Having some mental toughness, physical preparation, and being open to riding horses for long hours is essential. READ MORE. I was wondering if anyone has hunted there and have had success or have no success. Saeed pulled into the pack station to unload his vehicle and get it packed on the horses and mules. You can have the right plan, but there’s no guarantee it will produce! Hunting with a buddy is key to elk hunting: two hunters is ideal for a caller/shooter set up, you can bounce ideas off of each other, and help keep each other motivated. The Flat Tops Wilderness – Home to an Elk Herd of 39,000. Outfitted Wilderness Elk Hunts, Physical Preparation for High-Altitude Wilderness Elk Hunts – Endurance and Strength, Flat Tops Archery, Muzzy, and 1st Rifle 2014 Hunting Report, Understanding The Colorado Sheep, Goat and Moose Draw, 2019 Fishing Report and 2020 Fishing Trip Opportunities, 2020 CO Draw Reminder, Covid-19 and Draw Sensitive Openings, Colorado Mountain Goat Draw Recommendations 2020, Colorado Bighorn Sheep Draw Recommendations 2020, Guide to the Colorado 2020 Mule Deer, Elk, Bear Draw and How To Apply, 2019 Hunting Report and 2020 Booking Opportunities, Corporate and Family Wilderness Adventures. Our secluded hunting cabin is surrounded on three sides by the Routt National Forest, approximately 2 miles from the Flat Tops Wilderness. With closer inspection, it was indeed the target species of Saeed’s hunt, elk. With mild summer temperatures and snowy winters. It had been an unusually warm rifle season in the Flat Tops Wilderness, and there was no change in the forecast. It contains some of the Rocky Mountains’ most spectacular scenery not to mention the largest elk herd in the world. The Flat Top Wilderness area is roughly 230,000 acres with the largest herd of elk in the United States. Whether you want one of our Drop Camps or just dropped off at your own location, we take you in with horses and a pack string. 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. This vast landscape of subalpine forest, sheer cliffs and alpine tundra is one of the best-kept secrets among bird watchers and counts itself as part of the Colorado Birding Trail. 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 best elk habitat in the world. Ripple Creek Lodge’s drop camps are located deep into the White River National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of northwest Colorado. 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. I had been off the mountain for less than 24 hours and was headed back up for a second season elk/mule-deer hunt. Lone Tom Outfitting offers two high country drop camps. Let’s face it, 2020 has thrown most of us for a loop. Colorado’s Premier Big Game Outfitters. Late Season Elk Hunts. Colorado Elk Hunting – Guided Hunts at Ute Lodge 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. This unit spreads across the counties of La Plata and San Juan. Guided hunting opportunities in the area include; elk, mule deer, … It would be nice to get another 3-4 people to make the first week of September a PBS event! Our drop camps are in the middle of Elk Country, if the elk are talking when you are there, you will hear them from camp. GMU's (Game Management Units) - 6/16/17/171. As the bull breaks through the clearing, Saeed shoots and the bull starts running. For the hunter who prefers to put tasty elk steaks in the freezer rather than antlers on the wall, we also offer cow elk hunting at a reduced rate. Welcome to Colorado and the famous big game rich Flatops mountains. We made the hike back to the horses and jumped on. SPOT 07: Stump Park This spot is located in the southeast part of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. The following morning, I was up at 3:30 to start saddling Snowball and Brownie (our riding horses), Red’s pack saddle properly fitted (our pack mule), and get them fed/watered before heading out. You get there by driving to the town of Dotsero then go to Burns. Had a ten day drop camp hunt with Winterhawk outfitters. Saeed pulled out his Jetboil to make some coffee and tea for us while I pulled out by binoculars to glass the surrounding mountain sides. 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. GMU’s 1, 2, 201 – If you have the points saved up, we hunt some of the best trophy elk and deer units in Colorado. For those who were in Madison last March you know that John Vargo was the successful bidder on the elk hunt at Wild Skies Cabins nestled against the Flat Tops Wilderness. ABOUT THE OUTFITTER Welcome to Beaver Creek Outfitters Colorado Wilderness Horseback Pack trips. Craig, Colorado and the adjacent Flat Tops area enjoys the largest herds of Elk in Colorado, and in the world. Elk Hunting Location. View Harvest Reports, Draw Odds, Preference Points, Regulations, Elevation, Maps, Vegetation Analysis, really anything pertaining to hunting Elk this fall! video - Island of the Rockies - Sights and Sounds of the Flat Tops Wilderness. He said he is confident with his shot and his 300 Winchester short magnum has never left him down. We operate on the White River National Forest under special permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Nevertheless, Zach, our camp cook always knows how to raise spirits with his chicken fried chicken, spice cake, and a toasty cook tent. The area was beautiful but the elk were'nt there. When we got to the opening that Saeed and Bobby both shot at elk in we were amazed to see nothing but tracks. No motorized transportation is allowed in wilderness areas. I think the reason for our success is we know the area real well and hunt early bow season before all the elk get pushed