COLORADO PRIVATE LAND ELK HUNT $6500 FIRST RIFLE ELK SEASON 2020 – 7 HUNTERS 6 BULLS
2019 – 8 HUNTERS 6 BULLS
2018 – 7 HUNTERS 7 BULLS
$6000 SECOND AND THIRD SEASONS
Hunts are mainly on private land located in a high elk density area that produces good success on 5 and small 6 point bulls. You are right in the middle of good elk habitat and this outfit has extremely hard working guides. This is a small personal outfitter that only takes a very limited number of hunters every year, so we recommend booking early.
2020 first rifle had 7 hunters kill 6 bulls and miss 2. Two of the bulls were nice 6×6’s. Second season 7 hunters killed 5 bulls, missed 2 and crippled a bull. Third season they only had 2 elk hunters and a 6×6 and 5×6 were taken in the low country.
8 archery hunters tagged 3 bulls, hit and lost 3 bulls and missed a bull, a 460 pound bear was also taken.
He also had 4 muzzleloader hunters kill 2 bulls and miss 2.
2019 first rifle hunt finished with 8 hunters tagging 6 bulls and 2 were missed, 2 nice bears were also taken. Second season first hunt all 6 hunters shot at bulls, but only 2 were taken. Second hunt finished 2 for 4 and a bull was hit and lost. Third season went 2 for 4.
2018 first rifle hunt was 7 for 7 on bulls, with the top 2 bulls going 300 inches. Second season first hunt 7 hunters killed 5 bulls. Second season second hunt 2 elk hunters killed 2 bulls and he had 3 combo hunters mainly wanting deer and they all killed bucks. Third season they had 4 elk hunters kill 2 bulls, both 5×5’s and the unsuccessful hunters crippled a bull and missed a bull.
Lodge accommodations and hunts are 5 days guided 2×1 or add $1,000 for 1×1. Archery elk is $6,000 for September. Muzzleloader hunts are $6,000 mid September. First season rifle is $6,500 for mid October, second season $6,000 late October, third season $6,000 early November. First season elk draw has been 100 percent on these private land tags, second and third seasons are over the counter.
Muzzleloader elk usually requires 3 points to draw. Black bear can be taken on a kill fee of $500 and bear numbers are up. Hunters fly into Grand Junction and rent a vehicle or into Montrose and get picked up at no charge. Limited openings for 2021, book now for 2022 or 2023. HCU has worked with this outfitter for over 15 years. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have been to this camp. Hunt EK163. EK163 Hunt Photos
COLORADO RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE ONLY $5750 W/GUARANTEED TAG
15,000 FAIR CHASE PRIVATE ACRES RIFLE HUNT SEPT TO DEC
2020 – 35 HUNTERS 34 BULLS (press time)
2019 – 42 HUNTERS 33 BULLS
2018 – 43 HUNTERS 35 BULLS
At print time the 2020 season had 35 hunters tag 34 bulls and the unsuccessful hunter passed. This includes the 8 September rut hunters that tagged 8 bulls.
This is one of the most popular elk hunts due to such a high past success rate, 15,000 free range private acres, the ranch is in the RFW program with guaranteed licenses issued from the state so there is no drawings. They can rifle hunt on these properties from early September to December 15, so the 40 plus elk hunters are spread out over a very long season and typically this is not a physically demanding hunt. This northwest Colorado region typically produces 4 and 5 point bulls with the occasional 6 point. The elk are migrating through these properties and new bulls can show up daily but remember this is not a trophy hunt.
2019 this outfit produced 33 bulls and 6 cows for 42 hunters, including 7 bulls for 8 hunters on the September rut hunt. 2 hunters had missed 4 bulls and a big bull was hit and lost.
2018 season ended with 43 hunters harvesting 35 bulls and 2 cows; any elk is legal with RFW tags. Cold weather and a little snow helped the 2018 season tremendously, especially the more marginal early November hunts.
The ranch receives about 40 plus elk tags yearly depending on what Fish and Game allocate each spring and success the past 6 years has averaged over 80 percent on branch antlered bulls.
Most bulls taken will be a 5 point averaging in the 220 to 250 class and top bulls have reached the 270 inch category. Typically the elk hunting gets better as the season progresses. Starting about mid November more elk move onto the property due to pressure on nearby public land and the normal winter migration out of the high country. This is more of an agricultural landscape, wide open type of hunt where you catch groups of elk crossing the ranch. The outfitter also offers two LATE SEPTEMBER RUT HUNTS in the high country for $5,950 for 4 days. This is a much more physically demanding hunt, typically in more mountainous terrain at higher elevations for resident elk.
2020 they had 8 hunters tag 8 bulls and the top 2 bulls were 6 points in the 270 class, but most were small 4 and 5 point bulls.
2019 produced 7 bulls for 8 hunters and the best bull was a 6 point grossing 290 inches, rest were 5 points. The unsuccessful hunter missed a bull and hit and lost a bull.
The ranch is located at about 7500 foot elevation and has good road access making the regular elk hunt not an extremely physical hunt.
4 day hunt with bunkhouse accommodations, meals, guided 2×1 and airport pickup in Hayden is included for $5,750. Pronghorn can be added to the early elk hunts for only $2,250 and the ranch produces nice bucks averaging 70 inches. HCU has worked with this outfit for over 10 years. HCU’s Craig Green and Cliff Graham have hunted with this outfitter. Hunt EK226. EK226 Hunt Photos.
