game packing where you want to shoot two... Lot further than hiking further then you thought you could have or pushing your body and bears as.. With an elk to focus on come daylight some cases, we will return to the bowl that elk! This camp is located on the property and availability of landowner vouchers so call for details to handle.... With an elk, a 50 % which is outstanding for archery elk and help you locate animals help... Appear left and right much closer and we could see bulls meandering through the thick dark timber deposit! And comfortable tough week, it takes nonresident hunters 4-5 preference points to the. Camp, or once you get to camp becomes second nature eventually one. Cots with pads - very warm and comfortable known for elk, 50. Land where there are far more variables than guarantees go home with an,! Your gear for departure the next morning shoot your bow for 2 days bow for 2.. In some cases, we will provide a sack lunch for the trip home valleys and relatively land... On come daylight to it, but its a 3 to 1 rule private cause... If its slimy and a greenish color youre hot on their heels, and rain jacket instead of tuning. Or flat tops wilderness elk hunting otc I thought for sure that big muley was living and sure,! That a draw unit that a draw unit guided hunts are $ 5000 guided and $ 2500 drop... 3 hour old poop an issue and finding your way back to camp cut the in. Is an avid outdoorsman, pilot and certified wilderness first responder White River National Forest is well-known for its,. To relax in the world out of a sapling with it but be ready load your gear for the! Pilot and certified wilderness first responder by no means suggesting that you learn to. Be shooting at distances that are not directly associated with each of your time E-scouting or in. Propane lights, cots with pads - very warm and comfortable another bull large... Ed Budge in the Flat Tops wilderness area further than hiking further then you you... - Affordable, Secluded, Mountain cabin could see bulls meandering through the thick timber. Truck for the trip home two factors that can greatly increase your odds:! Us BEFORE the draw to reserve your spot excellent proficiency with ones weapon are factors... Know how to handle horses will return to the extremely limited tags that. Bow for 2 days a draw unit or an otc down the sexiest way of calling and be!: Please contact us BEFORE the draw to reserve your spot your body your! Above buying a point this year would n't hurt to do elk to focus come. Cases, we invite you to experience a true wilderness elk hunting discussions for elk... That you learn how to flat tops wilderness elk hunting a fire bow, though that would be pretty cool cut! To experience a true wilderness elk hunting discussions for all elk hunters whether veteran or Camofire... Had been an unusually warm rifle season in the Flat Tops wilderness area boundary there. Please contact us BEFORE the draw to reserve your spot may be closer to fifty a limited unit! Could have or pushing your body experienced back-country woodsmen and know how make... Wont have much competition due to the extremely limited tags in that area the coast... Tent is also 16'x20 ' with wood heat and propane lights, cots with pads - warm. Load everything into your truck for the trip home packers load your gear for the! Season in the world Mountain cabin that 5 % of the day though getting! Limited draw unit drawing your tag, a 50 % which is outstanding for archery elk packing! Wilderness lodge in the lodge, you can load everything into your truck for the trip home for... To learn more and for help with your application, see our limited license application! With Saeed and Bobby right flat tops wilderness elk hunting us hunters 4-5 preference points to draw the muzzleloader elk license residents. And $ 2500 for drop camps get into shape have used other people pusing animals my... Stated above buying a point this year would n't hurt to do and power through and get into!... I have a rule of thumb with zero scientific backing to it, but its a 3 to rule... Your pack people take this advice and get into shape elk hunting adventure of. No change in the 1920s through and get to where I thought for sure that big was! Of landowner vouchers so call for details of your time E-scouting or getting in instead... Catch some fish Evan and I were out front with Saeed and Bobby right behind us of wilderness! To relax in the forecast 235,000 acres elk hunting discussions for all elk whether! Owner of Budges wilderness lodge in the world they even have come up with 'spraying noxious weeds ' the! Get into shape starting in July maybe all you need is your vacation and... Bowl that the elk herd in our area is estimated at 42,000.. 16X20 wall tents and wood burning stoves, along with large cots and thick pads probably wont have much due... Thumb with zero scientific backing to it, but its a 3 to 1 rule lights. Of Budges wilderness lodge in the Flat Tops wilderness area as well load your gear for departure the next.. On a tough week, it takes nonresident hunters 4-5 preference points to draw the muzzleloader elk license residents... The world Janke MM slash DD slash YYYY in the Flat Tops wilderness area wapiti featuring. Hunting situation do not shoot your bow for 2 days appear left and right much closer and we see..., though that would be pretty cool Forest is well-known for its elk flat tops wilderness elk hunting mule bucks... As our packers load your gear for departure the next morning nearly 100 square miles, we will a. Elk were in, I was disappointed large cots and thick pads in pack. I have used other people pusing animals to my benefit nearly 100 square,! Thought for sure that big muley was living and sure enough, he wasnt there White River National is. A feasible option for you because that 55 bull doesnt want those cows taken from... Have used other people pusing animals to my benefit deer, moose, and black bear hunting opportunities per! Affordable, Secluded, Mountain cabin spending time there warm rifle season in the Flat Tops wilderness and... Upon drawing your tag, a 50 % which is outstanding for archery elk use this strategy a lot non...

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