Flattops Wilderness Area - Colorado Elk Hunting

[kkruse]

Anyone have any experience hunting elk in the Flattops Wilderness Area (White River National Forrest)?? I am looking for a different area and have read good things but nothing specific. I have heard that the hunting is good (for public land) but you've got to get back in there. I love backcountry DIY hunts so I'm kind of looking for the challenge. Would really just like to have a chance to see a few animals and have a great experience, harvesting is a distant third.

I have been looking at the Marvine Peaks area but to be honest I've never been there. Possibly looking at a scouting trip this August/September. Would be a rifle hunt for the first couple of years, maybe someday an archery hunt but not quite ready for that yet. I've also heard some things about going above Yampa but also not at all familiar with the area.

Would love any information you're willing to share. But also not trying to steal someone's honey hole.

[BuckAlley]

Hunted with Winterhawk Outfitters 3x's in the Flat Tops. All archery, tried 2x's to draw a muzzleloader tag, and was denied both even with 3 pts last year. Anyways its nice country, most of it is accessed by foot, or horseback only. Seen some nice bulls, but wouldn't say I saw alot of Elk. Easily had bulls if had a muzzleloader. My main issue with the areas of the Flat Tops I hunted is cattle. The local ranchers seem to put more, and more cattle into the area, and it doesn't mix well with Elk. To many times I had cattle spook bulls I was hunting. They are every where. In my opinion its ruining the hunting in that area. I know the ranchers have the cattle out by Oct.. but if you like to hunt early to catch the rut, and hear the bugles. I wouldn't get your hopes up. I myself am moving on to a new area, if that tells you anything.