Need advice please!

[Jjamesdean]

We were hunting this Canyon, it's our first year hunting. There's 2 saddles we've found that seem to be the best spots for us to kill elk. We've seen nice bulls in both. Now today suddenly a outfitter comes and sets up camp 100 yards from us. He says his hunters will be here in 4 days. Is it worth staying here after they get here? There's 5 of us.

[Elkduds]

If it is public land, you have as much right to be there as the outfitter (if he really is). His permit gives him permission to operate on public land. It does not give him exclusive right to anything, legally he cannot exclude or harass you. If an outfitter camps there, it should be a good spot. If he brings paying clients and you are hunting there, they may want to hunt where you aren't and tell that to their outfitter. The win-win would be for you to discuss w the outfitter sharing the territory. No telling if the outfitter would go for that. Maybe Indian Summer or other outfitters will post up. Sounds like a good spot.

[Jjamesdean]

Thanks for the reply! We talked to him earlier, he seems to have very good knowledge of the canyon, and seems to not be interested in sharing.

[powderhogg01]

I say get in there and harvest the big boy before his clients get in
public land is free for anyone... but it does get to be annoying when a spot your have worked hard at figuring out gets crowded and the animals run off. hopefully that wont be your case though

[Jjamesdean]

Perfect plan powderhogg01 haha! It's kinda frustrating, we haven't even seen a bear or big cat track the whole time we've been here, yet he was trying to tell us horror storys about them. Definitely trying to scare us off. He was also telling us where better spots were. I was thinking well if they're better spots, then why isn't he hunting there?

[powderhogg01]

sounds to me like he is trying to intimidate you out of the area... likely for a good reason. If it were me, I would be all over that mountain hunting hard despite these people. I am not saying its not a possibility but I have never had an issue with predators while hunting. To me the scariest thing in the woods are other people.. I would not back down, you worked hard to find that spot and his "clients" have not. so hunt on my friend..

[Jjamesdean]

Thanks for the advice man

[powderhogg01]

I have been intimidated out of spots before by people. It is not fun, but usually worth moving on instead of having an altercation. You never know, maybe his client will be cool and you guys will all hit it off. sounds like the outfitter is a bit of a dick though.. The way I see it is there is enough mountain for everyone, hard earned spots do not come easy. If I knew an outfitter was hunting somewhere I was hunting I think I would like the odds. as noted.. he is there because its good. If only I could get the calling down... im in a pretty nice spot as well.. muzzy guys will be gone in a few days and then its game time

[Jjamesdean]

What state you hunting?

[powderhogg01]

im in colorado hunting otc

[Jjamesdean]

I see, we're in southern Colorado OTC

[Ironman]

Perfect plan powderhogg01 haha! It's kinda frustrating, we haven't even seen a bear or big cat track the whole time we've been here, yet he was trying to tell us horror storys about them. Definitely trying to scare us off. He was also telling us where better spots were. I was thinking well if they're better spots, then why isn't he hunting there?

If there were better spots, he wouldn't be there. I wouldn't. I say hunt hard before they show up and after they do get up first and hunt all day. Use them to your advantage,. Sounds like a good spot

PS there are bears,cats, and wolves almost every where. Get tags and go get them too

[gdoct]

Hey buddy, if your bugling skills are good, you could use him to an advantage. If you're confident, then get after it and take a nice bull,,,,,to hell with him!