Based on how much the fully guided hunts cost, I would expect a quality hunt with good opportunity for success.  Neither my dad or I have killed an elk, and while I would love to be picky and say success means a "trophy bull elk", in all reality any legal bull elk would be a success.  Obviously, the bigger the better, but saving for multiple years and coming all the way from FL, we aren't quite in a position to be too picky.  

We do expect a greater chance at killing a bull going with an outfitters fully guided hunt over a DIY hunt.  We don't have the time or resources to scout and gain the knowledge required that would allow us to have a decent chance on our own.  

Regarding the hunt, we are interested in a pack-in wilderness hunt.  I do not know how the wilderness hunts compare to the ranch style hunts in terms of cost, ease, and success, but part of the hunt goes beyond the success, and lies in the memories made while on it.  If we aren't succesful killing an elk, I feel the experience of a wilderness hunt with horse backing, remote wilderness camping, hiking, stalking, and scenery will all be memories for a lifetime (given that the outfitters guide/camp we choose is good).

I will look into the private land offserings, but if that doesn't work out I would still like to hunt the 1st rifle season in a limited draw unit, so I will do my homework and see what my options are with only 3 pts.

I have been looking in the SW CO area, but am going to expand my search to the Northwest area as well.

Does anyone have any comments on GMUs 66 or 65? Any other suggestions?

Thanks.  All of your experiences and opinions are beneficial for me as I try to learn the ropes.

You should love the experience of a wilderness hunt on horses. Even if you don't get an elk. Enjoy it all. Not just the kill.

If you are looking at a true wilderness hunt check out A bar Z Outfitters in British Colombia.  You can take it easy in their main cabins by the lake down low or pack in for the full wilderness experience.  I have a bear hunt coming up with them this coming may and from the hunters that I have talked to about them they are a top notch outfitter. 

This will be my first outfitted hunt so my expectations are quite high and I'll let every one here know one way or another after the hunt. 

Experience wise, the True Wilderness Hunt is a memorable lifetime of enjoyment hunt!!!!! It generally will run you more price wise.  7 hours on a Horse can be tough and that may be just the trip in!!! Ranch Hunts will have better success generally and some are not too demanding!!! First season in the West Elks would be incredible for a Wilderness hunt!!! They will still be Bugling!!! ( unit 54) I know of a Ranch hunt in 54 as well that is the closest thing to a sure Elk as you can get and is easy in my opinion. Bulls are 250-280 with the occsasioal 300. Not great size wise, but they do not cater to that!! But if you can shoot, I think you would do very well. I think they take 5 hunters first season!!!  Sorry I do not have info on 66 and 67!!

You may want to consider other States too, Montana and Wyoming both have excelent elk hunting. and in WY you can just buy pref points for $50.00, i believe they are available in June or July ?.  in WY i would talk to Jimmy at Wyoming country outfitters.

Kevin

The PP application period in Wyoming is 7/1-9/30.  You probably should at least look at the RFW ranches in Colorado as I know a number of them do horseback hunts even though you might be staying in a cabin.  There would be no hunting pressure on those hunts, many times they are set up to hit the rut, and you would probably take a bull in the high 200s or better.

Thanks for all of the info.  I will continue my research and hopefully make the right decision.  It is so hard with so many options, and not knowing which outfitter you can trust by just reading their website and talking on the phone.  

I will still put in for a CO point this year and start banking for the future even if I don't use the points for this particular hunt with my dad.