Got together with a bunch of old High School friends last night. One of them is a guy I went with to Co back in 2003 elk huntin. I have been kicking around the idea of going back out there. I sorta wanted to go to New Mexico on an archery hunt. But them sissies don't want to bow hunt it. So it looks like we are going to go back to the same ranch between Steamboat springs and Hayden. And it looks like we are going to do either the 2nd or 3rd rifle hunt instead of the 1st rifle
Guess its time to start saving my pennies and getting back in shape. Not sure if we are gonna try to do it for '12, but definitely in 2013
I lived and hunted there from 80-83 and we used to go to pretty much the same area, west slope NW corner. although we had 75 acres in Kiowa SE corner and it was loaded with antelope and huge muleys,mt lions and coyotes it had no elk. now I hear the place is lousy with them. hunting the eastside foothills is alot easier and I imagine cheaper plus you can pretty much drive a truck or quad just about anywhere and don't have to deal with extreme altitudes, max about 7,500 feet I'd guess. might be woth checking with fish and game or outfitters. over 10,000 feet is brutal no matter how good shape your in, not to mention walking uphill in waist deep snow.
I've been wanting to do a similar trip. My brother, who lives in Virginia, went several years ago with 8 or 9 other guys. They were down closer to Aspen, about 80 miles south of Steamboat Springs. He got a nice 5x5, and there were a couple of other elk and several muleys killed. With expenses shared amongst them the cost of the trip wasn't too bad. I think they drove 3 full size 4-door 4x4 trucks straight through from Virginia, and stayed a couple of nights at a little motel a few miles from where they were hunting.
I'm actually planning a DIY trip with my cousin for CO right now for next year. The more and more I look into the more pumped I get. Going to be pricey tho.
GO GATORS!
Always wanted to do that but never did, back in the 80's came close, Sent a guide the security for a elk hunt but something came up and had to sell to a friend he killed a trophy in my spot.
Good luck
