Usually after the first volley of arrows I find my groove and nailing a 6 circle at 100 yards is pretty normal. acres of private land. In most cases, you will stay out all day and we will provide a sack lunch. We will then pack it back to the main lodge on horses or mules. into game bags and to move the elk if necessary to a spot where we can get horse access. 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! Here at Budges Wilderness lodge, we take the care of wild game meat very seriously. Our lodge-based elk hunts include five full days of hunting, six nights accommodations and meals. This is usually split between guide, wrangler(s), kitchen and housekeeping staff. You simply cannot get that by exercising just a couple of weeks before hunting. Most likely your plan will change, youll see or hear an elk somewhere else, throughout the day. 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. #3. 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. You will find a few on top during the first couple days but they will quickly get pushed off. Colorado has more elk than any other U.S. state or Canadian province. We got to where I thought for sure that big muley was living and sure enough, he wasnt there. However, some units still offer either sex tags during archery season. Click here to reserve your spot now. Roughly 100 miles of fishable streams are in the Wilderness. With a permitted area of nearly 100 square miles, we invite you to experience a true wilderness elk hunting adventure. All of our guests who harvest an animal will go home with a set of these reusable game bags. An estimated 40,000 elk are in the area herd. I was guiding a gentleman named Saeed, from Kentucky, on his first elk hunt. Costs vary depending on the property and availability of landowner vouchers so call for details. Unfortunately, weve seen many outfitters over the years that simply drop elk quarters in to dirty mule paniers or leave the hide on for protection. Here at Budges we do our best to respect the animals and maximize the resource. Including the ranch, the hunting area available includes aproximately 100 sq. Steve Bland Calling great is awesome, but elk are just like people and they dont all sound the same. Whether an elk is harvested or not, we hope that every single guest has an outstanding wilderness experience with memories that will be cherished for years. No motorized transportation is allowed in wilderness areas. We can even handle the process for you. we know where the elk wallow. Licensed Colorado Outfitter #3488. Remember, your elk hunt is your vacation time and dont put too much pressure on yourself. Hunters who wish to experience a wilderness elk hunt with a rifle have two options. With spirits at an all time low, it was going to be a long ride back to camp. Cows started to appear left and right much closer and we could see bulls meandering through the thick dark timber. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Everyone in camp either shot, missed a shot, or passed on an animal that season. Flat Tops is one of the easiest to hunt places I've ever elk hunted! No exceptions. Tipsy Tuesday: Elk Film, Gear, News, & More. 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. The best way to capitalize on this is to wake up at 3am and head out for the morning. The Flat Top Wilderness area is roughly 230,000 acres with the largest herd of elk in the United States. Mental toughness goes a lot further than hiking further then you thought you could have or pushing your body. If along the way ridge running you see fresh elk sign go investigate it! We will ride into each camp every other day to check on you for safety purposes, any needed 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 lot of times they will be 100% silent coming in. When we got to the opening that Saeed and Bobby both shot at elk in we were amazed to see nothing but tracks. This part of I know that my first arrow of the day is not my best shot of the day. Shot opportunity usually is well over 50% which is outstanding for archery elk. The first rifle season is a limited draw hunt, but the tags never sell out and can be drawn every year. Of course we work extremely hard to give our clients every opportunity. Licenses for both of these seasons are very easy to obtain. about us Activities Horseback rides At the end of the day though, my hope is that 5% of the people take this advice and get into shape! Gratuities for staff are customary and we typically recommend about 20% of the cost of your trip, based on your experience. The Flat Tops Wilderness uplift is a prime elk habitat. They are very easy to wash and re-use. However, you are 1,000 yards away and to not be seen or smelled you need to cover closer to a mile to get to them. The words ELK-14 and SPOTTED FROM-14 (my way of keeping track of waypoints) bring back memories. There was not just one but closer to fifty. The next several hours the four of us gridded the entire bowl and never found any sign of a wounded elk. 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! Pretty darn nice setup for . From: FORESTBOWS 31-May-20 Hey guys! If you are a drop camp hunter bring a small light weight tent. If you are hiking into an area to set up camp it can be tough to drop the weight out of your pack. Click here to learn more about how to reserve your spot on a limited draw hunt. colorado has lots of OTC tags and its the closest elk state and straight shot west on I . These ranches are in Hunters can expect to start their day with a hot breakfast in the cook tent. 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. 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. 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. Its pretty amazing how many times you can find yourself sprinting through the mountains! I would venture a guess that under 5% of the units acreage hold 90% of the elk. 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. 