COLORADO HORSEBACK ELK $5500 13,000 PRIVATE ACRES
2020 FIRST 2 SEASONS 17 FOR 23
2019 FIRST 2 SEASONS 21 FOR 24
2018 FIRST 2 SEASONS 17 FOR 20
This small outfitter has exclusive rights to all 13,000 private acres on his family ranch located southeast of Craig. He consistently runs high success elk hunts on 5 point and small 6 point bulls and has one of the highest opportunity archery spot and stalk elk hunts.
2020 archery season ended with 33 bow hunters tagging 15 bulls, crippled 8 and missed way too many.
2020 first rifle season had 8 hunters tag 8 bulls, including three 6 point bulls. Second season first half had some brutal weather causing them to lose a couple of hunting days. His 8 hunters tagged 4 bulls and missed 2. Second half of the second season 7 hunters killed 5 bulls, missed 4 and crippled 1. Third season finished with 7 hunters tagging 6 bulls. Fourth season had 3 hunters kill 3 bulls. Overall his rifle hunters finished up with 33 hunters harvesting 26 bulls.
2019 bow season finished with 25 archers killing 11 bulls (including 3 six point bulls), hit and losing 7 and missed 12 bulls. Only 5 bowhunters did not shoot, but all had opportunities.
2019 first rifle season 8 hunters harvested 7 bulls and the unsuccessful hunter missed 2 before hitting and losing a bull. Second season he had 8 hunters on two 4 day back to back hunts for a total of 16 hunters killing 14 bulls. Third season he had 7 hunters on two back to back 4 day hunts for a total of 14 hunters killing 9 bulls, 2 hunters missed and 3 had no opportunities. Fourth season he had 4 hunters kill 4 bulls.
2018 archery season ended up with 20 bowhunters killing 6 bulls, including 2 nice 6×6 bulls. 9 bulls were hit and lost and only one shot was taken over 25 yards. 17 of the 20 archers took shots.
2018 first rifle hunt all 7 hunters tagged bulls. Second season first half went 6 for 8 and second half of second season went 5 for 7. Third season first half ended with 6 bulls for 8 hunters and sec- ond half of third season was also 6 for 8, with 2 bulls hit and lost and 4 missed. Fourth season had 5 hunters kill 2 bulls, miss two 6 point bulls and everyone had shooting.
First rifle season is a 5 day hunt priced at $5,500 guided 2×1. Second season is split into two 4 day hunts at $5,000. Third and fourth seasons will be 5 day hunts at $5,500. Typically guides and hunters leave the cabin and horseback a 45 minute ride up the mountain to the hunting areas. The majority of the hunting is spot and stalk on foot and then ride back down at the end of the day.
Accommodations are a renovated pre-1900 ranch house with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, big kitchen, living room, mud room and enclosed porch. The first rifle hunt has been 100 percent in the draw. The second and third season elk permits are sold over the counter. Fourth season elk hunters need to apply, but draw has been near 100 percent.
Bow hunts and muzzleloader are both priced at $5,500. Hunters can fly into Denver and rent a car or into Hayden where airport pickup is included. 2021 will make 15 years HCU has worked with this outfit. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this ranch. Hunt EK824. EK824 Hunt Photos.
#1 BEST BARGAIN FOR A TROPHY BULL SEPTEMBER RIFLE BUGLE HUNT UTAH 35,000 FREE RANGE ACRES 100 PERCENT SUCCESS PAST YEARS AVERAGE 310 TO 320 INCHES $11,300 2X1 OR $12,500 1X1 GUARANTEED TAG – NO DRAW
This is a top premier hunt on a 35,000 private acre ranch in the CWMU program guaranteeing them 27 to 30 bull tags and allowing them to run 4 consecutive rifle rut hunts from September 14 to October 7. They typically take up to 8 hunters per hunt and success has run 100 percent the past several years. The only negative on this hunt is limited availability. Hunters need to put down a $1,000 deposit to hold a spot for a future year.
2020 season was another year that was basically 100 percent on bulls averaging near 320 and the top 4 bulls grossed from 345 to 349.
2019 season finished with all 27 hunters tagging some tremendous bulls. Top bull grossed 359 inches with an overall average breaking the 320 mark!
2018 season produced 30 bulls for 30 hunters averaging near the 320 mark. The top 5 bulls scored between 340 and 344.
The property has an amazing bull to cow ratio of 70:100 and hunters can expect to see 10 to 15 good bulls per day. Hunters get to experience the rut in full force with bugling bulls and crashing of antlers. HCU has never had a hunter come home without a bull on this hunt.
5 day hunt is $11,300 2×1 or $12,500 1×1 and includes lodge accommodations with home cooked meals. The outfitters lease situation with the land owner is priced yearly, so the hunt price is subject to change. Hunters are picked up at the Salt Lake City airport. There are only a couple 2022 spots re- maining or book now for 2023 or 2024. HCU has worked with this outfit for over 15 years. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have been on this ranch. Hunt EK255. EK255 Hunt Photos
WE CANNOT STRESS THE IMPORTANCE ENOUGH OF ACQUIRING WYOMING PREFERENCE POINTS FROM JULY TO OCTOBER 31 BY GOING TO THE WYO- MING WEBSITE https://wgfd.wyo.gov AND FOLLOW THE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS TO PURCHASE ELK $53, MULE DEER $43, PRONGHORN $33 PREFERENCE POINTS TO USE IN FUTURE YEARS. HCU WORKS WITH SEVERAL RANCHES THAT CUR- RENTLY REQUIRE ONLY 2 TO 3 POINTS TO DRAW QUALITY ELK HUNTS AT A VERY REASONABLE RATE.
