Elk Hunt in Colorado ?
 

Hi everyone...
So, several years ago I promised my then 12 year old, when you are older we will go on an elk hunt together... he has been crazy about that idea ever since... now I am nearing the time I need to deliver... so... I want to start looking at the best resources to find outfitters in Colorado or surrounding area to go on a guided elk hunt... I am told waiting lists can be long so I about 2 years out from when I would like to go... thought I would start early... as I just don't know what to expect here

I'm not interested in a high fence, shoot a caged animal sort of thing but rather an actual guided hunt with the best likely chance of an experienced guide putting us near some bulls.

Any recommendations on places / outfitters, things I should know, etc. to start this process... Thanks in advance!

Any reason why you are limiting this question to CO?

Well, im open to other places, I live in Northern MO so I just figured the drive would be very easy to someplace in CO... we also have some family just north of Denver, might stop in for a day to visit but that's not very critical on the requirements list... what are some other good transportation friendly locations I should consider for good elk hunting - definitely open to other places though

What type of experience are you looking for? Things to consider:

Public land vs private
Lodge vs wall tents
Horseback vs motorized vehicles vs boot leather
Rife vs muzzleloader vs archery seasons

Many variables to help narrow down the search.

Okay, next question knowing that you are open to other areas. Are you aware and ready to spend anywhere from $10K on up for the two of you to go on a guided elk hunt because that would be a ballpark figure for the cheapest you'll get at today's rates?

great points thank you....

Preference would lean towards private land

lodge, or house, cabin, etc.

motorized vehicles would be fine... and boot leather... im not looking to go all primitive.

Rifle.

Thanks !

Yes sir... My budget is adequate...

You might check out the Trinchera ranch in Fort Garland, CO. I'm not sure what they charge for hunts, but do know they take some great bulls there. This past fall they took 2 bulls at or slightly over 400"!

http://www.trincheraranch.com/hunting/

Their ranch is 171,000 acres of prime elk country.

If you have the money to go on one of the Colorado RFW ranches like the Forbes Trinchera that Rob mentioned, that would be the way to go if Colorado is your first state pick. However, taking a kid on a first elk hunt to any of those places will probably ruin him for life when he finds he can't do a hunt like that every year. Check out the RFW program on the Colorado G&F website and you should be able to find something that suits your needs and taste.