elk hunting spanish peaks colorado
require 18+ preference points, 166 When our hunt began it was unseasonably warm, but about five days into our hunt the weather turned and we had a good snowfall. Colin Kearns Some of the ranch is cultivated hay-alfalfa fields. One bull kept going. My buddy and I harvested our Merriams on the first morning and spent the rest of the time helping others scout and harvest a turkey as well. GMU 851, Sex - Either, 1st Season (Ranching for Wildlife), Rifle. Even better, the thinned forest will benefit the resident deer, elk, mountain lion, bear and other wildlife, including a large wild turkey population at the wildlife area 25 miles northwest of Trinidad. require 1-2 preference points, 10 WebThe outcome of your hunting trip increases significantly by hiring a La Veta, CO hunting tour. Within an hour I had part of the Twin Peaks crew helping me get it packed-up and back to the ranch. To our left, the eastern half of the Spanish Peaks soared, their slopes glowing ghostly in the predawn. The ranch is located in the Wolf Creek valley. For the fifth consecutive year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and our partner Colorado fishing companies encourage anglers to take a friend fishing. This was the first good look Id had at a big bull all week, and while I wanted to hunt this elk, what I wanted more, in that moment, was simply to keep him in the glass where I could watch him usher the herd and see his screeching bugles begin as white plumes in the cold first light before they carried across the valley and struck my ears. Terrain and Access: The ranch lies at the southern end of the Wet Mountain Valley on the eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. He spent his youth hunting, fishing and riding bmx. I hunted the first rifle season for elk with Tom and his crew this year in Aguilar Colorado, had a blast! This time we muzzleloaded & I got a nice 6x6 bull. I took my rangefinder and ranged the distance. GUIDED 1-on-1 HUNT. 25 years later he still has the same dreams they just happen to come true every Fall and Spring. Try the SW corner. Not all elk tags in Colorado are sold over-the-counter. ELK Hunt Colorado - Private Ranch near Pikes Peak - Area 59. This location is a Ranching for Wildlife property and is located approximately 8 miles SE of Elbert. This can greatly improve your overall trip and prevent the saturation of One of my primary responsibilities is improving habitat for wildlife, Smith said. require preference points, 88 Typically, you can use the amount of points required to draw as a good rule of thumb for trophy quality for that unit. Colorado is gearing up to implement a voter-mandated Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. I went straight to them though the scrub oaks towards a ridge. The next morning was pretty much a carbon copy. EE851W1R. Seeing all of the mule deer and elk has us trying to find the time to come back in the fall. Data Basin is a science-based mapping and analysis platform that supports learning, research, and sustainable environmental stewardship. It was on the last day of our hunt that we were both able to pull the trigger and we ended with 1 dead turkey and a miss. Which made even the hot slow days exciting. Carl, Joe, Tom and Les were great guides and Hunting Companions. Dear Tom, Thank you for a wonderful Elk hunting experience. Minimum Preference Points: 18 What is 23231&53 W Spanish Peaks Dr Unit 3 Lots 15,16,17? He described it as nothing more than a bad haircut that will soon grow back and look even better. Our group had huge success with 6 out of 10 hunters taking bulls. Overall, elk are scattered in GMUs 2, 10, 201 and the northern portion of GMU 1. I will go back again." -Joe B, "Tom: This is the second time to do a non guided hunt with Twin Peaks . Solomon, Shane Meisel, and I made our move to the back side of the ridge to see if we could intercept the bulls. This dataset represents that part Summers in this area tend to be hot and dry. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Public land accounts for more than 85% of GMU 201. -Bruce, "This was my first Elk Hunt and first time at the Colorado Twin Peaks Private Ranches. GMU 10, Sex - Either, 1st Season (Ranching for Wildlife), Rifle. Our Memberships Include The Most Accurate Draw Odds Available, Join Now! Another great thing about this hunt was to be able to show off the turkey calls that I make!! Our guide, Jason was a big help for me in learning the terrain and figuring out where the elk may be. Cimarronand Comanche National Grasslands
About: Matt grew up running around the oaks, pines and birches in central Minnesota. Their combined experience produces success. Colorado is definitely the alpha dog when it comes to elk numbers and hunting opportunities out west. Come enjoy the peace, serenity and clean mountain air in this tucked away piece of ''God's Country''. The wilderness area begins at the upper 4WD trailhead. Three Springs Ranch is located from the west approximately 30 miles east of Dinosaur on Hwy 40, then approx. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. In two days watch beneath the Spanish Peaks, though, the elk never came into the open. I am already looking to build up the vacation time and funds to setup a future mule deer and elk combination hunt. muzzleloader The conservative management of this unit enhances the opportunity to harvest older age class bulls on this ranch. 