out , and we hunt real hard for 10 to 14 days depending on the year. I will not hunt the early season again. Wildlife in the area include elk, mule deer, black bear, big horn sheep, mountain , antelope, and an occasional moose. I pulled out my GPS to try to pinpoint exactly where they were from our location and how we could get to them. Pack trips can be customized to fit your individual needs, length of stay and destination! Elk Hunts – Come hunt the largest herd of elk in the country! With the horses tied up, and saddles loosened Saeed and I were off. Though unsuccessful at bagging an animal, the day was a success and one that I will remember forever. Meeker provides some of the best elk and mule deer hunting in Colorado. NW Colorado has a lot of options for adult late season elk hunts which allow a hunter to hunt cow elk after the regular rifle 1-4 seasons. A mix of cows, calves, small bulls, and one very large bull. Big Game Hunting Locations in Colorado Flat Tops Wilderness. We have been written about in many publications as listed here. This hunt is a spot and stock. Drive right up to the front door of a 3500 SF, 4 bed/3.5 bath mountain home at elevation 8,400 and hunt right out the back door. hello everyone i am planning on hunting the 2nd rifle season for elk in the flat tops wilderness area in Colorado in unit 24. I ranged an opening at 204 yards that I thought he would come to. Our permits are in Colorado Game Unit (GMU) 24, South of the North Fork of the White River. Many members at Elk Creek Ranch enjoy the pursuit of the elk when hunting season rolls around. The next several hours the four of us gridded the entire bowl and never found any sign of a wounded elk. The White River National Forest has a longstanding tradition of promoting wilderness stewardship. and are accessed only by horseback. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area can be accessed by Colorado Rd 7 through the town of Yampa, in Routt County, Colorado. The elk herd in our area is estimated at 42,000 animals. Trophy Rocky Mountain bull elk are one of the most sought-after big game animals in the world. Wildlife in the area include elk, mule deer, black bear, big horn sheep, mountain , antelope, and an occasional moose. Do-It-Yourself Wilderness Elk Hunts Vs. High Timber Outfitters in Meeker, Colorado caters to hunters who are looking for that back-country experience as they meander through and hunt in locations where the largest elk herd and mule deer occupy and live. As the elk are running through the timber, it is hard to know exactly which animals had been shot at. It is well known as some of the very best elk and deer country anywhere. When we finally made it to the bowl that the elk were in, I was disappointed. Meeker provides some of the best elk and mule deer hunting in Colorado. Hunted the Flat Tops area in the early bow season last year. 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. At South Creek Outfitters, we know that location, knowledge, patience, skill, and commitment make up the formula for a successful harvest of a trophy bull elk. We specialize in Northwest Colorado elk hunts in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Brink outfitters services guided hunts and drop camps in the Flat Tops and Rawah Wilderness. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Jimmy grew up in Pennsylvania hunting with his father and grandfather at a very young age. GMU’s 1, 2, 201 – If you have the points saved up, we hunt some of the best trophy elk and deer units in Colorado. Elk Hunts – Come hunt the largest herd of elk in the country! Saeed and I made it back to camp a couple of hours before sunset. As it turned out, the herd of elk were 2.2 miles from us the way the crow flies. 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. Just looking for any advice/insight on this area, elk population, huntability, which season may be best etc. Our cow elk hunts take place at the end of November. We got to where I thought for sure that big muley was living and sure enough, he wasn’t there. That is why we took the time to compile a list of the best places to go elk hunting in Colorado. He has worked on two privately owned ranches in Texas guiding deer and exotic hunts. Flat Tops is a mountain range located in Colorado within the Routt and White River National Forests. FLAT TOPS. Yesterday it was the garden of Eden, elk everywhere; now I didn’t see any with my naked eye. Out of all of the adventure seeking thrills that the Meeker, Colorado area is known for, Big Game Hunting tops the charts! Welcome to the J Bar H Outfitters website. Elk hunting in the rugged terrain of the Flat Tops Wilderness is a world class experience. 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 … 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. Everyone in camp either shot, missed a shot, or passed on an animal that season. Colorado High Country Drop Camps. Hunting out of 13 wilderness camps proven over 30 years of outfitting. Deer Hunts – Colorado is know for its trophy mule deer, and we’ve got some of the best bucks in our units. After about 30 minutes, we made our way down to where the elk were and set down our packs. We offer full service guided trophy elk hunts at our Fowler Peak Camp. A veteran reporter who has covered everything from fires and murders to political races and business deals to conservation and wildlife, Christian embraces the opportunity to put his news-gathering skills to work for fellow archers. Fall 2018, Sangre De Cristo area to White River Nat Forest, Flat Top Wilderness, Meeker CO. The deer population fluctuates, but … Here’s how to increase your chances for success I immediately caught glimpse of three very large Rocky Mountain Bighorns on the adjacent mountain. 