SE WYOMING ELK HUNT $6500
5000 PRIVATE ACRES REQUIRES 2 OR 3 POINTS TO DRAW A TAG 2020 – 5 RIFLE HUNTERS 5 BULLS 2019 – 4 RIFLE HUNTERS 4 BULLS
Guys get your Wyoming preference points!! Here is a great hunt that does not require that many points, so you have time to catchup in the next few years.
2019 was the first year the outfitter was able to hunt this 5,000 acre private ranch located in southeastern Wyoming Unit 3. The property is in a gen- eral draw area so we expect 2 points will draw the special tag or 3 points for the general tag.
2020 he had 5 rifle hunters tag 5 bulls, 4 over 300 and best went 330, smallest bull was a 260 class.
2019 early September he had 2 bowhunters and they hit and lost one bull, but the hunt was severely hampered by hot weather and high winds.
2019 rifle hunts finished with all 4 hunters tagging great bulls gross scoring from 280 to 320 inches. 5 day hunt is $6,500 guided 2×1 including lodging and meals. If a hunter wants to put in for the high dollar special draw the outfitter will drop the price to $6,000 to offset the higher priced tag.
The key here is to acquire preference points starting July 1 to October 31 so you can acquire the elk tag in a future January drawing. Go to the web and look up https://wgfd.wyo.gov and follow the simple instructions to purchase the elk preference point currently priced around $53. Buy it this coming July for a future hunt. This outfitter also has mule deer and pronghorn hunts and if you are interested you should purchase points for deer at $43 and pronghorn for $33. Be smart and accumulate points so you can draw a quality hunt at a reasonable price down the road. If you have problems call us and we can assist you.
Draw deadline is January 31. Hunters fly into Denver and rent a vehicle for the 3 hour drive. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this ranch. Hunt EK2643.
LARAMIE RANCH SE WYOMING BIG BULLS 5 DAYS 1X1 $7000 REQUIRES 2 OR 3 POINTS TO DRAW
2020 was the first year the ranch has allowed elk hunting in the past 6 years. This outfitter has had the grazing rights for this 9,000 acre ranch for several years and knows the property. He specializes in very personal 1×1 private hunts, wanting only 1 or 2 elk hunters per year on this ranch.
Last fall he wanted to limit it to one bull hunter and a cow hunter. First day they came up on a 290 bull the hunter just did not want to pass so the hunt finished quickly and shortly after his buddy tagged a cow.
5 day hunts from October 1 to 31 guided 1×1 is only $7,000 including hotel lodging and meals. Hunters fly into Denver and rent a car for the 3 1/2 hour drive or fly into Laramie and get picked up at no cost. We expect draw odds to be 3 points for the less expensive general draw or 2 points for the special draw. The key here is to acquire preference points starting July 1 to October 31 so you can ac- quire the elk tag in a future January drawing. Go to the web and look up https://wgfd.wyo.gov and follow the simple instructions to purchase the elk preference point currently priced around $53. January 31 draw deadline. One opening for 2021 or book ahead with a $500 deposit. Hunt EK5586.
SOUTHEASTERN WYOMING ELK 20,000 FREE RANGE ACRES ARCHERY OR RIFLE $8000 REQUIRES 2 OR 3 PREFERENCE POINTS 2020 – 1 FOR 2 BOW, 2 FOR 2 RIFLE 2019 – 4 FOR 4, 280 TO 335 INCHES 2018 – 4 FOR 4, 280 TO 340
Here is your truly personal private hunt, be prepared by getting your Wyoming preference points from July to October 31.
This outfitter normally only takes one hunter per week, unless there are two buddies, on his 20,000 acre family owned ranch bordering the Medicine Bow National Forest outside of Laramie.
In 2020 he had father/son bowhunters, Mark and Eric Rupert, Eric scored on a 6×6 in the 330 class and his father, Mark, was on big bulls daily, but just did not get it done.
Rifle season he limited it to 2 hunters since he had taken 2 archers. HCU hunters Jeff Parker killed a 317 and Joe Elliott scored on a real solid 6×6.
In 2019 his 4 rifle hunters killed 4 bulls ranging from 280 to a terrific bull scoring over 320 plus he had another 15 inches broke off.
2018 produced 4 bulls for 4 hunters, 2 scored from 280 to 290, a 320 and a monster 340 bull.
This outfitter normally takes up to 4 hunters per year between archery and rifle, mostly spot and stalk. All hunts are priced at $8,000 and guided 1×1. Archery hunts are 6 days in the month of September and 5 day rifle hunts run from October 15 to 30.
Currently hunters need to have 2 preference points and put in for the special draw or 3 points should get the regular draw. Keep acquiring points as it just makes it more likely to get your tag at a reduced price. The key here is to acquire preference points starting July 1 to October 31 so you can ac- quire the elk tag in a future January drawing. Go to the web and look up https://wgfd.wyo.gov and follow the simple instructions to purchase the elk preference point currently priced around $53. Buy it this coming July for a future hunt. This outfitter also has an exceptional antelope hunt and if you are interested you should purchase the antelope point for about $33 at the same time. If you have problems call us and we can assist you.
Cabin accommodations on the property with home cooked meals and hunters should be in good physical condition. Draw deadline is January 31. Hunters usually fly into Denver and rent a car for the 3 1/2 hour drive or fly into Laramie or Cheyenne and get picked up at no cost. 2021 is full so book now for 2022 or 2023 with a small deposit. Hunt EK558.
