Valle Vidal - outfitter or DIY

[Hockeyhunter11]

Hi folks new to the forum. So after spending 2 weeks organizing my bow elk hunt here in CO, I found I drew a NR rifle elk for the Valle Vidal. Talk about a 180! From what I can gather the tags are a scarce commodity, and I should take full advantage of the opportunity. My initial thought is DIY. Gets some topos, plan some scouting trips, etc. but then a buddy said why not get an outfitter. So now he has me thinking. Would like to hear what you guys think. Finding info from folks who have hunted it is proving difficult. I would like to think that if the hunting is as good as I have heard about, that a guy who does his homework, burns some shoe leather,should be able to get it done. Your thoughts?

[slickhunter]

I'm in a similar situation, got luckly and pulled a NR muzzleloader tag for Valle Caldera. Thought about getting an outfitter, but I'd rather try to do it myself, more of a sense of accomplishment. I realize there's a risk of coming home empty, but I like to hunt more than shooting, so looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully what I'm reading about VC is true, so I feel if I hunt as hard as I usually do in a place where there's a good population of elk, I'll come home with some steaks and memories. Rack size is cool, sure big bulls are awesome and harvesting a +300 bull would be nice, but that's not what really matters imo.

best of luck, whatever you choose remember it's the journey that counts, took me 48 yrs to realize that but now I definately enjoy the experience more.

[RichM]

I am a newb to the hunting world. Since Valle Vidal is a once-in-a-life-time hunt I would lean towards hiring a local outfitter.
Just my $0.02.

[NoWiser]

Go DIY! Would you rather do the hunting yourself and be successful, or have someone else do the hunting for you while you follow. From what I've read, there is no shortage of elk there. Do your homework and I'd bet you'll have an awesome hunt DIY!

[Trophyhill]

Go DIY! Would you rather do the hunting yourself and be successful, or have someone else do the hunting for you while you follow. From what I've read, there is no shortage of elk there. Do your homework and I'd bet you'll have an awesome hunt DIY!

Agreed. You are in for a special hunt. Be greedy and dont share it with someone telling you when to shoot plenty of great info here to get you ready.

[ABQ_Chica]

Congrats on the Valles Caldera and Valle Vidal tags! I also drew the Caldera this year, during the women's antlerless hunt.

Slickhunter, I don't know if you've been to the Caldera before, but it's an amazing place. If you do want to hire an outfitter, they need to be authorized/approved by the Valles Caldera Trust. You likely already know this, but I thought I'd mention it. That said, a DIY hunt shouldn't be any problem. If they run these hunts like they have in past years, you get a subunit to yourself, and they do their best to put everyone in good spots. Also, if you need a place to stay, don't wait to make reservations. If you plan to camp, check with the Caldera, as they might have spots. The nearby Nat'l. Forest campgrounds may not be open that time of year. La Cueva Lodge (http://lacuevalodge.com/) is probably the closest lodging, maybe 15-30 mins to the Caldera entrance.

(Apologies, Hockyhunter...I'm not trying to hijack your thread, just wanted to get the info out there.)

Good luck! These should be great hunts. I look forward to hearing about them later this year.

[RichM]

Regarding logging there is also Home Away as an option.

I rented the Foot Cabin two years ago when I drew for the Caldera and it was very nice.
I made the mistake of not giving myself enough time, so I would suggest if you can afford it, time and money, get there at least a day earlier than you need and stay a day later.

Keep your fingers crossed that the fires don't hit the Caldera like they have in the past few years.
The Thompson Ridge fire had a fair amount of the subunits closed, I don't recall exactly how much.
If all goes well I'll be up there late November for a rifle hunt.