Guided Hunts

2012 Guided Hunt Information

$ 2800 per Hunter

$ 500 per Non- Hunter

Prices include 1 guide per cabin, game packing, horses, meals and lodging

Price does not include license fee

Where we hunt:

Ripple Creek Lodge’s guided hunts are based out of the Lodge complex at the edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area in Colorado GMU 24 deep in the White River National Forest. Guided hunters will leave the Lodge each morning on horseback with their assigned guide and return each evening. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area (a federally designated Wilderness Area that prohibits any kind of motorized vehicles within its perimeter) and hunting areas are accessed only by horseback or on foot. Terrain in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area (a federally designated Wilderness Area that prohibits any kind of motorized vehicles within its perimeter) is very rugged with a mix of small open parks, Aspen covered slopes and dense spruce and pine forest. Our permitted area is home to the largest Elk herd in the world! In addition to the tremendous Elk habitat, there are Mule Deer, Moose and Black Bear in the country as well.

Accommodations:

Each hunting party will have their own cabin at the Ripple Creek Lodge complex. The cabins can sleep anywhere from 3 to 5 hunters and have kitchen facilities, running hot and cold water, full bathrooms and are furnished with bedding and towels. There are laundry and ice facilities are on site as well.

Meals:

Meals are served in the Lodge family or banquet style for both breakfast and Dinner during your entire stay. A pack lunch will be provided to each hunter for their day out in the field.

Horse:

Horses are the main means of transport to the hunting areas and are the used to pack game off of the mountain. Hunters should be prepared to ride for a minimum of one hour each way during their hunt every day. It is a good idea to spend a few hours on a horse prior to your hunt if you have never been on horseback before.

What to expect:

Colorado wilderness weather is very extreme during the fall months. We often see the lows well below freezing at night and mid 50’s to 60’s during the day time. It is essential to be prepared for all temperatures and moisture conditions. Layering warm waterproof clothing is the best way to accomplish this. Dress with a thermal base layer, followed with a light weight t-shirt, then a warm hoodie or sweatshirt and covered with an insulated waterproof shell.

Listed are items you should have for your Colorado Guided Elk hunt;

License (GMU 24)

Colorado DOW Big Game Hunting brochure

Rifle (Sighted in at 2” high at 100 yds.)

Insulated waterproof hunting boots

Camp Shoes

Thermal Underwear

Hunting clothing

Socks (1 ½ sets per day)

500sq. in of Blaze Orange

(Orange camouflage is not allowed)

Blaze Orange Hat

Stocking Hat

Waterproof Thermal Gloves

Waterproof Insulated Coat

Sweatshirts (layered clothing)

Toiletries (Toothbrush, soap, prescriptions

In addition to the items listed above each hunter should carry a day pack that includes this suggested game cleaning gear and survival items.

1 box ammo

2 knifes

Sharpening stone

Bone saw (To cut sternum and pelvic bones)

Pen or pencil (license must be signed upon harvest and notes for outfitter at camp)

Binoculars

Lighter

Compass or GPS unit

Topo map (available at Ripple Creek Lodge)

Fire starting material (paper, candle)

Emergency space blanket

Small first aid kit

Orange marking tape

Snacks

Water bottle

Please allow to arrive at the Lodge at least one day prior to the beginning of the season so that staff can size you up to a horse and saddle and your body can acclimatize to the Rocky Mountain elevation.

A Bear in Camp

Kerri and Blackjack deep in blooming Skunk Cabbage