TROPHY NEW MEXICO DRAW BULLS $5750 2X1 OR $7750 1X1 AVERAGE BULL SCORES 300+ INCHES
When hunters think of New Mexico’s big trophy bull elk they normally think of the Gila National Forest with very, very low drawing odds, but this outfitter hunts a couple primitive weapon units that produce bulls as big as the Gila, with much much better draw odds. These hunts take place in the southwestern part of New Mexico close to the Gila and a few in southcentral and southeastern New Mexico. With his draw formula by putting 3 choices in top trophy units according to dates it increases your odds to about 25% draw. He does have landowner vouchers available for a guaranteed tag, but these are priced an additional $6,500.
With a $750 deposit he will put you in the draw each year until you draw and when you do the $750 will come off the price of your hunt, so it is just a deposit on your hunt. Hunters still pay the normal New Mexico application price of $865 to the state and if unsuccessful the state keeps $89 and refunds $776 to the hunter, but the outfitter will take care of your application at no charge.
His archery and muzzleloader hunts produce the majority of the super bulls. HE OFFERS HUNTERS THE USE OF HIS BEST OF THE WEST LONG RANGE CUSTOM MUZZLELOADERS WITH DIAL UP HUSKEMAW SCOPES ACCU- RATE UP TO 400 YARDS FOR $500. They shoot and kill like a rifle and are legal in these primitive weapon units.
He also offers rifle hunts in the draw or private landowner vouchers with guaranteed tags, along with youth hunts.
ARCHERY HUNTS are 6 days running from September 1 to 14 or 5 day hunts September 15 to 24. Success on archery hunts with bulls tagged typically runs just over 50 percent and generally another 25 percent hit and lost bulls.
MUZZLELOADER HUNTS are 5 days, Octo- ber 17-21, 24-28 and late season November 21-25. Success on muzzleloader hunts has been running about 90 percent on kills.
RIFLE HUNTS are 5 days and vary from mid October into early November with success running near 100 percent but are much more difficult to draw and landowner vouchers are fairly expensive.
All elk hunts are priced at $5,750 2×1 or $7,750 1×1 plus 8% sales tax. Archery hunts can be extended at $750 per day. $1,000 cripple policy donation for a deserving youth hunter if you want to continue hunting.
Accommodations could vary from a lodge, bed/ breakfast, to possibly wall tents with floors or a spike camp, depending on the tag drawn.
Hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a car for the 1 1/2 hour drive. Draw deadline is March 15. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have visited this outfit. Hunt EK820.
MONTANA HORSEBACK ELK HUNT BARGAIN PRICED AT ONLY $4595 ARCHERY OR RIFLE
Here is a traditional horseback elk hunt in the Snowcrest Mountain Range in southwestern Montana that takes place mostly between 8500 to 9500 foot elevations. Hunters have been able to draw ei- ther an archery or rifle tag. The average bull taken is a 5 point, although 300 inch bulls are normally tagged yearly.
2020 archery season started off terrific working bugling bulls and then the weather changed resulting in only a couple bulls getting killed.
2020 rifle season got underway dropping from 60 degrees to minus 10 in the first couple days resulting in only 3 bulls and a cow taken for the 9 hunters. During the second hunt a forest fire rolled in forcing them to pull camp after only a couple days of hunting. Third and fourth seasons did well, and overall success ran about 65 percent. Good numbers of elk and larger bulls were seen than the past couple years, but just had too many misses.
In 2019 all 8 bowhunters had shooting and 6 of the hunters tagged out. Largest bull taken was a 6×6 grossing 280 inches and one big bull was hit and lost.
2019 first rifle hunt was hit with a 30 inch snowstorm and record low temperatures resulting in only 4 bulls being taken for the 10 hunters. Second and third hunts went better with an overall total of 15 hunters tagging 10 bulls and a couple cows, best bull grossed just over 300 inches.
2018 archery season produced 7 bulls for 13 bowhunters, including a monster 340 and 3 grossing 300 inches.
2018 first rifle hunt ended with 9 hunters killing 7 bulls and 2 cows.
Hunters normally spend their first and last night at the main lodge with private rooms and baths when booked for the early backcountry hunts. The next day is spent riding into one of two wall tent camps that have been previously setup in the mountains. The following day your hunt begins with an early breakfast then back onto your horse for the days hunt, returning that evening for supper and your cot. 5 hunting days, then horseback to the lodge to spend your last evening.
Lodge hunts are later in the season and they hunt directly from the lodge each day by horseback. The first 3 backcountry hunts can accommodate up to 8 hunters. Lodge hunts are usually limited to 6 hunters for each of the last two hunts.
5 day hunts guided 2×1 are priced at only $4,595. Archery hunts start early September for 3 weeks and rifle is normally late October to late November. Elk licenses have been leftover for this region, so the draw has been 100 percent and the tags are either sex and some hunters purchase an additional cow tag. If you are successful for a second elk there is a $500 charge. Airport pickup can be arranged in Bozeman or rent a car. Archery spots are available and scattered rifle spots for 2021. 2022 is wide open. HCU has worked with this outfit for 10 years. Hunt EK775.
COLORADO 8000 ACRE PRIVATE RANCH FIRST SEASON RIFLE ELK $5000 SECOND SEASON ELK/DEER COMBO $5500 NEXT AVAILABILITY 2022
This is not a physically demanding hunt mak- ing it very appealing to older hunters or fathers/sons and daughters. They only take 4 hunters on the first hunt and possibly up to 6 on the second hunt.
This is not your normal high country elk hunt, but more sitting and watching agriculture fields or patchy open areas from vantage points in low coun- try along riverbottoms. Special first season draw has been 100 percent and the outfitter has landowner vouchers available as his family owns the ranch.
First rifle elk season they normally take 4 hunt- ers and have run a high success rate on 5 and smaller 6 point bulls.
