Outfitters in Unit 61 for Elk

jls456 · Mar 7, 2018

LAST EDITED ON Mar-07-18 AT 04:13PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Mar-07-18 AT 04:13?PM (MST)

Well, I've decided use my 23 NR PP's for Elk in Colorado Unit 61,first season. Have done my homework and have it narrowed down to two Outfitters. Have you hunted or have info on either of these operations,please share. Good or bad. I would appreciate it.

Allout Guiding and Outfitting

Knight Canyon Outfitters

fallguy · Mar 7, 2018

Just curious, have you contacted these outfitters to see if they have a 1st season opening this late in the game? Most of the outfitters in hard to draw units are booking into 2019 and 2020 at this time.

270Whatelse · Mar 7, 2018

I personally would go with Garvey brothers out of Nucla. Don't know anything about the 2 you have listed.

El Gringo · Mar 8, 2018

Garvey Brothers, or Allout.

Garveys have been around for years and years, and have access to lots of private. I don't think you can go wrong, and you should have an excellent hunt.

oldmossback · Mar 8, 2018

http://weimerhunting.com/ Never used them but heard alot about them. Check it out.

Togwotee · Jan 12, 2024

Looking for some more recent information or advice on this. I'm 90% sure I can draw a 61 1st tag this year. I don't have the points to draw 1st season 40 or I would. from what I can tell the logistics and size of the unit an outfitter might be my best bet. I've never been there. I'll have no time to scout and I have to come straight home at the end of season so I can make elk season here.
I have seen some adds by a few outfitters but I haven't talked to any yet. seems like most of them take a lot of hunters and it's sort of a mass production show, I don't care for that. I know it's not a trophy hunt but I want to have a fun hunt and hopefully avoid a circus.

Any advice or feedback on outfitters would be appreciated.

270Whatelse · Jan 12, 2024

I don't think you could go wrong with any of the guides mentioned above. I also wouldn't worry about it being crowded or a circus, tags in 61 are very limited and these outfitters are not just selling as many hunts as possible like is common in OTC units.

Gadjet · Jan 13, 2024

Another one to look at would be Dominquez Outfitting. I’m not sure that any of the ones mentioned are any better than the others. But I do know that Austin is a great guy.

newguy · Jan 13, 2024

If you are going guided you may be better off with muzzleloader or 2nd season in 40. Just a thought.

Mark

Togwotee · Jan 13, 2024

Interesting you say that, the later seasons take about the same points as 1st in 61. I don't get that normally unless it's real late draw odds are much better later on. 1st in 40 only takes a couple more.

I could draw a 2nd in 40, I would have to make some changes in what I apply for elsewhere but I probably could do it.

oldmossback · Jan 15, 2024

Things to consider... Dominguez outfitters (Austin Massey) hunts the north end of the unit
All out guides, hunts typically the north to middle part of the unit.
Knight Canyon hunts the southern end of the unit.
I don't know if it matters to you ?

Togwotee · Jan 15, 2024

I don't know enough to know if it matters. is there a better area in the unit?

30PointBuck · Jan 15, 2024

There are elk everywhere in the unit, and the entire unit is beautiful. There are also enough folks on here to offer up help that you don't need to hire a guide if you didn't want to. Feel free to PM me and I will offer up some ideas to you.

oldmossback · Jan 16, 2024

Togwotee said:
I don't know enough to know if it matters. is there a better area in the unit?

I like certain areas better but that's just me. Like 30point mentioned, you don't really need a guide but I think your odds at a 320+ bull would be better with a guide. One thing I would suggest if you are NOT bringing a group with you is have a few pack out services on speed dial. Those canyons are steep and it will be the best money you ever spent. I know for a fact that all the outfitters mentioned above also provide a pack out service as well as other in the area.

Phantom Hunter · Jan 16, 2024

My buddy and I did the semi-guided hunt with Allout last year. Was very pleased with the services of Allout despite some hiccups with weather and things that were beyond Allout’s control. The canyons where the bulls will be found after the rut are STEEP. As has been mentioned if you are hunting solo or are like us, getting a little long in the tooth, a packout service is highly recommended.

LIK2HNT · Jan 16, 2024

Anyone willing to list the top 5 packers you would recommend? Going to be in there in the next few years and trying to plan ahead.
Thanks
Bill

Togwotee · Jan 16, 2024

It would just be my wife and I , we've packed a lot of game out with our stock and on our backs over the years but no getting around it we're not kids anymore.

Do to the distances and time constraints unless there's a town we could stay in reasonable distance away I'd probably better go guided. hauling everything we'd need in the day before the hunt and leaving the day after just isn't realistic.

jims · Jan 16, 2024

There are a number of considerations when deciding which season and guided vs nonguided. If your guide can get you access to lightly hunted, quality private ground that obviously takes public hunters out of the equation and often is a major bonus.

61 has an early rifle season that is likely the best choice but takes more pts. Unfortunately, bulls have already been hunted a week prior to the 1st rifle season in 61. One of the least attractive things about the 1st rifle season is you don't have many days to hunt. Every additional day you have available to hunt the better. It can be super warm during any of the rifle seasons. Weather can make or break your harvest success. Snow and cold weather often helps with some of the late hunts. Each year is a little different, so you never know.

You may want to plan a couple additional days to pack a bull out of one of those nasty canyons?

oldmossback · Jan 17, 2024

LIK2HNT said:
Anyone willing to list the top 5 packers you would recommend? Going to be in there in the next few years and trying to plan ahead.
Thanks
Bill

Dominguez pack service (Austin Massey)-north end
All out guides and outfitters (JT Robins)- middle
Weimer ranches ( Jody Weimer) - middle
Garvey Bros outfitters -middle/south
Knight Canyon outfitters- south

I know of a few other guys who will pack out but I do not think they are Licensed and I have not used them. I have had great experience with Austin Massey and Jody Weimer. Have not used the others. PM me if you would like their #'s

LIK2HNT · Jan 17, 2024

@oldmossback
Thank you

twobears · Jan 19, 2024

Gadjet said:
Another one to look at would be Dominquez Outfitting. I’m not sure that any of the ones mentioned are any better than the others. But I do know that Austin is a great guy.

I would vote for Austin also, he is a good guy, and knows the unit very well.