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We look forward to another great year of specializing in full service, guided elk hunts in the Colorado Rockies. Here is some general information about our services, but please feel free to contact us with your specific interests or questions about our upcoming 2008 Colorado elk season. We offer six-day packages with a guide for every two hunters usually filling our camp with 6 to 8 hunters. The back-country experience starts the day before the hunt. Friday we pack into camp by horseback so we can start hunting by first light Saturday. We plan Wednesday's hunt to allow us to be back to the ranch by dark.

2008 ELK HUNTS - We look forward to another great year of specializing in full service, guided elk hunts in the Colorado Rockies. Here is some general information about our services. We offer six-day packages with a guide for every two hunters usually filling our camp with 6 to 8 hunters. The back-country experience starts the day before the hunt. Friday we pack into camp by horseback so we can start hunting by first light Saturday. We plan Wednesday's hunt to allow us to be back to the ranch by dark.

SUCCESS RATE - In more than 40 years of hunting in the same area, we have averaged about 75% success rate. This compares with the long-term statewide average of 10-29% for individual hunters and 25-35% for hunters with outfitters. Any hunt can vary between 0%-100% success. However, our customers always get a good hunt with great back-country experiences, and our guides working hard to meet or exceed your expectations.

GUIDES - Our guides are talented and experienced elk hunters, wranglers and packers. We all are experienced in the Zink style of elk hunting as developed more than 40 years and 2 generations. We intimately know the country and elk habits. We design the hunt to accommodate each hunter's needs, abilities, and expectations. We will help you in every phase of the hunt, and in the dressing, packing, processing and shipping of your game when you down your elk.

TERRAIN - Camp is about 10 miles (3 hours by horseback) from the end of the road in the Hermosa Creek drainage. We are on public land in the San Juan National Forest, about 20 miles north of Durango. The area that we hunt ranges from 8,000 to 10,500 feet in elevations with north facing dark spruce patches and south facing stands of Aspens covering ridges that rise 1,000 plus feet above the steep canyons. Most hunting spots are accessible by horseback, but often the special spots can be effectively hunted only on foot.

WEATHER - We have hunted in conditions varying from dry, sunny, 60-degrees days to socked in days with temperatures in the single digits and a couple of feet of snow. We design each day's hunt to take best advantage of the conditions. In the mountains, these conditions can change drastically in just a few hours. A prepared hunter is a happy hunter.

PREPARATION - We highly advise that you schedule a 30-60 days aerobic exercise program including bicycling, stair climbing or any step and flexibility exercises. Also, schedule 3-5 opportunities for horseback riding. The better prepared you are, the more comfortable you will be and the more fun you can have.

RIFLE - We recommend a bolt action rifle with a performance of 270/30-06 or greater with a good quality scope and cover. Shots range from a quick 50 yards to a maximum of 350 yards. Sighting in for 175-200 yard allows you to aim dead-on at most reasonable distances. At least 2-6 hours at a shooting range firing your rifle from a variety of stances is time well spent.

CLOTHING AND DUFFEL - You will need clothing that can be layered and adapted to all weather conditions that will include a rain suit and felt-lined waterproof boots (Sorels). Two medium bags weighing approximately 25 pounds and a heavy sleeping bag is the easiest to pack on the horse. Maximum weight should not exceed 60 pounds of duffel per hunter. Please do not put all of your gear in one big bag. Packing it on a horse is difficult.

LICENSES - For the 2nd and 3rd seasons and archery, you can buy bull elk license locally after you arrive. Non-resident bull or either sex elk licenses are $496.00 and cow licenses are $254.00. In our area, you can have one of each bull and cow. For the 1st season, 4th season and archery an application process is required. Applications for limited elk licenses are due by the first Tuesday in April 2009 and results are announced in June 2009. We will help you get an application for these lottery drawn licenses, or go on line at www.wildlife.state.co.us

HUNTER SAFETY CARDS - Hunters born after 1-1-49 must have completed a hunter safety course and have a hunter safety card in their possession to purchase a license.

DATES OF HUNTS LICENSE PRICE BOOKING STATUS
Archery/Muzzle contact us for information
1st camp-October 10-15--FULL

2nd camp-October 17-22 Elk-over the counter 2 spots

3rd camp-October 31-November 5
Elk-over the counter -FULL

4th hunt-November 15-19 Elk- draw only-FULL

Preference in booking is given to existing clients. Please contact us. Sometimes we have last minute cancellations so let us know if you would like to be on the waiting list.

CONTRACTS - Prior to the hunt, we'll send you a medical information form and contract. This aids in planning the hunt and camp to meet your needs, as well as selecting your horse and saddle.

FINANCES - Your non-refundable deposit of $1500 will reserve a place for you (first season is refundable only if you don't draw a license which has not happened in our unit). If you do not complete the form from the DOW correctly and do not get a license your deposit will not be refunded. The balance is due before the hunt starts. We have meat processing available for $225 per elk, an optional service. Whenever possible we have the meat ready to go home with you. Any meat processing, shipping or taxidermy costs will be passed on to you.

Again, feel free to call or write if you have questions or just want to talk about elk hunting.

Waterfall Ranch Outfitters, Colorado Outfitters Registration #1101

Getting elk licenses is getting increasingly complex, but if you figure it out it can be very rewarding with hunter's choice or double licenses available. Contact us or the Colorado Division of Wildlife site at www.wildlife.state.co.us.