If you are looking for some of the best elk hunting in Colorado on a huge private ranch then Vanatta Outfitters are the folks to call. You can catch a preview of their place and the ranch on Escape to the Wild.
Thanks for the warning about being in shape. It can really ruin a good hunt if you can’t keep up. I’ve hunted with some good outfitters who’s giudes seem to have showing you how young they are, and how good a shape they are in, and how bad a shape you are in, rather than working with you to kill an elk. Sounds like the story of an old out of shape hunter, huh? No one- I don’t care how old or young you are can acclimate to elevation very quickly.
Having a hard time finding the price list on the link. I guess I’d have a hard time booking with someone who his references talk about being left in the guides dust.
Thanks for the warning about being in shape. It can really ruin a good hunt if you can’t keep up. I’ve hunted with some good outfitters who’s giudes seem to have showing you how young they are, and how good a shape they are in, and how bad a shape you are in, rather than working with you to kill an elk. Sounds like the story of an old out of shape hunter, huh? No one- I don’t care how old or young you are can acclimate to elevation very quickly.
Having a hard time finding the price list on the link. I guess I’d have a hard time booking with someone who his references talk about being left in the guides dust.
Ron,
You took that comment wrong. The guides will work with you at your pace at Vanatta. They wouldn’t leave you in the dust. My original comment was more of a joke. Which appears didn’t come across correctly. What they consider an easy walk up a ‘hill’ and what I consider a ‘hill’ being from Illinois were two different things.
Vanatta outfitters will work long and hard working with you to kill your elk. They know the 16,000 acre ranch like you know your back yard. All the guides work together on spotting elk and keeping each other informed on where the groups seem to be at during your stay. The food and facilities were fantastic. All the bunk houses and bath house were just recently redone. (from top to bottom)
I agree about getting used to elevation. I went from Illinois to 8,500 feet and then hunting hard in under 14 hours. That first morning hunt kicked hard, but wasn’t the hardest I’ve had to push. I think you will find being out of shape would ruin any hunt. I have been with guys who couldn’t carry a treestand a mile without stopping like a bunch of girls and were totally wiped out once they got to the AO. I’m sure you know of the fat piece of sh*t guys who never go that far off into the woods or away from the parking lot too.
You should not have a hard time coming to terms with booking with them. They didn’t leave me in the dust. They are one of the best outfitters around.
I guess I still have a chip on my sholder about elk hunting Colorado. Got screwed bigtime by a rancher there and don’t want to get over it. What I mean is I couldn’t find their prices on the link you gave. You usually get what you pay for, but I like to compare the price, or at least know what it is before i went. I don’t really know why I’m even checking, I’m perfectly happy with my New Mexico outfitter
I guess I still have a chip on my sholder about elk hunting Colorado. Got screwed bigtime by a rancher there and don’t want to get over it. What I mean is I couldn’t find their prices on the link you gave. You usually get what you pay for, but I like to compare the price, or at least know what it is before i went. I don’t really know why I’m even checking, I’m perfectly happy with my New Mexico outfitter
Ron,
I understand where you are coming from, once burned by some less than reputable folks myself. If you email them, I’m sure they would give you the 2010 prices.
Hey, speaking of New Mexico Elk. where do you go? I’ve been thinking about trying down there for some big ones. Colorado has a ton of nice bulls, but from what I’ve seen and heard about, the New Mexico area has more big ones.
Hi Greg,
OH Boy! I bet the guys on the forum are saying OH NO don’t get him going again. I love to talk about New Mexico elk hunting.I’ve got two years worth of elk hunting on here, with a bear hunt added in. Check out “bragin ‘bout that buck”, down a ways under SUCCESSFUL ELK HUNT.
I go with Folsom Outfitters about 70 miles east of Raton. It’s a private ranch hunt. 2007 I got a 6X6, 2008 a chocalate bear and 2009 an 8X6. The last one made the book barely -272 6/8. The elk were with a bow and the bear with a 300 win mag.
Go to Folsom Outfitters.com and check the photo link.
He charges $5000 for bow and $7000 for gun. Elevation is between 5000’- 7000’, great bunkhouse and food. Check him out. I’m booked for the next two years. He only takes two per week. I get him to take me on 1X1, but he likes 2x1. 2011 the first week I’ve got a guy going, but this year as far as I know there is an opening the first week for archery, unless if he found someone.
The license is included in that price. I’m getting too old to try to draw licenses then have to wait till next year.
check him out.
Slayer know his stuff and you can tell that he is passionate about hunting in NM. I did want to let you know that we also have a relationship with Big Chino Outfitters which is led by JP Vicente (a union member - IAFF 3066). He can be reached at 928-925-9395 and his website is http://www.bigchinoguideservice.com If you mention that you are a USA member, he will offer you a 10% off your package.
Not trying to steer you in any particular direction but wanted to let you know about another great option.
fyrdad,
Did you get a chance to go to Folsom Outfitters website, and did you find the post I was talking about?
Ready for it to start warming up here in central Ill. Global warming my—-foot. Hope the snow is gone by turkey season!
That Big Chino looks pretty good. What a bunch of big bulls! And the price seems reasonable. I’m thinking of trying to draw a rifle tag sometime. I tried muzzle loader in the Gila National Forest one year. We saw several, but couldn’t quite close the dealon a big one. We called in a big one like in those photos twice, but one of his antlers was broke off. I shot at a 6X6 about 200yds., but he ended up being 250. The guide told me not to carry my range finder, because he always had his. NOT! 250 is kind of far with a muzzleloader, but it was the last afternoon.
Greg,
Congrats on the elk hunt!!!!!! Tom is one heck of a hunting partner and a truly good man huh? I had as much fun with him as anybody I have ever hunted with. It was also nice to share stories with him about our families.
I have been invited back to the ranch this season to learn the trade and do some grunt work !!! I am looking to rent/borrow a pop up trailer from the Denver area. I am going to be out there 7 Sept - 17 Sept.
Anyone with a pop up that they would like to share ??
Or does anyone know of a rental place in the Denver area for small pop ups?
I am planning on driving out and was originally was just going to set up my larger tent. But a buddy suggested the rental route for some heat and comfort.
