Father/Son Colorado Elk Hunt Questions

[RANGER3BN]

I am planning a Colorado rifle elk hunt for me and my 70 year-old father who is still very mobile considering his age. This has been a lifelong dream for my father so he would like to use a guide. I have spoken with a few who have openings for this year’s 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. The services I have spoken with have a combination of private and permit based land they have access to. We are attempting to stay under $7k per hunter plus non resident tag fees. My questions revolve around what rifle season would you choose and do you have any recommendations for guide services? Thanks in advance for any insight and suggestions.

KS

 

[intunegp]

Non resident tag costs are going to eat $1000/each of your budget if you want bull tags so you're looking at having $6k/person to the outfitter. I don't know if that's reasonable or not but maybe you should start by speaking to the guides with openings and seeing if that budget is even going to work for you. While you have them on the horn you could inquire about their success rates by season and get their recommendation.

 

[SuperDUECE22]

$7k per hunter plus non resident tag fees

@intunegp

 

[TaperPin]

Many guys in their prime, let alone 70, don’t enjoy the cold weather hunting late seasons. I suppose it could be somewhat comfortable in warmer parts of the state, but I’d at least think about it.

 

[bz_711]

2nd season over 3rd if those are your choices.
Do you all have any preference points that might allow for a 1st season rifle to be drawn?

Good Luck!

 

[Gman12]

Since it is with your dad and his lifelong dream, I would highly recommend trying to find an outfitter with access to lots of private land. It may be a once in a lifetime hunt for him and not having to compete with other hunters on public would make a big difference in the quality of the hunt IMO.

 

[RANGER3BN]

No preference points, which is why we’re concentrating on second and third season. My dad is a very private person extracting this time sensitive information out of him would have made Guantánamo Bay interrogators, proud.

 

[intunegp]

@intunegp

Reading is hard lol. Everything else still applies.

 

[resident vs nonresident]

worth checking 1st rifle 0pp options as those will typically have highest harvest rates.
But between 2nd or 3rd you should check stats as some units can be more productive in 3rd vs 2nd. If you have guides in mind talk to them as they will be your best source of information
Weather is more likely to be worse in 3rd but not guaranteed and can be quite the opposite.

 

[LongWayAround]

I think you would be hard pressed to find a reputable guided bull hunt for that price.

You could do a cow hunt for less than your stated price range.

 

[Dennis]

Sounds like you’re on the right path. I would suggest early season (first or second ) and a lower elevation hunt. Hunting style and camp accommodations can play a part in your guide choices. Vehicle access, horses, or just hiking everywhere. Deep snow, steep country and long days of hiking can be hard on the seventy year olds even in good shape. Find somewhere you can both enjoy hunt and share in the memories. Equally chances for success and give him first shot would seem like a good idea for dad.