Flat Tops were tough this year

[arwaterfowler]

I struck out in Colorado this year. I figured it would happen. The Flat Tops are fun to hunt and LOTS of people agree. Still had a good time though. This trip was my second go around with my new tent (Cabelas Bighorn III) and a new stove. The best part of the trip was having a bull moose "sneak" up on me. He got within 20 yards of me before I knew he was there. Either I'll deaf or he is really good. I'm not sure how something that big can be that quiet. I got some pics when he was within 7 yards. WAY too close for comfort, but it was pretty cool. The pics are not great quality, but its hard to get good ones in that situation.

 

[ElkTrout]

Thanks for the pics! Glad you had a good time even though you didn't get a chance to hang your tag on anything!


Sent from my iPhone

 

[Iron Mike]

That sure looks like awesome country. Thanks for sharing the pics!

 

[marcusvdk]

Awesome pics. To bad you didn't tag, but sure looks like you jad a good time. I can't imagine being that close to a moose

 

[River Rat]

Glad you had a good time.

 

[OregonJim]

I'm glad you had a great time in spite of not tagging out.
I've struck out more than once in the Flat Tops.

 

[MountainHigh]

Glad to see you had a good trip, there is always next time.

 

[CrossCreeks]

Great pictures thanks for sharing, Moose are impressive !

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Looks like you had a good time.

 

[Kentucky hunter]

I struck out in Colorado this year. I figured it would happen. The Flat Tops are fun to hunt and LOTS of people agree. Still had a good time though. This trip was my second go around with my new tent (Cabelas Bighorn III) and a new stove. The best part of the trip was having a bull moose "sneak" up on me. He got within 20 yards of me before I knew he was there. Either I'll deaf or he is really good. I'm not sure how something that big can be that quiet. I got some pics when he was within 7 yards. WAY too close for comfort, but it was pretty cool. The pics are not great quality, but its hard to get good ones in that situation.

What hunt did you go on 1st or 2nd elk? Did you make it up into any of the wilderness areas or did you stay close to camp? Those big horn III look nice I'm going to get something new to pack in on my horses we are going to try out the flat tops in a year or two glad you had a good trip.

 

[arwaterfowler]

We went the 2nd season. We have had much better luck the 1st season, just wasn't possible to do 1st season this year. We hunted 2 hours from base camp every day. I was still hard to get away from everyone. A big outfitter sets up a number of spike camps in the area. The larger problem was highs in the 50's and lows in the 30's. If you get the Bighorn tent it is packable. It would be best to pack the tent and the pole bag separately.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Retterath]

Looks like a fun trip and at least I'm sure you gain some knowledge while doing it.

 

[woodtick]

Great looking pics, you should post some scenery pics if you have any!! I've always wanted to visit this place but will probably never get the chance.

 

[Granby guy]

I guess the flat tops were a little kinder to us. We ended up with a bull and 2 cows.

 

[njdoxie]

Hunted 2nd season too in SW CO, weather was perfect for camping, 1st time I've slept warm in years, couldn't believe it was so nice, no snow or rain to contend with. .....shoulda got a bull, had a great shot, waiting for it to turn perfect and it went to nonexistent instead. ...oh well

 

[Elkfitness]

Great pics! Interesting weather this year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[OregonJim]

It really is a crap shoot on which season is best there.

We always hunt 1st then relocate for deer during second.
Most years we are complaining about the warm weather and the fact that the animals are still too high.
This year was the exception rather than the rule, during 1st season, for us at least, .
We were in bulls from 4:30 am until the season ended at 7:45 (opening day).

My hunting partner got his best bull to date.
Having learned that our unit is not one to hold out in, I took a small 5x5 45 minutes later.
By far our best Flat Tops experience.