Colorado Wilderness High Country Elk Hunt

For those interested in a true classic wilderness pack-in elk hunt in the high country this hunt is for you.  This outfitter utilizes horses and mules to access the backcountry camps.  This experienced outfitter experiences a 50% – 84% success rate for muzzleloader and rifle hunts for 5×5 and larger bulls.  The archery hunt success rates run between 33% – 66% with near 100% shooting opportunity.  Considering these are true wilderness hunts success rates are considered very good.  Factors that help ensure a successful hunt include physical conditioning, marksmanship, weather and a good positive attitude.  One cannot emphasize how important physical conditioning is as this hunt area borders Rocky Mountain National Park and is at altitude in big country.  Although most bulls harvested will be 5×5 and larger, this outfitter has produced many bulls over 300” with one of the largest scoring 397”.  Many 300”+ class bulls can be expected to be taken each year.

This outfitter has the only permit for hunting elk within this wilderness area and maintains several camps within the wilderness to maximize hunting opportunity.  They typically rotate the guided and drop camp hunts to keep pressure to minimum.  With a maximum of six hunters they can be spread to the various camps so no more than two hunters will be hunting from each camp which ensures high service and success.

These 2×1 hunts include horses, packing of client’s gear and game, trophy/meat care back to Fort Collins and meals/lodging during the wilderness stay.  The lodging at camp includes a wall tent, tack tent and fresh water spring.

These hunts require drawing a tag and the application deadline is in early April.  Here are the preference point requirements for drawing a tag in this area.

Archery – 0 to 1 point (vouchers available)

Muzzleloader – 1 to 2 points (vouchers available)

Rifle

Bull first season – 0 to 1 point

Bull second season – 0 points

Bull third season – 0 points

If you do not have any preference points landowner vouchers may be available.  For more information on this hunt, drawing a tag or landowner voucher availability please contact one of the knowledgeable consultants at WTA TAGS for more information.  They can be reached at 800-755-TAGS (8247).