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. Didn't connect on either trip. There just wasnt another shot. "Serving big game hunters since 1994". Otherwise, too many elk will get killed; thats how important/game-changing being in shape really is! Thats good news for you because that 55 bull doesnt want those cows taken away from him by another bull. Call around and talk to several outfitters and ask for references. Inside the Wilderness area boundary, there is no motorized access. For hunters using an outfitted drop camp you dont have to worry about weight as much but most likely your outfitter will have a weight limit per person. Evan and I are telling our hunters to reload and to keep the elk they shot at in their scopes. Wildlife in the area include elk, mule deer, black bear, big horn sheep, mountain , antelope, and an occasional moose. This camp is located on the South Fork of the White River National Forest within the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, covering 235,000 acres. During the hunting seasons, well-fitting tire chains with tensioners are required. This article is meant to provide you some tips and tricks for your first few hunts. The balance is due August 1st. Essentially, this provides an archery elk hunting experience during the rut, but with a longer-range weapon. The good news is that for the hunters the are consistent and keep trying year after year will soon become stone cold killers! Today we talk with returning guest, Cliff Gray, owner and lead wrangler of Flat Tops Wilderness Guides. JavaScript is disabled. at high elevation. Each year we take many average for Colorado elk and lucky hunters take some really good 6X6 bulls. Lone Tom Outfitting specializes in Bull Elk and Trophy Tom Mountain Lion hunts in Northwest Colorado. is of interest to you please call right away. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This vast country offers clients a very broad range of hunting opportunities ranging from 8,000 ft elevations to 11,000 ft. We rarely encounter other hunters in this area of the Flat Tops Wilderness. Evan and I were out front with Saeed and Bobby right behind us. When you talk to the references remember that, that is what they are, references! You will stay in the ranch house and we will drive out to hunt each What areas should I target for access? Avoiding the domestic sheep is the hard part! Start at a reasonable range that you are fairly competent at shooting. Good luck this fall! This is also a great time to be building your friendship. If you settle youll regret it everyday! Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. However, I promise you that there is elk within reasonable walking distance every day. Spend more time hunting, not traveling. If he doesnt see her he knows something is up. Colorado residents can draw with 0-1 point. Over the past several years, our muzzleloader hunters have had 100% shot opportunity! 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. From what I was reading most are draw units and some are OTC. We tied up the horses and ate a little snack before closing the last little distance. Secluded, guided hunts available in units 33 and 34. 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. 218-368-3679, www.huntbeavercreek.com Beaver Springs Includes: Five full days of guided horseback hunting, eight nights lodging and meals. Once I locate an animal I get down wind of them as fast as I can before they have a chance to move off. We offer hunts during the first and second rifle seasons in Colorado. This may help to dissuade other hunters from going to that unit or part of the unit. We made it back to camp around 10 pm where Zach and the other hunters in camp were staying up waiting for us to arrive. Includes: Five full days of guided horseback hunting, six nights lodging and 3 meals daily. The only way you find these kinds of spots is spending time there. Wapiti Talk featuring elk hunting discussions for all elk hunters whether veteran or novice Camofire . Located in Game Management Unit (GMU)12 in Colorados Routt National Forest on the northern end of theFlat Tops Wildernesswhere the Routt National Forest abuts with the White River National Forest and in Craig, Colorado. For the most part, I would not choose a unit based on trophy potential for your first DIY hunt. Surely, if the elk are still there and Saeed shoots a bull, Bobby would be able to get a crack at a cow before they all ran off. Advance reservations take priority. Once you learn the hot spots for elk it gives you a great place to start the following year. Game packing for guided clients is included in the fee and guided day hunts can be reserved for Shouldnt have to venture to far from the trailhead either. These are the standard operating policies of Budges and are subject to change without notice. All the other hunters you will see are probably just grouse hunters. Do you want drainages or gps coordinates where the elk are? Once you choose your outfitter or the unit stick to it! country hunted. The caller can also be walking around in circles breaking limbs, rolling rocks, etc. 185.25.119.98 With winter time cabin fever setting in, my maps and GPS are laying on the table as I plan future scouting trips. However, bugling too much can send them running. Elk hunting in the rugged terrain of the Flat Tops Wilderness is a world class experience. Yesterday it was the garden of Eden, elk everywhere; now I didnt see any with my naked eye. Guides use a third tent with horse feed and camp supplies. 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. Theres a lot of stuff you can leave at camp everyday when you head out. Ripple Creek Lodge's guided hunts take you deep into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of Northwest Colorado, These hunts are conducted entirely on horseback in Game Management Unit 24 on the White River National Forest. accommodations in modern cabins, or from tent camps. Saeed pulled into the pack station to unload his vehicle and get it packed on the horses and mules. To learn more and for help with your application, see our limited license and application information. But remember, you are hunting an OTC unit and over calling can be the difference between killing a bull and never seeing an elk. Contact me so we can plan your elk hunt today! At dinner that night, I told the other guides and hunters about the herd of elk we had seen. It may be day 4 and you havent seen or heard an elk. The next part of finding a unit is looking at ruggedness, remoteness, and hunter density. Ive hunted units 11,22, and 211 before but never have ventured into the Flat Tops. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. We are thinking the Flat Top Wilderness area. I whispered to him to take the safety off and prepare to take a clear shot. It always amazes me how many times it all comes together right towards the last day of the season, or the last day of the hunt. Trophy Bull Elk Hunting in Flat Tops Wilderness Trophy Bull Elk Hunts We offer full service guided trophy elk hunts at our Fowler Peak Camp. 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. 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. 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. Wild Skies - Affordable, Secluded, Mountain Cabin. You dont get a lot of opportunities in a week of elk hunting, so you need capitalize. I was headed to Saeeds tent by 4:30 to make sure he was up for breakfast. Enjoy elk hunting amidst one of the largest elk herds in North America. . the high country of western Colorado, or mule deer, trophy bull elk and Hunters who reserve a spot ahead of the draw have first priority. Mental toughness and physical fitness go together like Forest Gump and Jenny. Its been a long time now we hunted by Buford Co. Im not sure if this is close or not . Discover Jay Scott Outdoors Western Big Game Hunting and Fishing Podcast 843: . The odds are tough any given year, but as you put in your time you will achieve success. 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. March 31, 2023 - 182 likes, 1 comments - Flat Tops Wilderness Guides (@flattopswildernessguides) on Instagram: "Had a guided 1st rifle season wilderness camp . (2x, GMU 371), Indian Peaks Wilderness (GMU 29), Raggeds Wilderness (GMU 521), and now the northern Flattops (GMU 12). Im a non-resident, Ill be coming over from Kentucky (24 hour drive) so I wont be able to do much scouting before season. provide the you with a guided hunt into the wilderness area on horseback and you only pay for the number of days Where we hunt. In addition to the options listed above, wed be happy to help plan a trip for any family, group or individual. Contact us now to get started. Required fields are marked *. It was the same bull. 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 . The White River valley east of Meeker and Buford is home to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of Colorado and the 4WD access on the properties, then walking out from the vehicles. Applying in the draw and gaining preference points is easy! Sometimes the best spots are way closer and easier to access and everyone thinks that there wouldnt be elk there but since everyone skips that close spot is the sole reason why there is elk. Deposit and balance payments may be made by check, wire transfer or credit card. The immediate . Pressure where you can get to butI haven't found that to be a problem. largest elk herd in the United States. This is a perfect time to head back to camp load up your tent, sleeping bags, and a few Mountain House meals and head towards the elk. The camps are located high up and well back into the Flat Tops Wilderness and are reached by horse. Guided Horseback Wilderness Deer/Elk Hunts - Flat Tops Wilderness Guides This hunt is available for both Archery and Rifle Seasons. 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! Lots of outfitters such as Winterhawk have camps scattered throughout the area and locals as well as non residents hunt it hard. (802) 345-4230 Spend the night in one of our cabins as our packers load your gear for departure the next morning. Buddies hunting together either become closer after an elk hunt or despise one another. Thanks for sharing your knowledge to help others be successful. Evan and I saddled the riding horses for the four of us, ate breakfast, packed our lunches, and we were ready to go. The big takeaway is shot placement is everything and if you end up making a poor shot, own it and dont blame the broadhead. This makes it a good option for hunters who would rather not ride a horse out of the main lodge every day. You can also go off-road into additional expanses of the . 19362 Glacier Road, Clearbrook, Minnesota. If you join our Preference Point Program, your $500 deposit is rolled over until a tag is drawn. 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 . wilderness. Bugling is hands down the sexiest way of calling and can be extremely productive! 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. Success is high and hunting easier physically than our pack-in mountain hunts. still in velvet. 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 . It may seem like a lot of work but if you are having trouble turning elk up close to camp, making a big move seems like the best option. The mouth of Spring Cave lies just outside the wilderness boundary in the lower South Fork valley, beckoning the curious to come and explore. available. Although we can no more guarantee you a kill than any other ethical outfitter, we will increase your odds by providing a fair chase hunt in some of the . Almost instantly Bobby takes a shot. (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 . Batte Outfitters 8/21-11/15 Guided day hunting 12 Harp Point 601-536-3168 Beaver Creek Outfitters Summer Overnight trips with pack horses Flat Tops Wilderness, Lost Lakes . Licenses are available via land-owner vouchers with liberal I'm sure there you can find solitude somewhere there, but we haven't found that place yet lol. As i mentioned to the other guy asking the EXACT same thing a few weeks ago. In some cases, we will return to the lodge for a simple lunch. An Introduction to Elk Hunting. A mix of private land, forest service and wilderness area will be hunted. 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. When this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page up. Wish to experience a Wilderness elk hunt today amazed to see nothing but.... Two options east side of the unit, it was going to building! 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