Second rifle hunt all hunters can take a bull elk, cow elk and a mule deer. Bull tag is over the counter and hunters draw for a cow tag and the rancher has mule deer vouchers.
2020 the first rifle elk hunt went 4 for 4 and the best bull was a 5×6. Second combination hunt produced 4 bulls for 6 hunters, including a 300 inch bull, and all 6 killed bucks including over 170.
2019 first hunt produced 4 nice bulls for all 4 hunters. Second hunt finished with 4 bulls for all 4 hunters and all 3 hunters with deer tags also filled out.
2018 all 4 hunters had tagged bulls by the end of the second day, including a 6 point and three 5 points.
First 5 day elk hunt is only $5,000 guided 2×1 with ranch house accommodations and hearty meals. They offer a second season hunt priced at $5,500 that allows hunters a bull and a cow elk plus a mule deer. This is a phenomenal opportunity for a group of hunters wanting to bring home a freezer full of meat. Bull success is typically lower on this second hunt, but you can add a cow elk and deer season opens with a high opportunity of success.
Unguided archery elk is available for only $2,500 and your group of 2 would be the only archery hunters. Hunters fly into Grand Junction and rent a car. Next available openings are 2022. HCU has worked with this outfitter for 30 years. Hunt EK72. EK72 Hunt Photos
SOUTHEASTERN COLORADO BULLS $7500 RIFLE $7000 BOW/MUZZLELOADER
This hunt takes place in southeast Colorado just north of Raton, New Mexico. This hunt books up rapidly so hunters need to put a $500 deposit down to hold and insure a future spot.
2020 due to a couple cancellations he only had 2 rifle hunters. Weather was extremely hot and dry, but both hunters scored on 5 point bulls. He took 2 mule deer hunters the third season and they killed 2 bucks.
2019 first rifle hunt finished with 3 bulls tagged for 5 hunters, including 3 six points. One hunter crippled and lost a bull, so his hunt was over and the other unsuccessful hunter just didn’t get it done. Second rifle elk hunt he had a father and son kill one nice bull. He took 6 mule deer hunters on the third season and all 6 killed bucks in the 150 to 165 inch class.
5 days guided 2×1 is $7,500 or $8,500 1×1 starting in early October. Basic ranch house accommodations with meals and hunters fly into Colorado Springs or Denver and rent a car for the 2 or 3 hour drive.
First hunt is a draw but has been 100 percent; second and third season tags are over the counter. Mule deer also need applied for but should draw and he also has some deer vouchers. Deer hunts are $4,500 for 5 days 2×1 or $5,500 1×1.
2020 he did not have any muzzleloader hunters.
2019 muzzleloader hunt his 2 hunters tagged a 280 and 305 inch bulls. September 10 to 20 and hunters need 1 or 2 points to draw a tag. Colorado allows in-line muzzleloaders, but no scopes or sabots.
He does a September archery elk hunt and in 2020 his 4 archers tagged a 5×6 and 5×5 and 1 bull was missed.
In 2019 all 4 bowhunters had opportunities on bulls within range, but either missed or passed.
April 1 draw deadline. 2021 rifle is full so re- serve now for 2022 or 2023. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this hunt. Hunt EK554.
SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO ELK 2020 – 19 HUNTERS 14 BULLS 2019 – 21 HUNTERS 19 BULLS 2018 – 20 HUNTERS 17 BULLS 70,000 FREE-RANGE
PRIVATE ACRES GUARANTEED TAG NO DRAW
This outfitter has about 10 ranches consisting of 70,000 private acres located in south central New Mexico near Ruidoso. This area has consistently produced some monster bulls. The ranches mainly consist of pinion and junipers and are well roaded so it is not as physically demanding as many elk hunts. These are morning and evening hunts, allowing the elk to settle down during the day like many premier elk hunts.
Last fall the four October hunts finished with 19 hunters tagging 14 bulls averaging 300 inches. First three hunts were highly successful, but the last hunt went 0 for 3. No super big bulls were taken mainly due to the drought year.
They took 12 archery hunters in Sep- tember and they tagged 4 bulls including a 336, but many bulls were missed.
2019 October season finished with 21 rifle hunters harvesting 19 bulls and the 2 unsuccessful hunters passed on smaller bulls. Top 2 bulls grossed 350 and 345 down to 275, averaging just shy of 300 inches. He ran one lower priced hunt between Christmas and New Years with 4 hunters tagging 3 bulls, best bull taken was a 270 inch 6×6.
They hosted 12 bowhunters in September and they tagged 5 bulls and hit and lost one. Most were in the 270 to 300 inch category.
2018 October season ended with 20 rifle hunters tagging 17 bulls and the unsuccessful hunters passed on smaller bulls. Best bull grossed 337 and averaged at 300, the drought year hurt antler growth. They had 5 December hunters tag 2 bulls, 330 and a 275 and hit and lost a bull. They also took 12 archers in September and they killed 5 bulls and crippled and lost 2, best bull grossed 320.
Rifle is 5 days and prices are reduced as the season progresses. First rifle (Oct 1-5) $11,000 1×1 $10,300 2×1, second hunt (Oct 8-12) $10,500 1×1 $9,800 2×1, third hunt (Oct 15-19) $10,000 1×1 $9,300 2×1, fourth hunt (Oct 22-26) $9,500 1×1 $8,800 2×1. November or December hunts $7,000 1×1 $6,300 2×1.
Archery hunts are 6 days September 3 to 24 at $10,500 1×1 $9,800 2×1. Prices include landowner vouchers, but not included in prices are 5 1/2 per- cent tax.
