Late Cow Elk Hunt in Colorado in Unit 42 (Rifle)
Rifle, CO
No Lodging • Private • Guided
Description
A guided rifle cow elk in Unit 42’s Buffalo Basin offers an exciting opportunity to pursue elk in one of Colorado's hidden gems. Situated in western Colorado, GMU 42 spans a mix of rugged terrain, rolling sagebrush hills, dense forests, and open meadows, with Buffalo Basin standing out as a prime area for elk activity. The basin’s seclusion and diverse habitat create an ideal setting for hunters seeking adventure and success.
About the Unit
Terrain:
Buffalo Basin is nestled in the heart of GMU 42, west of Glenwood Springs and east of Rifle, Colorado. It provides a mix of public lands and private ranches, offering both accessibility and exclusivity.
- Elevation: 7,000 to 9,000 feet.
- Terrain: A mix of steep slopes, open meadows, oak brush, and pinyon-juniper forests.
- Weather: Conditions vary widely, from warm and sunny in early rifle seasons to cold and snowy in late-season hunts.
Elk Population:
- Known for a healthy and robust elk population, Buffalo Basin is part of a migration corridor where elk move from higher elevations to winter ranges during the fall.
- Both bull and cow elk are abundant, with opportunities for mature bulls.
Success Rates
- Guided hunts in Buffalo Basin often have higher success rates due to skilled guides, private access, and intimate knowledge of elk migration patterns.
About the Hunt
What to Expect
- Early mornings and long days in the field.
- Opportunities to encounter large herds during peak rut or post-rut migration.
- Guides prioritizing ethical hunting practices and providing education on elk habits.
- A rewarding experience in breathtaking Colorado landscapes.
- For a successful hunt, preparation is key—physically, mentally, and with the right gear.
Duration: 3-day hunts
Licensing: Draw tags are available (Zero Points)
Amenities: No Meals & No Lodging *
Guiding Ratio: Standard guiding is provided; a 1×1 guide service is available for an additional fee, subject to staff availability.
**No Meals & No Lodging
Clients must book a motel room in the Rifle, Colorado area at their cost, and the guide will pick them up there.
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Reviews
Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve hunted the New Castle cow elk hunt two consecutive years with success. This hunt is an economical way to experience a guided western hunt, with an excellent opportunity to bring home some of the best meat that Mother Nature has to offer.
I can’t say enough about my guide, Ryan. He is one tough, hard charging kid who kept putting us on one opportunity after another despite our failures on days 1 & 2. He never once got frustrated with us, but instead kept moving forward with his great attitude, and put us in a position on day 3, which both my partner & I capitalized on.
On a side note: If you are able to arrive on this hunt one day early, I would highly recommend that you go to the range nearby to verify the zero of your rifle, regardless of how it was shooting at home. I speak from experience.
-Brad R.
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Your Outfitter
Jeff M
At Western Outdoor Adventures, family and the great outdoors go hand in hand. Owned and operated by myself Jeff, and my wife Shey, it’s not uncommon to see our four kids — Jeremy, CJ, Kyle, and Melayni — pitching in when there's work to be done. Our roots in Colorado date back to the early 2000s, and our love for hunting here goes even deeper, stretching back to the late 1980s.
Location
Gear List
- Weather Appropriate Hunting Attire
- Valid State Hunting License/Tags
- Weapon and Ammo
- Personal Gear
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Rules & Guidelines
Licenses and Tags:
- Cow Tags: Limited draw, specific to season and area.
- Requirements: Hunters must carry a valid Colorado big game license, meet all Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations, and have proof of hunter safety certification if born after 1949.
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