Everyone in camp either shot, missed a shot, or passed on an animal that season. I have hunted 25/26 for the last 3 years and have found what has been mentioned. Most likely, as a first time elk hunter you are going to shoot the first legal bull that presents an opportunity. Roughly 100 miles of fishable streams are in the Wilderness. Lone Tom Outfitting specializes in Bull Elk and Trophy Tom Mountain Lion hunts in Northwest Colorado. 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. This is uncommon and if you have the opportunity to see that enjoy the moment and good luck killing the herd bull, youll need it! Once you are familiar though, getting turned around is less of an issue and finding your way back to camp becomes second nature. The balance is due 60 days prior to arrival and is non-refundable. Its more important when things are slow and you start thinking about quitting. The words ELK-14 and SPOTTED FROM-14 (my way of keeping track of waypoints) bring back memories. Hunters can expect to start their day with a hearty breakfast in the main lodge. The White River elk herd is 30,000+ animals, of which a large portion live in the Flat Tops. 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. 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. If you havent fly fished before I bet youll catch your first fish on a fly rod in the high country. The little nooks and crannies are often times what hold elk. they again get up and move to feed. I use this strategy a lot during non prime hours of the day. 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. drop camp in white river national forest. Licenses for both of these rifle seasons are easy to obtain. Colder weather and the chance of snow can work to the hunters advantage, causing the animals to be more active throughout the day. So do your research and find out where you can get all three tags each year without having to use points. He said he is confident with his shot and his 300 Winchester short magnum has never left him down. Flat Tops Wilderness CO Drop Camp with River's Bend Outfitters 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. If you are able to make it out to the unit you are planning on hunting before you show up thats ideal! My buddy and I are planning an elk hunting trip for not this fall but next 2016 season. Arrival Day: Arrive in the afternoon, get organized and relax before dinner. Most of our bow hunting is done in a limited draw unit. You can also go off-road into additional expanses of the . San Luis Valley and Unit 681 Wilderness Elk: We hunt the mountains in the north end of the San Luis Valley and have elk hunting available on over 50,000 *** 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. The Flat Tops are part of the White River Plateau with an average elevation of about 10,000 feet. I would venture a guess that under 5% of the units acreage hold 90% of the elk. However, some units still offer either sex tags during archery season. 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. 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. On the flip side, do not overlook easy to access spots. Evan and I were out front with Saeed and Bobby right behind us. . We proudly offer horseback riding, elk hunting, wilderness fishing and pack trips in what we feel is the most beautiful place on Earth! 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. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Colorado High Country Adventures If you are confident that you can comfortably spend a night alone and away from camp means that you are less concerned about getting back to camp before dark. In 2002, the Flat Tops Wilderness was scorched by the "Big Fish Fire," a wildfire that swept through the cradle of wilderness surrounding Trapper's Lake. If you are a drop camp hunter bring a small light weight tent. elk can be found anywhere on any day. Located east of Meeker, Colorado at the edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness, we offer you a quality hunt in the largest elk herd in the country. If a hunting trip is cancelled with more than 90-days notice prior to the arrival date, the non-refundable deposit may be credited toward other guests or dates within 12 months of the date of the original reservation, subject to availability. Licensed Colorado Outfitter #3488. Give yourself a few minutes to let things calm down and get yourself set up (range trees, knock an arrow, etc.) Chances are you are in some of the most pristine and beautiful areas in the world, cherish that! Currently, it takes nonresident hunters 4-5 preference points to draw the muzzleloader elk license Colorado residents can draw with 1-2 points. Every quarter mile let out a location bugle. Hunters need to be However, getting packed in 8 miles sure does put you in a better position than the hunter that had to hike the 8 miles in there. Our wilderness camp elk hunts include five full days of hunting, seven nights of accommodations and meals. This makes it a good option for hunters who would rather not ride a horse out of the main lodge every day. However, in OTC units there are not as many herd situations as you may think. At the end of the day, hiring an outfitter to do a drop camp significantly helps you and really doesnt have any negatives except it costs money each year. The best way to capitalize on this is to wake up at 3am and head out for the morning. The only way you find these kinds of spots is spending time there. I was guiding a gentleman named Saeed, from Kentucky, on his first elk hunt. Then you'll know what access will work. Already have preference points in Colorado and ready to book? With the binoculars up, I told Saeed a bull was making his way through the timber and to get ready. Calling great is awesome, but elk are just like people and they dont all sound the same. we know where the elk wallow. Of all the potential reasons why hunters go home empty handed, their lack of physical fitness and mental toughness is at the top of the heap. No exceptions. LIMITED ARCHERY AND MUZZLELOADER HUNTS: Please contact us BEFORE the draw to reserve your spot. When we got back into camp, Saeed could barely move from all those hours in the saddle. Call around and talk to several outfitters and ask for references. It can help you locate animals and help you call them in. Our hunting and cattle ranch sits in the heart of elk country, home of the largest elk herd in North America. 