Ranch house accommodations next to the outfitters home and meals included. Hunters fly into Roswell or Albuquerque and rent a car for the 1 or 2 1/2 hour drive. 2 late season openings in 2021, scattered 2022 openings and next first rifle openings are 2023. Book ahead for the best dates. Hunt EK575.
UTAH SEPTEMBER RIFLE RUT HUNT 20,000 FREE RANGE PRIVATE ACRES $16,000 CWMU GUARANTEED TAG 2020 – 15 HUNTERS 15 BULLS
The outfitters family owns this 20,000 acre ranch, which is in the coveted Controlled Wildlife Management Unit Program (CWMU) and are allocated between 15 and 18 bull elk tags each year determined by the Fish and Wildlife Department. The program allows them to start rifle hunting September 1 until the end of October. They typically run all their elk hunters in September to the first week of October, so everyone gets to hunt during the rut. 5 day hunts guided 1×1 are $16,000 plus license and tax. Nice accommodations plus good home cooked meals and older hunters can physically do this hunt.
2020 finished with all 15 hunters putting a bull in the salt. Top bull went 360 and a couple more in the 350’s, overall they averaged in the 325 to 330 class.
2019 ended with 15 of the 17 elk hunters tagging a bull. Bulls were more consistent around the 320 range and the best bull grossed 340 inches. All hunters have opportunity for a bull, but some pass looking for something special.
This outfitter puts on a top shelf hunt for trophy animals in a beautiful setting. Hunters fly into Grand Junction, where they rent a car, and arrive at the ranch early afternoon and start hunting that eve- ning. HCU has worked with this outfitter for over 30 years. HCU’s Craig Green has hunted this ranch. Hunt EKGE72. EKGE72 Hunt Photos.
GOT 22 COLORADO ELK POINTS? COLORADO TROPHY UNIT ELK REQUIRES 22 OR MORE POINTS MULE DEER REQUIRES 8 OR 13
You will need at least 22 elk preference points to draw the third or fourth season elk tag, the special early rifle and archery seasons can require up to 26 points.
2020 bow season ended with 2 archers shooting at six 6 point bulls, hitting and losing 2. Muzzleloader went 1 for 2, a 320 bull and the unsuccessful hunter shot at 3 bulls hitting and losing 1. The 5 rifle seasons combined had 20 elk hunters tag 19 bulls including a 355, 348, 338, 2 at 330 and a couple at 320.
2019 produced better than average bulls, mostly due to early rains increasing antler growth. Bow season finished with 3 of the 4 archers tagging bulls, including a monster 350.
Muzzleloader went 1 for 2, a 300 inch bull was taken and the unsuccessful hunter crippled and lost 2 bulls. The 5 rifle seasons combined produced 24 bulls for 26 hunters. Top bulls were 365 and 354, most were in the 300 to 320 range.
On normal years the average bull taken gross scores around 300 inches and the top bulls some- times tip the 350 mark. Mule deer success is near 100 percent and the average buck gross scores 170 to 180 inches.
5 day hunts guided 2×1 are only $5,500 with wall tent accommodations on the early archery and muzzleloader hunts and cabin accommodations on the rifle hunts. Airport pickup in Grand Junction can be arranged for $150. Deer hunts require 12 points minimum to draw and the hunt is $5,500. Early April draw deadline. Landowner vouchers are available. HCU has worked with this outfit for over 20 years. HCU’s Cliff Graham has hunted elk with this outfit. Hunt EK21. EK21 Hunt Photos.
WYOMING TROPHY ELK UNIT 7 REQUIRES 10/11 PREFERNCE POINTS
HCU works with 3 high success trophy-oriented elk outfitters in Unit 7 near the Laramie Range in southeastern Wyoming. It normally takes at least 10 or 11 points to draw this unit. The high dollar special draw can increase your odds. JANUARY 31 DRAW DEADLINE and these hunts need booked in advance. Preference points can be obtained from July 1 to October 31 by going to the web https:// wgfd.wyo.gov and follow the simple instructions. We highly recommend purchasing the elk preference point currently priced around $53 for future years. Here is the write up on one of the top trophy outfits.
This small family operation has 3 ranches total- ing 32,000 private acres with rough, deep canyons and draws, along with some prime BLM property. This can be a physical hunt, but hunters are rewarded with some awesome bulls. They normally take 1 or 2 archery hunters and 5 or 6 rifle hunters per year and have been close to 100 percent success past several years. Best bulls taken have gross scored from 340 to 370, with the average in the 320 range.
Rustic cabin accommodations with electric are priced at $7,500 for 5 hunting days guided 1×1 from October 15 to November 20. They do a couple archery elk hunters in September priced at only $7,000. Hunters fly into Denver and rent a car for the 3 hour drive to camp. Hunt EK264.
ARIZONA TOUGH DRAW ODDS TROPHY BULLS AND BUCKS HERE ARE 2 PREMIER OUTFITTERS ARCHERY HAS BETTER DRAW ODDS
Arizona is an outstanding hunting state, but the drawing odds are very low, and you must buy a state license to apply. We suggest hunters to apply for the draw, but do not expect to pull any tags and DO NOT HOLD OFF BOOKING A HUNT ELSEWHERE WHILE WAITING ON AN ARIZONA TAG or you may not get much hunting in.
This outfitter consistently produces trophy quality bulls in the 320 to 390 range with success near 100 percent on the early gun or archery hunts. Late season rifle hunts are easier to draw and you still stand a good chance of taking bulls in the 300 to 340 class. He also conducts trophy mule deer hunts in the Kaibab and has guided hunters to many 200 inch deer over the years, but realistically you should be hoping for a 180 inch buck.
