In the heart of the White River National Forest and
adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness

ARCHERY-MUZZLELOADER

2010 Drop Camp

Hunts

are still

Available

$1800 per person

Greg Fisher with his six-point bull taken in the muzzleloader season.  This bull was taken within 100 yards of Ripple Creek Lodge.

Ripple Creek Lodge is located 39 miles east of Meeker, adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness of the White River National Forest in Northwest Colorado. The area, with mountains ranging above 12,000’ and covered with evergreens and aspen, is considered as Colorado’s finest hunting. A recent elk population survey by the Division of Wildlife estimated the White River Area to have twice as many elk as any other area in Colorado.  Incidentally,  Colorado has more elk than any other state in the United States or country in the world.  That makes the White River Area the best area in the world to hunt for elk!

Dr. David Schrody of Clinton, IA with his 6-point bull taken at Boulder Lake.

Area 24,where we are located, archery elk and deer season will run August 28th-September 26th.  Muzzleloader Season will be September 11-19th. All Archery and Muzzleloader seasons are on a drawing basis and applications must be postmarked early in April.  There are four gun elk and deer seasons.  All deer seasons are on a drawing.  The first and fourth elk seasons are on a drawing.  The second and third elk seasons are unlimited, over the counter licenses.  The seasons' are Oct.16-20th for elk only, combined elk and deer Oct.23-31st, Nov.6-14th and Nov.17-21st. for elk.  For more details on dates and license price changes, see the DOW Big Game Brochure for 2010 or call 970-878-4725.

Trout fishing is very good from June through hunting season. Flies, lures and bait all do well in most surrounding lakes and streams. Hunters are welcome to bring their fishing gear.

WHAT TO BRING: You should be prepared for snow and cold weather. Generally, it ranges from 10-50 degrees. In the way of clothing, bring two changes of warm clothes and thermal underwear, heavy socks, hat, gloves and/or mittens, snow pacs and/or hunting boots with vibram soles, a good warm jacket and vest, and raincoat or suit. Your equipment should include knives and hone, COMPASS, binoculars, cleaning equipment, flashlight, cigarette lighter, plenty of ammo and film. We have gun scabbards or you can bring your own. GPS, cellular phones and walkie-talkies are an added safety and success consideration.  Maps will be here for you.

AIR TRAVEL: Connections can be made to Hayden, about 45 miles north of the lodge on U.S.40. For private planes, there are paved and lighted airports in Meeker, Craig, Hayden and Steamboat Springs.  Vehicle rental is available at most airports.

REGULATIONS TO REMEMBER: All hunters born in 1949, or later, are required to have passed a hunter safety course. Crossbows are not legal during archery season. Muzzleloaders must use 40 caliber or larger for deer, 50 caliber or larger for elk.  Hunters must also wear at least 500 square inches of flame orange on upper body and cap/hat.  Strings may not be drawn or held mechanically. After booking, I’ll send you the official 2010 Division of Wildlife brochure, which includes all regulations, maps and other very useful information.

NON-RESIDENT LICENSES FOR 2010:  Firm prices not available at this time, but the proposal is a bit lower than 2009. Bull Elk,$540.; Cow Elk, $350.; all Deer, $325., ; Pronghorn, $325.; Small Game, $40.; 5 Day Fishing, $18., One day fishing $5.

GAME PROCESSING: Meeker, Craig and Steamboat Springs all have processing plants. Approximate charges are about $100. for deer and $225. for elk. Boxing and dry icing is about $50. per box.  Freighting is about $100. per 70 pound box.

CONDITIONS: The booking deposit is one-third and the balance on arrival with guaranteed check or cash only. Refunds are guaranteed through February. 

Almost everyone will see game. Quality bull hunting (four points or better on one side) was initiated in 1985, resulting in higher quality and quantity of game.  Deer and elk occupy the same habitat in our area making your season doubly good. The elk rut usually begins early in September and bugling is very effective from late August throughout archery and muzzleloader season.

Northwest Colorado has always been the state's best elk and deer hunting, particularly for archery and muzzleloaders.  The hunters usually average better than 50% success on these hunts.  Almost everybody should have the opportunity to take game.

The 2010 season will mark another great year of hunting in Northwest Colorado. Hunting was great last year and continued to be very productive throughout 2009. Although the hunts from Ripple Creek are unguided, we will do everything possible to make your stay a successful, rewarding and memorable experience.  I hope you will join us.

Yours for great hunting,

Dan Schwartz

The Colorado Division of Wildlife brochures and applications will be available in early 2010.  You can reach them at 303-297-1192 or on the web at:  www.wildlife.state.co.us/total_licensing/  By applying over the Internet, you are much less likely to make an error that would void your application..  The DOW recommends that you not wait until the deadline to make your applications.  THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 6th, 2010.

Ripple Creek Lodge is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.

Ripple Creek Lodge operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service,  White River National Forest.