SW Colorado Wilderness Fully Guided Elk Hunts

ABOUT OUTFITTER:
This HFA Endorsed Outfitter provides remote high-country hunts in Colorado for Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Moose. They specialize in Archery, Muzzleloader, and Rifle hunting. Operating in the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness, they offer top-quality guides, equipment, livestock, and accommodations. Their goal is to deliver the best hunting experience Colorado has to offer. Whether you're seeking a thrilling hunt, a fishing trip, or a summer horseback adventure, they ensure a memorable and successful outing in the wilderness. Experience the beauty of Colorado’s backcountry with expert guidance and unmatched service.

HUNT DETAILS:
These trips are top-tier, offering seasoned professional guides, deluxe camps, high-quality meals, and personalized attention to each guest. The outfitter owns and trains its own stock, providing some of the best horses and mules in the business. With five different camp locations ranging from 3 to 10 miles from the trailhead, hunters can expect horseback rides of approximately 1 to 4 hours to reach camp. Hunting elevations span from 8,500 to over 11,000 feet, with access provided by horses and mules. These fully guided hunts are offered as 2x1 or 1x1 full-service experiences, with everything provided except for weapons, licenses, and personal gear. Hunters should arrive in good physical condition, ready to ride, hike, and hunt hard. Conditioning is crucial—better fitness increases the chances of success, as limited-range weapons require hunters to get into position for an effective shot.

Archery Hunting:
For big game archery hunters, few experiences compare to hunting elk during the rut. September in the Colorado mountains is widely regarded as the ultimate hunt. The adrenaline rush of a close encounter with a bugling bull elk is unmatched, and this outfitter specializes in making those moments happen. Their guides are dedicated archery hunters and skilled callers who consistently bring elk into range. They respect bow hunters and understand the challenge and skill required for success. Instead of confining bow hunters to specific camps, they follow the elk, sometimes switching camps during the week to stay on the most active herds. This mobile approach has significantly improved shot opportunities in recent years.

Muzzleloader Hunting:
Muzzleloader hunters often find themselves with the woods to themselves during this special season. With stunning fall foliage, moderate temperatures, and highly vocal elk responding to calls, muzzleloader season offers one of the best hunting experiences of the year. Some of the largest trophies are taken during this time, making black powder hunting increasingly popular and successful.

Rifle Hunting:
Rifle hunts take place in the same camps used for archery and muzzleloader seasons. However, by this time, bulls have typically separated from the cows and are less vocal. As a result, these hunts require a lot of glassing and hiking to locate and stalk game effectively.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Each camp features heavy-duty wall tents with canvas floors, rain flies, and either wood or propane heat. Accommodating two to four hunters, the tents are furnished with cots, foam pads, lanterns, and a stove. Most camps also include a separate cook tent, an outhouse, and a shower tent for added comfort. Meals are anything but light—hunters start the day with a hearty breakfast of French toast, eggs cooked to order, thick-sliced bacon, potatoes, juice, and coffee. Lunches are packed in day packs or saddlebags to avoid interrupting the hunt. Evening meals feature generous portions of baked ham, fried chicken, roast beef, or prime rib.

LICENSE INFORMATION:
Colorado elk tags for the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons are available over the counter, while tags for archery, muzzleloader, 1st, and 4th rifle seasons must be obtained through the draw. Typically, 0-2 preference points are required to secure a tag in these areas. The Colorado draw deadline is usually in early April. For guidance on applying for preference points or entering the draw, hunters can reach out to the Huntin' Fool License Application team for assistance.