When the September rut fires up across Colorado’s eastern plains and southern foothills, mature bulls throw their heads back and scream — and you’re hunting them with a bow, on quiet private ground most hunters never set foot on. This is a low-pressure archery elk hunt built around one thing: getting you inside bow range of a heavy-horned bull while he’s fired up and vocal.
You’ll hunt roughly 50,000 acres of private land spread across units 84 and 85, broken into a number of separate parcels so your guide can stay with the elk, the wind, and the pressure. Bulls here average 300 to 340 inches, with the age structure and genetics to produce the kind of mature 6×6 that makes a September archery hunt worth every early morning.
About the Area
The country runs from crop edges and tall CRP grass to rolling sand hills, rough canyon breaks, and timbered foothills. That variety is the advantage: with dozens of parcels to choose from, your guide can hunt the right ground for the day’s wind and the elk’s mood instead of forcing a spot that’s already been bumped. Private-land access keeps hunter pressure low, so the bulls behave naturally and the rut plays out the way it should.
Hunt Styles
Two archery hunts are offered, both timed to the September rut:
- Archery tree stand hunt — an early-September ambush hunt from stands set over water and key travel routes, ideal for the bowhunter who wants close, controlled shot opportunities.
- Spot & stalk and calling hunt — a run-and-gun hunt through the peak of the rut, closing on screaming bulls and calling them into bow range.
Want a different corner of the state? We also guide southern Colorado private-land elk, elk in North Park, and other private-land Colorado elk hunts — ask your consultant which one fits you best.
The Bulls
Expect mature bulls in the 300- to 340-inch class, with heavy mass and the long tines that come from good genetics and light hunting pressure. These are fully mature herd bulls — the kind that come in raked up and looking for a fight during the rut.
Pricing
- Archery tree stand hunt (early September, 5 days): $8,500 USD
- Spot & stalk and calling hunt (peak rut, 5 days): $17,500 USD
Rates are confirmed for your season when you book.
What’s Included
- 5 days of fully guided archery elk hunting
- 1×1 or 2×1 guiding
- Access to private-land parcels across units 84 and 85
- Daily transportation throughout your hunt
- Professional field photos
- Caping and field preparation of your trophy
- Recommendations for local game processors and taxidermists
What’s Not Included
- Colorado elk license and tag
- Meals and lodging
- Travel to and from Colorado
- Meat processing and taxidermy
- Gratuities for your guide
WO Trip Protection
For 5% of your trip cost, we guarantee your hunt. If the outfitter cancels, goes out of business, or a wildfire shuts down the area — we rebook you on a comparable hunt at no extra cost.
Ask your consultant about adding trip protection when you book.
Talk to a Consultant
