Awesome colorado drop camp hunt

[huntin' lunatic]

Me, my son, a buddy and his son did a 5 day drop camp hunt in the San Juan Mountains, north of Durango for 3rd rifle season. The horseback ride up was at 50 degrees and the following night it snowed and got down to 11 degrees. And it didn't get over 30 the rest of the hunt. We were at 10,000 feet and it was the most awesome scenery of the wilderness. I knew hunting was going to be tough but the experience can't be replaced. We had a full moon and the elk had been hunted hard I'm sure. We found a great bedding area, droppings everywhere and a rub on a tree. We hunted hard but also had plenty of time at camp just enjoying time with our friends. Didn't catch a glimpse of an elk but we found out some things. This type of hunting is for young legs, not 58 year old fellas with bad knees. We drank plenty of water which kept all of us from feeling any effects of altitude sickness. My son and I are already planning an archery hunt during the rut. My friend and his son had been wanting to experience a drop camp wilderness hunt and we had a great one.
Having problems uploading pics. will try later.

 

[Colberjs]

Sounds like you guys had a great time. Hunting isn't just about the kill, as you have experienced.

What outfitter did you use?

 

[MT_elk]

Sounds fun!

 

[noharleyyet]

That's some gorgeous country for sure. Thanks for the narrative.

 

[huntin' lunatic]

The Magnus 5 Outfitters. It was a grand time.

Sounds like you guys had a great time. Hunting isn't just about the kill, as you have experienced.

What outfitter did you use?

 

[Duck-Slayer]

The problem with most drop camps is that the outfitter usually doesn't put you in an area where the elk "are alot" he has paying clients that booked fully guided hunts for those "good" spots, I am glad you had a good time though, surprisingly there isn't much snow up that high? good luck on your next adventure during the rut, it's awesome,
Matt

 

[DRAFTSTUD]

Looks like around Missionary Ridge area where Burnt Timber Road comes together. Killed my first elk up there. Glad you had a great time. John

 

[DAVIDKERR]

no elk?

at least you had no problems w/game retreival

 

[MT_elk]

Looks like a lot of fun!

 

[Kiwi]

Looks like great time. Would love to hunt around there one day.

 

[huntin' lunatic]

That's when the outfitter and horses would come in handy.

at least you had no problems w/game retreival