Colorado elk hunting - for myself,my father, and a

[GoneHuntin]

The outfitter we planned to use for a elk gun hunt in Colorado this year has quit the business so we are a now in somewhat of a bind. I am looking for a trip for 3 hunters (myself age 30, my father 60, and his friend age 56). I am looking to keep the cost at around 2500 for everything - could go a little higher but not much. We are all experienced outdoorsman although have only been elk hunting once several years ago. I am in pretty good physical shape but my dads not getting any younger so the complete do it yourself roughing it thing is probably not a good idea. Would prefer a guided or semi-guided hunt.. Is this possible for the price in a decent area of Colorado. Would like the first or second season in Colorado since we have a preference point or two built up, but would be willing to try a different state if chances of getting a license are good. We are from Central Texas and will be driving. Any information on outfitters or info in general would be appreciated.

 

[Speckmisser]

GoneHuntin,

There are a lot of guides out there who should fit in that price range, and I hope some of the guys on here can give you some first hand recommendations. I have never hunted CO, and really haven't done much researchh on the place, but since no one else has answered, I'll offer this one up to you...

Might call Bruce Hyatt in Montrose at 970-249-9733. He hunts areas 61 and 62, and I know he had openings for 1st Rifle season as of two weeks ago.

While I can't vouch for this guy yet, I just won a first rifle season hunt with his operation. So I'll be there in October for that hunt. Good or bad, I guarantee you folks on JHP will hear all about it.

The way I see it, he wouldn't be taking people for "free" if he didn't have a decent setup. I do know he hunts 4-1 instead of 2-1 or 1-1, which may be perfect for your group.

His rates are at or below your range, starting at around $2250 for the rifle elk hunts.

Anyway, caveat emptor and all that. If you call, have your questions ready and don't hold back. Make sure you're getting what you all want, because if not I'm sure there will be someone else out there who DOES offer what you want. You'll be a lot happier if both you and the guide know what you're in for.

Let me know what you find out. And if you ended up signing on for the 1st Rifle hunts with him, maybe I'll be seeing you there!

 

[Losthwy]

One general recommendation is to hunt the western third of the state where the elevations and terrain are not nearly as taxing. Visit the Colorado State Forum here at JHP.

 

[GoneHuntin]

thanks Speck. I will give him a call. I have been searching the web and getting names and numbers together to start calling. I will let you know how it works out.

I will also check out the Colorado forum.

thanks for the help

 

[GoneHuntin]

Well we have decided to book a hunt through Loco Mountian Outfitters in Colorado - area 58. It will be the first combined season so we will be hunting both deer and elk. Thanks for the input. If anyone has any tips on this area let me know. Now I just have to start shooting every two weeks and wait for October.

 

[COHunter]

You'll be hunting an hour away from my house !!! Take your fishing pole if you tag out early, the Arkansas river is loaded with Brown Trout.

 

[GoneHuntin]

CO Hunter - Any idea how the hunting is in the area? We will be there for the October 18 season? Outfitter and references said the deer hunting is always pretty good and that the elk hunting should be good this year. Definitely have to bring the rod and reel as well.

 

[COHunter]

I have seen some good Deer in GMU 58, but not exceptionally great Deer. You will probably see some good 4X4's with 23-25" spreads. Those Deer are part of the Cripple Creek Herd which unfortunatly is not one of the better herds, but you will be on private land I take it or in places that the regular Joe's wont be hunting. I've had some friends that have bought Tags through Loco Mtn and 4 of them took 2 Deer(4X4 & 2X2).
I've seen good Bulls in 58 and even some really nice one's.
Lots of Mountain Lions near the river and Big Horn Sheep as well.

Good Luck

Hey where in Texas are you ? When I was stationed at Ft. Hood, I lived in Lampasas.

 

[GoneHuntin]

Thanks for the info COHunter. I live in Jarrell - a little town north of Austin. I was just in lampasas a week or so ago my dad is ordering a dodge truck from the dealership there. Not sure if you ever deer hunted Hood but the whitetails have improved the last few years. Ive seen several pictures of 140 - 160 class deer that have been taken the last few years. I still havent been over and tried it yet. Thanks again for the info. Now all that is left is the waiting.

 

[COHunter]

Didnt Jarrell get wiped off the map in 95 or 96 ? Thats the town that had that F-5 Tornado isnt it ? I had a good time in Austin!!! (6th Street I believe)

Never hunted on Ft. Hood, I had two Ranchers in town that felt sorry for me being a little enlisted guy, so I was allowed to hunt on their place's free of charge. That was the easiest Deer hunting I have ever done. Gentle rolling hills, never too cold, and Man-O-Man the Deer were thick in that country !!! I read that Lampasas & Burnett county (combined) shoot more Deer than the whole State of Colorado.

 

[GoneHuntin]

Ya Jarrell is known for the F5 tornado that came through back then. It killed 23 people and since I grew up there I knew just about all of them. The worst was that school was out so a high proportion of them were kids. Well time to get dad off the fence about a new rifle or two. Hes thinking about a 300 magnum not sure if a Weatherby or Ultra. Will have to work up some loads as soon as he decides. thanks again