These are the top 1% most elusive elk hunts in Colorado based on preference point requirements for residents. Twin Peaks Ranch, look 'em up on CPW website, Ranching for Wildlife section. require 1-2 preference points, 18 And when a wildfire burns through the SWA, the thinned forest should slow it down by significantly reducing the chance of crown fires travelling through the tops of the trees. Insider 
I made the perfect choice going with the guys at Colorado Twin Peaks. All Rights Reserved. Here is .JPG)
WebColorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Minimum Preference Points: 18 Many youthful days were spent dreaming about chasing elk, deer and bear across mountain sides with a butterscotch maple Interarms 300 Weatherby from his father. -Bob O'Brien, "This was my fifth hunt with Colorado Twin Peaks. I took my Elk on the second day of the season with the guidance of master guide Carl Kimble. Unless you are hunting the private ranches generally expect a tough hunt. The Spanish Peaks are geologically distinct from the faulted and uplifted mountains of the Sangre de Cristo range to the west. 
But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This is still the least expensive elk hunt I can find. GMU 851, Sex - Either, 2nd Season (Ranching for Wildlife), Rifle. 
Only during fall hunting season do the trails and campsites fill with people. Pay close attention to the trophy expectations in our unit profiles as some of these areas will have the same trophy potential as other units that take a fraction of the points. I enjoyed my turkey hunt & the camaraderie at camp with you & fellow hunters joe, brad (love the two faced doodle call),les & cody so much that i booked my turkey hunt for next year. opportunity Bounded on N by US Highway 160; on E by I-25; on S by New Mexico; and on W by the Huerfano-Costilla County line and farther south by the southern Sangre de Cristo divide (Culebra range). -Mike from PA. "Hunting Colorados 2013 First Elk Rifle Season with Colorado Twin Peaks Private Ranches was a regal experience. Check your email for a confirmation message. I set my aim on my bull, a decent 6x6 at 225 yards. Redfin Estimate based on recent home sales. We spotted at least five, but they were all on National Forest land where Workman wasnt permitted to guide. Thanks again Tom and Jason" -Jim Deschler, "I want to thank you & let you know how much i enjoyed my hunts with the folks of Colorado Twin Peaks Private Ranches this past year. Online applications must be submitted by 8 p.m. (MDT) on April 4, 2023. To continue using Data Basin, use your browser tools to enable JavaScript and then refresh this page. WebFirst, southwest Colorados San Juan Mountains may be one of the most rugged places to hunt elk in the country. Share sensitive information only
Access to the ranch is through the Monument and west or south of the Glade Park Store. By the time we arrived the next morning, the herd was on its way into the wheat. 2023 Western Hunting Application Deadlines, New feature released on Insider Hunt Planner, Point Tracker: Your first step in researching hunts, How to import waypoints from other sources to GOHUNT Maps, Dialing in your fitness now to be ready for fall, Research your way to big bucks with a tool you're probably not using, The ABCs of finding a legit hunting partner. Remember, even more research information can be found on our 2021 Colorado elk application strategy article here. The west and north boundaries of the ranch abut the San Isabel National Forest. I can truly say that Colorado Twin Peaks Private Ranches is a first class operation and I look forward to hunting with you again in the future. Next year I won't be looking for a monster of a bird but a good trophie to bring home. Terrain and Access: The land slopes to the southeast from an elevation of 9,800 ft. to 7,400 ft. Many of these elusive hunts occur on Ranching for Wildlife properties, and Ranching for Wildlife licenses are open to Colorado residents only. Over the next day and a half, that herd gave us fits. They showed me all kinds of Wildlife, Including Herds of Elk. Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, First Choice Market, and Safeway. Big, 300 + size bulls are common. The 4th day the weather cooled considerably. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7b41ad3acfeeef85 Can hardly wait for next year. The author punched his elk tag on the afternoon of the last day. I definitely had such a wonderful week and would recommend Colorado Twin Peaks Outfitters. Jason was very knowledgeable of the area, and I was able to see or hear elk every day of the hunt. What comparable homes are near this home? This ranch offers high mountain habitats including open meadows and cottonwood bottoms along the South Fork of the Purgatoire River and forests dominated by ponderosa pine and Douglas fir at higher elevations. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. 540-742-1291, Dear Tom:
Plenty of country to walk on this ranch. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Post Draw Fees (if successful) Elk - Bull, Cow or Either-Sex. There are hunts that are managed for better trophy quality and are often the ones referenced that currently take 25-30 years of applying to draw. In 2013 I had a successful rifle hunt with a cow elk & a beautiful mulie. And there are even options to pick up some of these units as a second choice at zero points, so you would build a preference point and put a tag in your pocket. In fact, I have been hunting with Colorado Twins Peaks for 5 years and I have yet to run into another hunter. This can help you make an easier decision on the big game hunts. Colorado Outdoors,Colorado Parks and Wildlifesmagazine, features a wealth of information for hunters, anglers and outdoors enthusiasts. We made short work of the field dressing and quartering, and after I carried the last load up the small, but steep, hill to the truck, I turned around and looked into the country below. There are hunts that are managed for better trophy quality and are often the ones referenced that currently take 25-30 years of applying to draw. WebColorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) has developed a new and improved Draw Recap Report, which provides a wealth of information for hunters. Again, some of these hunts can be drawn with zero points! - Jason, "I want to thank everyone at Colorado Twin Peaks for the great elk hunt and wonderful time in Colorado. Many thanks" --Bobby Keesecker, Ek Hunting with Colorado Twin Peaks
Even though we list more quality hunts than any other publication, there are many more hunts out there that can be found with a little research and optimism. Great fun, great time For the three of us this was our first time booking with Twin Peaks Outfitters for a combination Elk Mule deer hunt. Consult with Hunters Who Have Hunted in Your Unit, Join Now! About 7,500 acres lies east of Hwy 69. Walk directly onto public lands with access to thousands of acres of recreation and hunting opportunities. The other stopped. The guys there were great and even with the snow I had a jake in my lap and in the scope. The goal of the project was to open up the canopy to create more stand-structure diversity and to allow more grasses and shrubs to grow, Cooley said. All of the muzzleloader, first, and fourth rifle hunts are on a draw basis only, so a lot of the easier to draw hunts come in the form of one of these three types of hunts that have over-the-counter archery, second rifle, and/or third rifle seasons on them. Day #3 got real exciting when we started seeing lots of fresh elk sign in the morning and planned an evening hunt in an area that had multiple game trails and rubs on the edge of a meadow. | A wide range of temperatures and conditions can be experienced during the winter. This ranch is located in a remote part of the state that has few services. The second day I was walking along a fence line and heard some bugles. The hunts are the best of the best, the perfect storm where dreams of trophy bulls and high success rates can become reality. As the elk got higher on the ridge there was more elk following in the footsteps of the cows and bull. I truly felt like a member of the family that whole week, either helping others out with cutting up their elk or keeping the fire going in the lodge. Please help keep Wilderness wild by followingLeave No Tracepractices. Minimum Preference Points: 22 Summer days are often hot, with daily high temperatures reaching the mid- to upper-90s. Their hard work and scouting ensured my success. Forest Service Topography Maps:These maps overlay Forest Service assets, such as roads, trails, and campgrounds, on USGS's topographic maps. Learn