9 Expert Tips for Hunting Elk on Public Land. Our wilderness hunts are primarily operated through our wholly owned Colorado Outfitter, Flat Tops Wilderness Guides . Deer Hunts – Colorado is know for its trophy mule deer, and we’ve got some of the best bucks in our units. The next two days we hunted close to camp, still sore from our long horse back ride. Tagging a public-land bull is one of the hardest things to do in all of hunting. We offer archery, muzzleloader, and rifle elk hunts . Our facility is built to accommodate wilderness hunting trips and remote summer expeditions. We offer archery, muzzleloader, and rifle elk hunts . And while its best known for elk, it produces quality mule deer bucks and bears as well. posted by Cliff Gray on June 4,2019 in Blog Posts. Saeed never had another opportunity at an elk but passed on some smaller mule deer. We were in the area around Island Lake. I told Evan, Bobby’s guide, that they would be more than welcome to tag along with Saeed and I in the morning to go after the big herd I had spotted. The Routt National Forest is over 1.3 million acres in central Colorado west of the Continental Divide and the White River is over 2 million acres. Jimmy spent a summer in Alaska working for a salmon aquaculture company. It’s no surprise Colorado has a serious amount of great elk hunting outfitters. Lisa and Chip Bennett and Robert and Pamela Britt of Wild Skies Flat Tops Hunting, want to thank you for considering us for your next hunt. Bob With the binoculars up, I told Saeed a bull was making his way through the timber and to get ready. He has also traveled to British Columbia with hunters for grizzly and to “The Dark Continent” where the African wildlife, culture, and beauty has captured his love for adventure. Ripple Creek Lodge also offers fully outfitted drop camps located deep into the remote wilderness for Archery, Muzzleloading and all four Rifle seasons. One thing about the Flat Tops is that after the first rifle shot the elk head down into the canyons and onto the private. Two corrals are onsite and you can bring horses or rent horses just up the road. However, looking through the binoculars when he shot, the bull didn’t seem to react as though he was hit. Colorado has more elk than any other U.S. state or Canadian province. But some of the most beautiful and abundant elk habitat is on the plateau. Camping opportunities abound within the White River National Forest, and at its heart is the Flat Tops Wilderness, a precious expanse of open land. An estimated 40,000 elk are in the area herd. We own 15 separate permit camps for archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons. The plan was set! It is one of the largest and oldest National Forests in the Rocky Mountains. 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. From there you will take Trail 1859 to the northwest. There just wasn’t another shot. Here we offer guided and unguided hunts in the Flat Tops Wilderness and adjoining White River National Forest. Welcome to Beaver Creek Outfitters Colorado Wilderness Horseback Pack trips. 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! We offer a limited number of trophy bull elk and mule deer hunts in Colorado trophy units 2 and 10 (inquire for availability and prices). Zach put our cold smoked ribeyes on the fire for dinner and heated up the sides as we told the story of the day. Day guiding is available in GMU 24 which is good during all rifle seasons and also GMU 12 either sex archery elk season. Colorado Mountain and Riverfront Vacation Cabin, Snowmobiling, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Hunting, Fly Fishing, Horseback Riding. Government information and links are at the bottom of this page.. You can see the unique splendor of the Flat Tops Wilderness in a 64 min. In September 2020, I packed a bunch of hunting gear and three of my children into my Chevy, bound for the Colorado backcountry. Hunting. Trophy Bull Elk Hunts. I leaned over and told him to put the rifle down for a second, look at me, and take some deep breaths. This camp is located on the South Fork of the White River National Forest within the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, covering 235,000 acres. It was a shocker to all of us. This is also a great time to be building your friendship. I was guiding a gentleman named Saeed, from Kentucky, on his first elk hunt. Sable Mountain Outfitters: Fishing, Hunting, Horse Rides 970-878-4765 . Tremendous Elk habitat surrounds the camp site allowing hunters the opportunity to hunt directly from the tent without the need for horses or miles of hiking. Since establishing in 1976, we have proudly grown into one of the largest guided hunting operations in Colorado. Hunt Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Bull Elk, Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats and Black Bear with Flat Tops Wilderness Guides. 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’). Petersen’s Bowhunting Editor Christian Berg is a passionate bowhunter and award-winning journalist who spent 14 years honing his craft at daily newspapers before joining Outdoor Sportsman Group in 2008. The first elk I killed in 1998 was in the center of the Flat Tops and 6.5 miles from the trail head. A.J. All camps are in the Flattop Wilderness, GMU 24. Almost instantly Bobby takes a shot. Colorado Elk Hunting at its finest. Hi all! 