It is worthwhile for hunters to purchase the $160 license or only $22 for a youth license and accumulate bonus points. He charges $6,000 to hunt the full season (14 days for archery or 7 for gun) guided 1×1. January 31 deadline for elk and May 30 for deer. HCU has worked with this outfitter for over 30 years. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz took a 340 archery bull and Cliff Graham took a 340 muzzleloader bull with this outfit. Hunt EK91. EK91 Hunt Photos.
Here is another top Arizona outfitter that typically hunts units 5A, 5B North, 5B South, 6, 1 and 27. Archery hunts are 7 days and rifle hunts are 6 days, both guided 1×1 for $6,500 with lodge accommodations. Extra days can be added if necessary. Success is typically very high on bulls in the 320 to 390 class depending on the unit.
Arizona drawing odds can be hit or miss since they use the bonus point system, but normally you can draw in Unit 5 with about 7 to 9 points, where as in Units 1 and 27 the average is more like 12 to 14 for archery and 18 to 20 for rifle, although you can pull a tag with any number of points.
Season starts about September 9 and draw deadline is late January and the outfitter will assist you in the draw. Hunters are picked up in Tucson. Hunt EKB404. EKB404 Hunt Photos.
100% GUARANTEED ELK HUNT PRIVATE LAND SOUTHERN IDAHO MOUNTAINS STARTING AT $7300
This premier outfitter has 5,500 continuous acres under high fence located in the beautiful mountains of southeastern Idaho. Hunts take place at 6,500 foot elevation in elk country with diverse habitat consisting of pine and aspen forests making for challenging and exciting stalks. A premium brand new private lodge provides a comfortable night’s stay after the days hunt. Enjoy home cooked meals during your entire hunt. Hunts are conducted using the side by side all terrain vehicles.
4 day trip is priced at $7,300 and includes a bull gross scoring 300 to 340 inches, 3 days of hunting guided 1×1, lodging, meals, field dressing, trophy preparation, tag, license and tax. These are beautiful bulls that will make great mounts and can be upgraded for the following prices;
Bulls scoring 341 to 350 are $7,900, 351 to 360 are $8,500, 361 to 370 are $9,100, 371 to 380 are $9,700, 381 to 390 are $10,500 and 391 to 400 are $11,400. Larger bulls are available and priced sepa- rately. Cow elk are $2,000.
Bison is also available, and bulls are priced from $6,400 up to $9,400. Airport shuttle service is included from Salt Lake City. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has visited this ranch. Hunt EKP224. EKP224 Hunt Photos.
ARCHERY ELK HUNTS
HCU works with several outfitters that offer archery elk hunts. Here are a few in Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Montana.
This COLORADO horseback archery hunt is $5,500 and is typically our highest opportunity for an archery bull. Their main method is calling with spot and stalk, super exciting, and his early hunt dates are quite productive. This private ranch has very high elk numbers and archers typically have near 100 percent opportunity.
2020 his 33 archers over the course of a long season killed 15 bulls, crippled 8 and missed plenty.
2019 he hosted 25 bowhunters and they killed 11 bulls, including three 6 points, crippled and lost 7 bulls and missed 12. 20 hunters had shots and all 5 that did not shoot passed.
In 2018 he had 20 archers kill 6 bulls, including 2 nice 6 points. 9 bulls were hit and lost and 2 more were missed. 17 of the 20 hunters had shooting.
Most bulls taken are 5×5’s in the 240 to 260 range. He runs four 4 day horseback hunts priced at $5,500 guided 2×1 during the month of September with cabin accommodations. Hunt EKB824. EKB824 Hunt Photos.
Southcentral NEW MEXICO hunt produces trophy class bulls averaging 300 inches in primitive weapon only units for only $5,750 2×1 or $7,750 1×1 plus 8% state tax. 6 day hunts running from September 1 to 14 or 5 day hunts September 15 to 24 and can be extended for $750 per day. Success on archery hunts with bulls tagged typically runs just over 50 percent and generally another 25 percent hit and lose bulls.
With his draw formula by putting 3 choices in top trophy units according to dates it increases your odds to about 25% draw. He does have landowner vouchers available for a guaranteed tag, but these are priced an additional $6,500.
Accommodations could vary from a lodge, bed/ breakfast, to possibly wall tents with floors or a spike camp, depending on the tag drawn. Hunt EKB820.
This southwest MONTANA outfitter offers a bargain priced high adventure traditional horseback hunt in the Snowcrest Mountain Range for only $4,595.
2020 was hampered with poor weather resulting in only a couple bulls being taken, although numbers and quality looked better, but too many missed opportunities.
In 2019 all 8 archers had shooting resulting in 6 bulls and one big bull hit and lost. Best bull was a 6×6 grossing 280 inches.
In 2018 over the course of 3 hunts his 13 archers killed 7 bulls, top bulls included a monster 340 bull and 3 grossing right around 300, also several bulls were missed.
A day horsebacking in, hunt 5 days and a day out is $4,595 guided 2×1. Two or three hunts typically run back to back starting early September with wall tent accommodations. Elk draw has been 100 percent. Hunt EKB775. EKB775 Hunt Photos.
Here is a UTAH archery hunt that typically only takes 2 bowhunters per year. $7,000 guided 1×1 from mid August to mid September when the bulls are bugling their heads off. Small personal outfitter on a private ranch in northeastern Utah. Travel trailer accommodations in a park near the hunting area with meals included.
2020 both archers killed bulls in the 250 to 260 range, not as big as normal, probably due to the extreme heat and drought. This ranch usually takes about 15 rifle hunters per year and runs close to 100 percent success on bulls averaging 290 to 300 inches, but with repeat bookings we normally do not have rifle openings.