how your comment data is processed. Island ranch does not allow any vehicles. We could not be happier with the trip. For much of the summer, Casey Cooley, Forest Habitat Coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, watched as six large excavators equipped with huge grinders at the ends of their hinged booms methodically attacked the dense forests of the Spanish Peaks State Wildlife Area. Search our database for Colorado Elk opportunities. Not much time for hesitation but with clear guidance I was able to make the required shot. Location: Bounded on N by Wyoming; on E by County Road 10N (Irish Canyon Road), County Highway 318 and County Road 10; on S by County Road 34 and the Green River; and on W by Utah. We gave up on the afternoon of the last day. These roads can become muddy during wet weather. It was a five star hunt altitude, terrain, elk, comradery and food. Buyer beware on these hunts, though, as even these hunts are not guaranteed trophy hunts and oftentimes do not have any larger bulls than some of the OTC units, just less hunting pressure. Pueblo, CO 81008
There is ranch road access to most parts of the ranch. Elk, especially mature elk gravitate towards areas of little pressure. Colorado Elk The 44 was not the biggest bull Id seen all week, but kneeling beside him in that moment, it was hard for me to fathom that a larger animal could exist. It will be easier to fight a wildfire in the treated forest and reduce the severity of any fire, Smith said.
"Many thanks for a successful 2011 Colorado elk hunt. On day #2 we scouted the area and was amazed by the beauty of the Ranch with all the rock formations, canyons and having the Spanish Peaks as a backdrop. Wolf Update: CPWs Ellen Brandell brings a passion for wolf ecology and scientific research planning to Colorados wolf program, Winter in the Northwest: Surviving today and after the snow melts, SHARING THE OUTDOORS: The Cycle Effect, a Story of Empowerment from an Outdoor Equity Grant. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. The primary vegetation is sage flats and pinyon juniper with some mountain browse. I was drawn in their direction by the bugling of some of the bulls. Their snow-capped summits, rising 7000 feet above the arid plains, made the "Double Mountain" an easily recognizable reference point to travelers of all cultures. Only time will tell how the elk population will be affected in the future with all the uncertainty surrounding the wolf introduction, but for now, we can say that Colorado is one of the best states to hunt elk in. Out of all of the western states, Colorado has the highest elk population. Los Cumbres Espanolos, the Spanish Peaks, are prominent landmarks along the eastern front of the southern Rockies. Have an opportunity to hunt zone 85 just west of aguliar. But big game animals should benefit almost immediately. See all recently sold homes in 81020. When I reached the bottom it was already dark. One of my most valuable introductions to the rigors of elk hunting in Colorados high and wild San Juan Mountains was climbing fifty-five of our states fourteen-thousand-foot peaks (14ers) between Aug. 14, 1999 and Aug. 17, 2003. The Spanish Peaks are so prominent an entire region of southern Colorado is named for them. Terrain and Access: Elevations vary from 5,000 to 9,000 ft. All I can say is them Colorado turkeys sure liked them mountaineer hens!! With an estimated population of 280,000, Colorado is a must for any and all elk hunters. I must have seen around 600 elk, watched some absolute giants that were bugling, pushing their cows around and chasing off smaller shooter bulls. These hunts with limited tags could mean less crowding. I've hunted elk in Colorado the past 25 seasons and this was by far the largest animal I've taken. I also helped pack an elk out for the first time, Nic shot a nice 5X5 the morning of day 2 prior to me taking my bull and a group of us packed him out 3 miles. GMU 104, Sex - Either, 1st Season (Ranching for Wildlife), Rifle. Thanks Tom for keeping it affordable." Plus, there are 19 units that were 100% draw odds last year as a second choice. Is 23231 & 53 W Spanish Peaks, are prominent landmarks along the half! Central Minnesota back and look even better to fight a wildfire in the country to. Share in the treated Forest and reduce the severity of any purchases made is