Please help - planning first elk hunt

[Louisiana]

Let me begin that I know nothing about elk hunting, other than I want to try and the online research I've found.

That being said, myself and 1-2 friends are trying to plan a drop camp hunt in CO for next archery season. I've made numerous calls, blindly to some, and others based on recommendations from this site and others, but I'm still lost. If you can help with any of the following questions it would be much appreciated. We are going drop camp rather than DIY backpack because we figured it will maximize our hunting opportunity rather than dealing with additional campsite issues. We all have much experience backpacking in wilderness and hunting in general, just no elk experience. We realize the hunting will be challenging, we want the experience more than anything. We'd love to scout, but as my screen name implies, CO isn't around the corner, and our time for this adventure is limited.

So...

Can you recommend any specific drop camp outfitter that will be reliable, in a good GMU, during archery,where we can draw tags?
Any specific sources to learn about elk hunting(ill be purchasing some if the elk nut info shortly), so any other?
Am I wrong to limit myself to CO?
Am I mising the trim in general in this pursuit?

Thanks in advance for any help you can lend. I really have enjoyed reading this site, with all of the info.

Greg

[Indian Summer]

I cannot send you a PM until you have made at least 3 posts on this site. I sold my outfit to my brother and he is booked full for 2014. You can read our reviews on bowsite.com in the outfitter reports section under Indian Summer Outfitters. I don't really know any other outfitters that provide quality drop camps. But then again... I don't know any outfitters in Colorado either. Have a look at this and let me know what you think. It saves me a ton of typing.
www.headinwest.net

[Louisiana]

Thanks, I'll take a look.

[Indian Summer]

Thanks, I'll take a look.

That's 2.... one more post and you're "family".

Welcome aboard Louisiana. If you decided to become an elk hunter you came to the right place.

[Louisiana]

Got it. It's a good thing I'm self-employed. Otherwise I'd get fired spending this much time obsessing about hunting.

[Still Hunter]

Something to read to get you started.

http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/Elk ... rsity.aspx

[otcWill]

I'd look at a trespass fee in one of the otc private land only units (4,5,441,12,23,,24,33). Biggame regs come out in mid Feb for CO

[Louisiana]

Thanks for all of the replies?

I assume trespass fees are direct o a land holder or outfitter? Is Internet searching the best avenue to pursue for trespass fees?

Are there any local/regional/national publications worth investing in?

Thanks again

[Swede]

Welcome to camp Louisiana. I can't help you with Colorado specific information, but certainly wish you the best. Be careful about who you get to take you in on a drop camp hunt. I have heard many horror stories about drop camp outfitters.

[WapitiTalk1]

Welcome to "the elk forum" buddy. I wish you the best in your planning, prep, and eventual first step into the elk woods.

[Ghost]

Another newbie!! Welcome aboard.

I was in your shoes about 14 years ago, cant help with CO but I can help with how to go about transitioning from the hunting your used to DIY elk hunting out west.

[rowdycwby1]

Welcome aboard louisiana...I cant help you much for CO but wish you the best. Have you thought about applying for New Mexico it has good elk hunting! My cousin from Louisiana is applying with us this year for his first hunt.

[cnelk]

Below is a link that has several 'Trespass/Semi-guided' Ranches in NW Colorado
Like otcwill mentioned, you are probably better off paying a trespass fee rather than a drop camp fee

http://craigchamber.chambermaster.com/d ... catgid=102


Good luck and welcome!

[Louisiana]

I had not considered New Mexico, primarily because most of what I have read gives the greater nod to Colorado for nonresident accessibility.

Please excuse my ignorance. Is the primary/sole benefit of a trespass fee the opportunity to hunt less pressured animals?

Thanks for all of the insight.

[cnelk]

In Colorado, the elk have seemed to learn that when they jump a fence they are safe.
Typically the ranches have what the elk want, hay and water, with a mix of timber nearby.
There are ranches that the elk reside year 'round and there are ranches the elk flock to like sheep once the pressure starts.

I have never hunted a ranch or paid a trespass fee. But there are times it would be very advantageous

[ST52V]

Pm sent