Colorado Guide References

[jroplanner]

Hi Eastmans Forum-
I hope your hunting seasons are going good. I'm looking to book a hunt for my Dad and I for Colorado mule deer and was hoping to get some input on an outfitter we're zeroing in on. Dad and I have saved up 12 preference points each for Colorado mule deer and want to cash them in for a hunt in 2016. We're not high-dollar hunters, and we've been hunting the Rockys for a long time. We ended up talking to Colorado Hunting Expeditions out of Dolores Colorado because we were looking at a 4th season hunt in unit 70. Colorado Hunting Expeditions looked good, they seem to find big bucks, and were willing to talk pricing. But it's a big investment for us in time and money...has anyone ever heard of these outfitters? Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Don't know anything about them, look at wiemer big game good operation from all my researcg

 

[jroplanner]

Don't know anything about them, look at wiemer big game good operation from all my researcg

Thanks Ridgerunner! I've looked into Weimer as well, they seem to be top notch. I got a good quote from CHE so thought I'd check them out first.

 

[hoshour]

You can look on the Colorado Outfitters Association website www.coloradooutfitters.org to see if they have had any actions taken against them. Not all outfitters belong to the organization, and I think it is a plus if they do.

According to that page, Colorado Hunting Expeditions has had two actions against them by the Association in the last 5 years. Those are red flags that should be checked out. A hunter complaint can be legitimate or not, but an action against the outfitter by the Association is a bad sign. Unfortunately, the links to the documents are temporarily not working but they do list a phone number to call to get copies.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

They are right up the road from me. I wouldn't recommend them, nuff said.

I think I told you about Silver Peaks Outfitters, ask them about unit 70.

 

[Slugz]

Listen to CC.

 

[jroplanner]

Thanks to everyone for the very helpful input, you don't know how much time/energy/grey hair you save me. The Colorado Outfitter Association page is very helpful, great resource. Colorado Cowboy's recommendations carry weight in this forum and I can see why (thanks Slugz for the confirmation). I'm doing a ton of research in this unit and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists have been very helpful and have great information if you know where to look and the right questions to ask. Dad and I are definitely blue collar hunters and are having a hard time justifying paying for a guided hunt, but after 12 years of saving preference points we aren't opposed to a guided option if it means a shot at a big buck. But as DIY hunters at heart, I'm spending a lot of time doing research in the hopes of possibly making a good hunt in unit 70, 4th season, and getting a big buck. Quick question, do you guys know if ATVs are allowed on BLM/State land? Are there motels in unit 70 somewhat near good hunting or would camping be the best bet? Thanks again guys, I appreciate your help. Have a great hunting season and shoot straight!!

 

[hoshour]

As a nonresident, you must get a Colorado nonresident OHV permit for your ATV http://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/RegistrationsOHV.aspx

I believe you can use ATVs wherever they are not restricted and you are probably restricted from using them on many roads, including some dirt roads. See http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ufo/recreation/ohv-facts.html for details in SW Colorado

 

[luckynv]

You can check with Colorado parks to see if California has an agreement with Colorado to honor your California off hiway sticker (assuming you have one), you need to check with BLM and or the Forest Service in the exact area you intend to hunt to see if they have a MVUM-Motor Vehicle Use Map- most do some do not. Good luck and God bless

 

[sheephunter]

You can check with Colorado parks to see if California has an agreement with Colorado to honor your California off hiway sticker (assuming you have one), you need to check with BLM and or the Forest Service in the exact area you intend to hunt to see if they have a MVUM-Motor Vehicle Use Map- most do some do not. Good luck and God bless

No reciprocal agreements here in regards to OHV use, you need to get a CO permit for your vehicle here. And definitely get a use map and study it carefully. Just 'cause you see ATV tracks somewhere doesn't mean a route is open. I talked with a couple USFS people earlier this fall and they are very hot to write some tickets for OHV use off of designated routes (and personally, I hope they do!!).

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

No reciprocal agreements here in regards to OHV use, you need to get a CO permit for your vehicle here. And definitely get a use map and study it carefully. Just 'cause you see ATV tracks somewhere doesn't mean a route is open. I talked with a couple USFS people earlier this fall and they are very hot to write some tickets for OHV use off of designated routes (and personally, I hope they do!!).

The USFS generally has maps that will show you off road use and restrictions....and they will vary by district as the rules are not uniform throughout the NF's. The BLM is different. The BLM maps show a lot of the current off road "roads". The bad thing is that not all the maps are current and the actual approved roads are usually not marked on the road itself.

 

[jroplanner]

Thanks to everyone for the information, I appreciate the input and references for taking care of the license requirements. Once we settle on a place to hunt I'll definitely contact Colorado PW and BLM/USFS. Thanks again and I hope your hunting seasons are going good so far!