Elk Hunting: To us hunters there are few things comparable to the sound of a bull elk bugle on a crisp September morning, or seeing a herd of elk feeding into a high alpine park at dusk. The elk population is now at a modern day all-time high, and hunters have a choice of seasons beginning with archery and muzzleloader hunts in September during the rut, rifle seasons in October, and late season rifle hunts in November and December. License availability is excellent, and we have great success finding elk whether you choose to hunt our ranches or a traditional pack-in wilderness horse hunt. For the meat hunter cow elk licenses are available by draw and most hunters applying for cows tag are able to get a license.
Mule Deer: Hunters looking for mule deer will find great hunting on our ranches with some trophy bucks available out of the high country elk camps. In Colorado combo deer/elk hunts are available in September for archery and muzzleloader hunters, and during the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. All mule deer tags are by draw only.
Antelope: Antelope hunts are on private ranch lands near Colorado Springs. You will see plenty of antelope each day and many good bucks. Antelope hunters should practice shooting at 300 and even 400 yards, although often shots can be had at closer distances.
Physical Conditioning: I cannot stress the importance of physical conditioning enough as your conditioning will play a role in your success and enjoyment of hunting with us. Year after year, the number one reason a hunter does not harvest an animal is because he (or she) is not in the necessary physical condition and we cannot get you into position to shoot. Consult with your doctor first, then you should begin an excercise program well before your hunt which includes both aerobic conditioning and strength work, particularly for your legs. As has been quoted many times over the years: "Failure to prepare is preparing to fail." Do not go into your hunt without giving all you can to getting ready.
On public land wilderness hunts, the high mountain country we hunt is rugged and hunters must prepare physically prior to the trip. Being physically ready will help you get into prime hunting locations and will greatly increase your chances of harvesting a game. There is nothing better than putting a 30 pound pack on your back and hiking up the nearest mountain! Certainly some hunts are more physically demanding than others. Mountain goat hunts should only be booked by those hunters who are comfortable hiking at high altitude in steep, rocky alpine conditions. Wilderness elk hunts will find you with better footing, but again the high altitude and steep country must be considered. Also, do not let the fact that you are coming with us on guided hunt make you feel that it will be easy! Although you will often access prime hunting locations by horse, you usually will still need to do plenty of hiking.
Private ranches have easier access via 4WD truck or UTV. If conditioning is a concern, we recommend you consider our these Colorado private land hunts.
Weapons: Bull elk are big, tough animals that can weigh more than 800 pounds. Flat shooting, high energy calibers are recommended, loaded with premium bullets such as the Hornady Interbond, Nosler Partition and Accubond etc. As a general rule, the .270/.308/.30-06 are fine elk cartridges and can be considered sensible minimums. Limit yourself to only good shots where you can center the lungs and you will have no trouble harvesting game. We would much rather take a hunter out who is very proficient with his eastern deer rifle loaded with premium cartridges and bonded bullets, than a hunter with a new, super magnum who flinches and cannot hit the "broad side of the barn" as they say.
I have hunted extensively with a 7MM-08 and .308 which I load with Hornady Interbonds. I am able to cleanly take elk and moose with these calibers. I also carry a compact Stoney Point Pole Cat telescoping bi-pod. The bi-pod carries comfortably and is invaluable as a shooting aid. Once you begin to use a bi-pod you will never want to shoot off-hand again, and most importantly you will be a better shot.
Although most animals are killed within 200 yards for rifle hunters and under 30 yards for archery hunts, you should practice shooting your rifle to 300-400 yards from hunting positions and we recommend archers practice at 40-50 yards. Again, the key to success and a clean, humane harvest is in knowing your limits and being able to center the lungs with your weapon.
What does it cost to hunt the West?: You should factor in all the costs associated with a hunt which include the outfitter fee, licenses, travel costs, tipping, meat processing and so on. It is a lot of money, but planning ahead will make it happen!
For Colorado hunting information call us at (802) 345-4230.
Steve Bland
Colorado High Country Adventures
(802) 345-4230
"Serving big game hunters since 1994"