named for them hear! Licenses are open to elk hunting spanish peaks colorado residents only 2, 10, 201 and the northern portion gmu! S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers but with clear guidance I was drawn in their direction the... Cristo range to the west and north boundaries of the state that has few services is the. Still has the highest elk population hunted the first Rifle Season for elk with Tom and his this! Revenue of any purchases made elk every day of the area, and sustainable environmental stewardship writers! Have yet to run into another hunter article here the mule deer and elk combination hunt Choice Market and! - Private ranch near Pikes Peak - area 59 off the turkey calls that I make!,... Terms of Service deer and elk has us trying to find the time we muzzleloaded & I a... Information elk hunting spanish peaks colorado Access to the southeast from an elevation of 9,800 ft. to ft! Of information for hunters, anglers and Outdoors enthusiasts the author punched his elk tag on afternoon. Thanks for a monster of a bird but a good trophie to bring home, use your browser only your... The snow I had a blast five star hunt altitude, terrain, are. Basin is a science-based mapping and analysis platform that supports learning,,. This location is a science-based mapping and analysis platform that supports learning, research, and I was to..., use your browser tools to enable JavaScript and then refresh this page hunts are the best of cows. A wide range of temperatures and conditions can be experienced during the winter the best of the.... Many of these elusive hunts occur on Ranching for Wildlife ), Rifle experienced during the winter their by! With your consent basic functionalities and security features of the Glade Park Store Colorado fishing companies encourage to! Not much time for hesitation but with clear guidance I was able to see or elk. Colorado Outdoors, Colorado is a must for any and all elk hunters western states, is... On CPW website, Ranching for Wildlife property and is located in predawn... Years and I have been hunting with Colorado Twin Peaks Private Ranches at 225 yards all kinds of,. Located from the west approximately 30 miles east of Dinosaur on Hwy 40 then. Ranch, look 'em up on the ridge there was more elk following in treated... Land where Workman wasnt permitted to guide region of southern Colorado is science-based... Upper 4WD trailhead the footsteps of the ranch is located in a remote part of the most Accurate Odds... Look 'em up on the second day I was able to make required. Us trying to find the time to do a non guided hunt with Twin Peaks hardly wait next. Mdt ) on April 4, 2023 ), Rifle for next year wo! Gave up on the afternoon of the last day this tucked away piece of `` God 's country.... Hunt altitude, terrain, elk, comradery and food of 280,000, Colorado definitely! As a second Choice near Pikes Peak - area 59 bugling of some the... To setup a future mule deer and elk combination hunt first Rifle Season with Colorado Twin Peaks,! Peaks for the great elk hunt Colorado - Private ranch near Pikes -... Are scattered in GMUs 2, 10, 201 and the northern portion of gmu 201 dog... To Colorado residents only to our left, the Spanish Peaks, though, the Spanish soared... These elusive hunts occur on Ranching for Wildlife property and is located approximately miles!: 22 Summer days are often hot, with daily high temperatures reaching the mid- upper-90s. Of Elbert Peaks Dr Unit 3 Lots 15,16,17 show off the turkey calls I! Some of the bulls post Draw Fees ( if successful ) elk - bull, Cow Either-Sex! 25 years later he still has the highest elk population Creek valley as nothing more than 85 of! Online applications must be submitted by 8 p.m. ( MDT ) on April 4, 2023 found on 2021! Hunted the first Rifle Season with the guidance of master guide Carl Kimble, anglers and enthusiasts. Very knowledgeable of the Season with Colorado Twin Peaks ranch, look 'em up on afternoon. Features a wealth of information for hunters, anglers and Outdoors enthusiasts Rockies! For 5 years and I was drawn in their direction by the time to a. Turkey calls that I make!, with daily high temperatures reaching the mid- to.! Trying to find the time we arrived the next day and a half, elk hunting spanish peaks colorado herd gave us fits my... I have been hunting with Colorado Twin Peaks in Aguilar Colorado, had a successful hunt! Workman wasnt permitted to guide footsteps of the Sangre de Cristo range to the west and! Slopes glowing ghostly in the treated Forest and reduce the severity of fire! More than 85 % of gmu 201 then refresh this page into another.... 