Flattops wilderness

Flatlandr · Dec 29, 2005

Greetings all, hope everybody had a great xmas!!

Strongly considering a packin trip to a wilderness area next year for Elk...have been doing the forest roadside camp setup the last few years and just ready to try a new experience, always thought a packin would be cool. Most likely 1st rifle season, will have to hire an outfitter. Bought the National Geographic Explorer mapping software for CO and have spent alot of time looking around on it...Flattops keeps catching my eye.

Anyone willing to give their thoughts, experiences, tips, etc. about the Flattops wilderness or just wilderness hunts in general?

Will we be able to have a "remote" experience?

Anyone able to recommend a good outfitter for that area?

How about a good list of items for a primitive camp setup...since we have been doing the road thing we take everything but the kitchen sink! Everyone in my camp jokes about my "department store" selection under my cot!! Not sure I know where to start for a primitive setup.

How about the quality of Bulls up there? I have been studying the reports from DOW and it seems there is great quantity but what about quality? Does the opportunity exist for a 300 class Bull in the wilderness?

Thanks for your help & Happy New Years to all!!

Mark

muleylover · Dec 30, 2005

Don't know if this will help you or not but I hunted in up there about 5 years ago. We didn't hunt in the Wilderness but we did drive up there the day before the season to look around, I have never seen so many people in my life! The road was packed on both sides with people parked that were in or going in to the Wilderness. I also looked at a map in the Forest Service office that showed all of the outfitters camps and it seemed like there were more people in the wilderness than outside of it. We hunted outside of it and saw lots of elk and I took my first branched bull but the numbers of hunters was more than I had ever seen. I don't know that even with an outfitter in the wilderness that you will not see other hunters. It just seemed like it was pretty crowded. I hunted the second season though and it was over the counter I think that the first season is a draw so you might not see anyone. Good luck, not trying to rain on your parade thats just what I saw, maybe some of the locals could help you out more.

Flatlandr · Dec 30, 2005

Thanks for the input muleylover...no rain on the parade, whether it is good or bad input, just lookin for honest input.

Can you tell me where it is that you were going in at, county or forest road, etc.?

I assume the map you saw was at maybe the Meeker office? I have been tryin to get a map from them so I can see the outfitter / permit situation.

Just seems that the area I have been hunting, that it was like a one day hunt as all the elk seemed to be pushed out of the area after the 1st day. It is good to hear that you saw game in the 2nd season. Was thinking that it is a big enuf area that they would maybe still be around after the 1st day.

Thanks again for the input.

Mark

muleylover · Dec 30, 2005

I can't tell you the road or anything and right now I can't think of the name of the lake. We drove up to a large like that is on the edge of the wilderness. For the life of me I can't remember the lake but it should be easy to find if you are familier with the area. We hunted between Craig and Meeker and there was more people than I am used to seeing but once I got away from the roads didn't run into alot of people. It seemed like most hunters were from back east and they liked to just sit and watch an opening for something to come by. I saw legal bulls everyday for a total of about 12. Nothing real big but it was alot of fun. If I can think of the name of the lake I will post it for ya. Good luck.

Quadzilla · Dec 30, 2005

You would be better off packing into the Weminuche or anywhere down southern CO if you are looking for a wilderness experience with good bulls. The Flat-tops are a zoo.

5point · Dec 30, 2005

had a awefull experience in the flattops this year. we pack in 5 or 6 hours thinking we were getting away from everyone, unfotunately everyone else did too and it was an absolute zoo during archery season.

chambero · Jan 3, 2006

Sent you an e-mail.

COLO3D · Jan 3, 2006

I have several friends that hunt the Flattops every year in the archery hunt. They said that it has turned into a zoo the last three years. They are looking for a new spot for next year.

mchunter · Jan 3, 2006

I hunted there during second rifle for muleys and I also saw a see of hunter orange. I think I'm going to try a drop camp hunt in the southern part of the state.