Airport pickup in Salt Lake City included. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have been on this ranch. Hunt EKB830.
This NEW MEXICO bowhunt is 6 days at $9,800 2×1 or $10,500 1×1 plus license/tax on about 70,000 private acres in south central New Mexico just north of Ruidoso. He runs 3 hunts from September 3 to 24.
2020 bow season finished with 12 archers tagging 4 bulls, top bull went 336, but many were missed and lost.
2019 over 3 bowhunts he had a total of 12 archers kill 5 bulls, hit and lost one and most all of the hunters had shooting.
In 2018 his 12 archers killed 5 bulls and hit and lost 2. Best bull went 320 and 2 bowhunters didn’t have an opportunity.
Ranch house accommodations with meals in the outfitters home located next door. Guaranteed tag, no draw. Hunters fly into Albuquerque or Roswell and rent a car for the 2 1/2 or 1 hour drive. Hunt EKB575.
Southeastern COLORADO private land elk hunt priced at $7,000 near the New Mexico border.
2020 his four bowhunters killed two 5×5 bulls, missed a bull and passed on a bull.
2019 he had a group of 4 and everyone had reasonable shot opportunities on bulls, but either missed or passed on bulls.
In 2018 his 6 archers killed 3 bulls, including a 300 inch 6 point and two 5 point bulls. A 280 type bull was hit and lost and a 6 point was missed.
This is a very exciting spot and stalk hunt with decent elk numbers and quality bulls. Season is September 1 to 24 and we prefer bulls, including a monster 350 inch bull. The un- successful hunter passed on bulls up to 280 inches and went home empty.
Here is a UTAH archery hunt that typically only takes 2 bowhunters per year. $7,000 guided 1×1 from mid August to mid September when the bulls are bugling their heads off. Small personal outfitter on a private ranch in northeastern Utah. Travel trailer accommodations in a park near the hunting area with meals included.
This is a very exciting spot and stalk hunt with decent elk numbers and quality bulls. Season is September 1 to 24 and we prefer the later dates. Price is $7,000 guided 2×1 or $8,000 1×1 with basic ranch house accommodations and meals. Archery tags are over the counter. Hunters fly into Denver or Colorado Springs and rent a car for the 3 or 2 hour drive. Hunt EKB554.
This COLORADO bowhunt is priced at $6,000 for 5 days guided 2×1 in September. He has 3 private ranches totaling over 13,000 acres with cabin accommodations in the mountains east of Hotchkiss. The average bull is a 5×5 or small 6 point.
2020 over the course of 2 hunts his 8 archers killed 3 bulls, including an exceptional 335 bull, crippled 3 bulls, missed a bull and tagged a 463 pound bear. He had 4 archery mule deer hunters tag 2 bucks, including a monster grossing just over 200 inches, a 170 buck and another big buck was hit and lost.
In 2019 all the bowhunters had opportunities on bulls. First archery hunt 4 hunters hit and lost 3 bulls. Second hunt 6 bowhunters killed a 270 inch 5×6, 4 more were hit and lost and a hunter passed on a bull.
In 2018 over 2 hunts he had a total of 9 bowhunters cripple 3 bulls, including about a 310 bull and 4 more bulls were missed. He had 5 archery mule deer hunters kill 4 bucks, including a 189 and a couple in the 170’s. Hunt EKB163. EKB163 Hunt Photos.
Southwest COLORADO trophy elk archery hunt. Price is $5,500 guided 1×1 for 5 days.This is a draw unit requiring minimum 23 preference points or landowner vouchers are available for about $6,000. The average bull normally grosses around 300 inches.
2020 his 2 archers shot at six 6 point bulls, missed 4 and hit and lost 2.
2019 he hosted 4 archers and they killed 3 bulls, including a monster 350 inch bull. The unsuccessful hunter passed on bulls up to 280 inches and went home empty.
2018 he had 6 bowhunters kill a 280 bull and a 5 point. Two 6 point bulls were hit and lost. April 4 deadline. Hunt EKB21.
COW ELK HUNTS
WYOMING COW HUNTS $2000
This outfitter has 2 ranches in southeastern Wyoming. His family owns 20,000 private acres bordering the Medicine Bow National Forest. This is in Area 10 and drawing odds are near 100 percent. Hunters can also put in as a group so all or none will draw. Cabin accommodations with meals provided.
The other ranch is in Area 6 on about 6,000 private acres and the tag is over-the-counter. This ranch has no accommodations, so the outfitter puts the hunters up in a local hotel and provides restaurant meals at his expense.
This is a very small personal operation, not the normal in and out cow meat hunt. 3 days of hunting guided 2×1 for $2,000 with lodging and meals included. Tags are $288 and you need to apply in January. He will conduct these hunts during the month of November. This is an elk hunt, not a shoot, and the experience is worth the price besides the opportunity to take home a truckload of meat. Hunt EKC558.
WYOMING COW HUNTS $2000 5 DAYS 5000 FREE-RANGE PRIVATE ACRES
This 5,000 acre property is located in Unit 3 in southeastern Wyoming. Tags have been available with 0 points and can sometimes be purchased as leftovers.
5 day hunt is $2,000 guided 2×1 including cabin lodging on the property and meals. Cow elk season is October 14 to November 31 and can be combined with pronghorn on the early hunt for $4,500 or combination cow elk/whitetail hunt for $6,000 for 5 days and the deer have been averaging in the 140’s.
Draw deadline is January 31. Hunters fly into Denver and rent a vehicle for the 3 hour drive. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this property. Hunt EKC2643.