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. Our hunting, like the rest of the services, starts horseback. The second largest wilderness in Colorado is the Flat Tops, with roughly 235,000 acres within its boundaries. We maintain a herd of 35+ mules and horses, a 3,000 sq. And while its best known for elk, it produces quality mule deer bucks and bears as well. Cows started to appear left and right much closer and we could see bulls meandering through the thick dark timber. Before heading down to look for blood, the four of us sat there in amazement with the task we just pulled off. With eggs, bacon, and an unhealthy amount of coffee in our system, Saeed and I hit the trail an hour before daylight to make the 6 mile ride to the top of the mountain. Buddies hunting together either become closer after an elk hunt … There was only about an hour and a half before dark and we had a long way to go. Elk Hunts – Come hunt the largest herd of elk in the country! Flat Tops Wilderness Guides is a permitted hunting, fishing and summer trip outfitter in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. I was headed to Saeed’s tent by 4:30 to make sure he was up for breakfast. At dinner that night, I told the other guides and hunters about the herd of elk we had seen. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science Pennsylvania State University. any tips on hunting it or any info at all would be helpful. TROPHY ELK HUNTS . Scenic trail rides, Belgian horse wagon rides, high country fishing camp at Marvine Lake, guided big game hunting, and drop camps. Saeed, now more calm, pulled his rifle up. Altitudes range from 7,000 to 13,000 feet. To prevent accidentally shooting the wrong elk, thinking that it’s the one you already shot, I told Saeed and Bobby to put their rifles on safe. Our guides and staff are committed to providing you with the “Hunt of a Lifetime!” Elk Hunts are either four or five day hunts taking place from from September to November. 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. So we decided to watch them and see what they did. Located in Game Management Unit (GMU)12 in Colorado’s Routt National Forest on the northern end of the Flat Tops Wilderness where the Routt National Forest abuts with the White River National Forest and in Craig, Colorado. Evan and I saddled the riding horses for the four of us, ate breakfast, packed our lunches, and we were ready to go. We offer both lodge-based wilderness hunts and back-country camps. The first day of hunting was slow, only a couple of does spotted. We are happy you took the time to visit our site and hope it will provide the information you are looking for.2021 marks our 23rd year to outfit this area and we are blessed. Beautiful scenery, elk … He most recently has spent his falls guiding in Colorado for elk, mule deer, black bear, and mountain goats. The second largest wilderness in Colorado is the Flat Tops, with roughly 235,000 acres within its boundaries. Lost Solar Outfitters' base camp is located on the South Fork of the White River. The land is located in Colorado Game Management Unit 25 for elk and it offers excellent hunting for elk, mule deer, meriam turkeys, predators and an occasional antelope. Learn everything about hunting Colorado Elk Unit 231. We can accommodate hunting parties of up to 11 sportsmen in superb comfort at our Flat Tops location. Guided hunting opportunities in the area include; elk, mule deer, moose, pronghorn antelope, bear, and mountain lion. At this point, Saeed went from being calm and collected to a little excited and shaky to say the least. Where we were, to the closest elk was 400 yards. With winter time cabin fever setting in, my maps and GPS are laying on the table as I plan future scouting trips. With spirits at an all time low, it was going to be a long ride back to camp. Elk hunting is the main attraction in the Flat Tops Wilderness and White River National Forest but contact us to discuss bear, moose or mule deer hunts. How could they feel so confident with their shot… with 200 yards was right in their wheel house? This area has the largest elk herd in the world with a cow to bull ratio … Evan and I are telling our hunters to reload and to keep the elk they shot at in their scopes. Having an interest in hunting since early childhood, Scott Gesell found the opportunity to become an outfitter in Colorado and has been offering guided elk hunts and mule deer hunts since 2004. We also have a kid hunt for cow elk that we run in December. The elk herd in our area is estimated at 42,000 animals. 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. Game trails for elk and deer abound on the property and almost on a daily basis elk and deer can be spotted traversing our property from the Flat Tops Wilderness to the meadows just east of our property. FLAT TOPS. The following morning we were up earlier than usual for our long ride. Deer Hunts – Colorado is know for its trophy mule deer, and we’ve got some of the best bucks in our units. WHAT WE OFFER. During his tenure at Bowhunting, Christian has chased game from New York to New Zealand and worked to enhance the brand’s reputation as “The Modern Bowhunting Authority” by providing practical information such as details on the latest bowhunting gear, technical equipment tests, no-nonsense field reviews and proven bowhunting tactics from the sport’s leading experts. A.J. We enjoyed a great hunt and filled two of four tags. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. In 2016, I joined four friends for a hunt in Colorado’s third largest Wilderness, the famed Flat Tops Wilderness. In 1919, Arthur Carhart, a Forest Service landscape architect, realized the uniqueness of the location when he stood on the shoreline of Trappers Lake. 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