RIFLE ELK HUNTS

Hunters often ask about success rates on our wilderness hunts. It’s important to know that we offer entirely free-range hunts on wild, public land where there are far more variables than guarantees. Of course we work extremely hard to give our clients every opportunity. But if you won’t be happy unless you go home with an elk, a wilderness hunt may not be for you. Whether an elk is harvested or not, we hope that every single guest has an outstanding wilderness experience with memories that will be cherished for years.

On a good week of hunting 80% of the hunters in camp might take an elk. On a tough week, it may be closer to 20%. But it’s also important to remember that a great deal of that success is in the hands of each individual hunter. Physical conditioning and excellent proficiency with one’s weapon are two factors that can greatly increase your odds.

The weight limit for horseback riders is 250 lbs. Upon booking, please fill out our Health and Medical Questionnaire so that our guides and crew can do their best to create a fun and memorable experience.

In this remote and rugged wilderness area, hunters can expect steep mountains, uneven terrain, thick timber, freezing temperatures, snow, high altitude, and extremely challenging conditions.

Depending on your background, elk hunting at elevation in the mountains of Colorado might be one of the most physically challenging things you’ll do. It’ll also be one of the more mentally challenging things you’ll ever do as it’s a slow grind of getting up early, going to bed late, being away from creature comforts, and the emotional roller coaster that hunting elk usually delivers.  In short, it can be tough. Train for this like you would a serious athletic event.

Here at Budge’s Wilderness lodge, we take the care of wild game meat very seriously. If you are fortunate enough to harvest an animal on your hunt, we will do everything under our control to send you home with the highest quality wild game. In addition to the antlers on the wall, a freezer full of elk meat to share with your family and friends is one heck of a souvenir!

Because we are passionate about meat care, we exclusively use Caribou Gear Game Bags. All of our guests who harvest an animal will go home with a set of these reusable game bags. They are breathable, durable and offer the absolute best performance for protecting meat in the field. They are very easy to wash and re-use. These game bags can be used for years and still look like new.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen many outfitters over the years that simply drop elk quarters in to dirty mule paniers or leave the hide on for “protection.” Here at Budge’s we do our best to respect the animals and maximize the resource. When treated right, elk meat is as good as it gets!

Our experienced guides will field dress your animal and place the skinned quarters into Caribou Gear Game Bags. We will then pack it back to the main lodge on horses or mules. Everything will be hung in our on-site meat shed until your departure. Transporting the meat home is entirely up to you. Any processing and taxidermy are the hunter’s responsibility.

The prices listed above do not include your hunting license or associated fees from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. For the latest information, please download a copy of CPW’s current Big Game Brochure.

Access to Budge’s Wilderness Lodge is by high-clearance 4WD only. Standard pickups and stock SUVs with about 9” of clearance can make the trip, just take it slow. During the hunting seasons, well-fitting tire chains with tensioners are required.

If you do not have a high-clearance vehicle or prefer not to drive to the lodge, we offer pick-up at the Eagle County Regional Airport for $600, round trip per vehicle (max 4 passengers).

For detailed directions and other info, please see our Guest Information Page.

For a suggested packing list, what to expect and directions to the lodge, please see our Guest Information Page.

Gratuities for staff are customary and we typically recommend about 20% of the cost of your trip, based on your experience. This is usually split between guide, wrangler(s), kitchen and housekeeping staff. You are welcome to tip these individuals separately, or you can leave a single amount and we can divide it among the crew.

Deposits & Payments :

RIFLE HUNTS: When booking more than a year in advance, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your hunt. Then, 50% of the hunt cost is due December 1, the year prior (if booking less than a year in advance, 50% is required to reserve your hunt). Balances are due 60 days prior to arrival.

Please click here for our detailed payment and cancellation policies.