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. 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. The second rifle season takes place at the end of October. Within minutes we were headed up the trail to camp. Lisa Bennett. 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. Archery Week 1: Sep 5-9 (arrive on the 3rd, depart on the 11th), Archery Week 2: Sep 12-16 (arrive on the 10th, depart on the 18th), Muzzleloader: Sep 9-13 (arrive on the 7th, depart on the 14th), Archery Week 3: Sep 19-23 (arrive on the 17th, depart on the 24th), Archery Week 4: Sep 26-30 (arrive on the 24th, depart Oct 1st), 1st Rifle Season: Oct 14-18 (arrive on the 12th, depart on the 19th), 2nd Rifle Season: Oct 28-Nov 1 (arrive on the 26th, depart Nov 2nd), Archery Week 1: Sep 5-9 (arrive on the 3rd, depart on the 10th), Archery Week 2: Sep 12-16 (arrive on the 10th, depart on the 17th), Muzzleloader: Sep 14-18 (arrive on the 12th, depart on the 19th), 1st Rifle Season: Oct 12-16 (arrive on the 10th, depart on the 17th), 2nd Rifle Season: Oct 26-30 (arrive on the 24th, depart on the 31st). The elk herd in our area is estimated at 42,000 animals. Guides use a third tent with horse feed and camp supplies. If we get one that's a bonus to me. These hunts are very popular especially at the end of the 2nd or 3rd rifle seasons and Then, youre welcome to relax in the lodge or head back to your own cabin for some rest. Round Lake, Flat Tops Wilderness P.O. Physical conditioning and excellent proficiency with ones weapon are two factors that can greatly increase your odds. The next six nights are in the wilderness camp. 12 in Colorado's Routt National Forest on the northern end of the Flat Tops Wilderness where the Routt National . 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. Click to reveal Aug 21, 2012. 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. Flat Tops is one of the easiest to hunt places I've ever elk hunted! Elevations range from 7,640 to 12,354 feet. Otherwise, too many elk will get killed; thats how important/game-changing being in shape really is! Licenses for both of these seasons are very easy to obtain. 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). 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 wilderness designation means no motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed in this beautiful, pristine area. Comfortable lodge/home accommodations with meals included. Flat Top Adventures Hunt back country elk in Colorado in an area that is home to the largest elk herd in the state. If you want to shoot a two blade rage expandable thats awesome too. Being able to shoot with a pack on, bino harness on, and on uneven ground is paramount. Chances are there is always going to be someone in better physical condition that will out hike you deep into a remote area. 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. Pretty darn nice setup for . To learn more and for help with your application, see our limited license and application information. Outfitter success is usually opportunities on game and true success is filling out a tag. Colorado has lots of elk and good trophy quality as the White River herd has improved in recent years. If you are hiking into an area to set up camp it can be tough to drop the weight out of your pack. We will provide you with the landowner The first rifle season takes place during the first half of October. I think like stated above buying a point this year wouldn't hurt to do. The balance is due August 1st. Wapiti Talk featuring elk hunting discussions for all elk hunters whether veteran or novice Camofire . If along the way ridge running you see fresh elk sign go investigate it! However, I promise you that there is elk within reasonable walking distance every day. Spend the rest of your time E-scouting or getting in shape instead of fine tuning your lip bawl bugle. This mimics getting one stalk/day. Hunting is regulated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife . Lol. Horse-back day hunts available in the Flat Tops with or without lodging. 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. Give a shout if you have any specific questions and I'll try to help you out. Add a couple chirps into the sequence and you are onto a great start. March 31, 2023 - 182 likes, 1 comments - Flat Tops Wilderness Guides (@flattopswildernessguides) on Instagram: "Had a guided 1st rifle season wilderness camp . The immediate . For these reasons, we strongly advise you purchase vacation cancellation insurance through your local provider. It had been an unusually warm rifle season in the Flat Tops Wilderness, and there was no change in the forecast. Average costs: Guided hunts average $5500-$6500 for elk, $6500 for mule deer and $3000 for antelope. I immediately caught glimpse of three very large Rocky Mountain Bighorns on the adjacent mountain. We tied up the horses and ate a little snack before closing the last little distance. #3. The following morning we were up earlier than usual for our long ride. Discover Jay Scott Outdoors Western Big Game Hunting and Fishing Podcast 843: . Photo: John Biking: There are not many opportunities for mountain biking near Trappers Lake. Trophy elk hunting on ranches where a 300"+ bull is possible. It may be day 4 and you havent seen or heard an elk. Well, I am here to tell you ; they get rounded up and pushed back onto, or driven back to private land in all gmu's. 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