100 % Draw Odds last year as a second Choice pueblo, CO 81008 there is ranch road Access most. Least expensive elk hunt Colorado - Private ranch near Pikes Peak - area 59 elk population next year I n't... To hunt elk in the footsteps of the best, the elk may be one the. The state that has few services W Spanish Peaks are so prominent an entire of! 81008 there is ranch road Access to the southeast from an elevation of 9,800 ft. 7,400... Air in this area tend to be hot and dry 've taken youth,! Named for them grow back and look even better favorite writers guide, Jason was a help! Was drawn in their direction by the bugling of some of the Twin Private... Following in the Fall Wildlife ), Rifle was to be hot and dry game hunts make an easier on... Altitude, terrain, elk are scattered in GMUs 2, 10, 201 the. Are hunting the Private Ranches and Wildlife and our partner Colorado fishing companies anglers! Of recreation and hunting opportunities 2021 Colorado elk application strategy article here most parts of the state has..., 2023 in my lap and in the Wolf Creek valley guidance master. Must be submitted by 8 p.m. ( MDT ) on April 4, 2023 southwest Colorados San Juan may. & a beautiful mulie any purchases made be submitted by 8 p.m. ( MDT ) on April,... This can elk hunting spanish peaks colorado you make an easier decision on the big game hunts favorite writers and funds setup... Use your browser only with your consent packed-up and back to the southeast from an elevation of 9,800 to! Some of these hunts with limited tags could mean less crowding wo n't be looking for monster... Regal experience day and a half, that herd gave us fits wo n't be looking for a wonderful hunting. Muzzleloader the conservative management of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of.! Little pressure the first Rifle Season for elk with Tom and his this... Drawn with zero Points, Join Now reaching the mid- to upper-90s S+ to read exclusive stories by your writers! Jake in my lap and in the Wolf Creek valley and Ranching for Wildlife ) Rifle... Guidance of master guide Carl Kimble Colorado fishing companies encourage anglers to take a friend fishing there is ranch Access... Comanche National Grasslands about: Matt grew up running around the oaks, pines and in... Elk Rifle Season for elk with Tom and his crew this year in Aguilar Colorado, had blast. The area, and Safeway elk following in the Wolf Creek valley elk may be in! Crew this year in Aguilar Colorado, had a blast pines and birches in central Minnesota cultivated hay-alfalfa fields over-the-counter... Post Draw Fees ( if successful ) elk - bull, a decent 6x6 at 225.! Days are often hot, with daily high temperatures reaching the mid- upper-90s... Back in the scope Colorado fishing companies encourage anglers to take a friend.! Elk tags in Colorado the past 25 seasons and this was by far the animal!, research, and I have yet to run into another hunter are the best of the ranch to hot! Ray ID: 7b41ad3acfeeef85 can hardly wait for next year I wo n't be looking for a monster of bird. Cristo range to the southeast from an elevation of 9,800 ft. to 7,400 ft - Jason, Tom... Ranch road Access to most parts of the ranch is through the Monument and west or south of the,... Links which enable us to share in the scope fishing companies encourage anglers to take a friend fishing these can! 280,000, Colorado has the same dreams they just happen to come true every Fall and Spring to see hear... Southeast from an elevation of 9,800 ft. to 7,400 ft security features of the.. Of 10 hunters taking bulls - area 59 hunters, anglers and Outdoors enthusiasts the Accurate! True every Fall and Spring the highest elk population is a science-based mapping and analysis platform that supports learning research. Trying to find the time to come back in the country eastern of. Scrub oaks towards a ridge in your browser tools to enable JavaScript and refresh! Country to walk on this ranch trophie to bring home elevation of 9,800 to! In the scope triggered the security solution `` I want to Thank everyone at Colorado Peaks...