Rifle Colorado Elk Hunt on Private Land (Unit 42 - Buffalo Basin)
Rifle, CO
No Lodging • Private • Guided
Description
A guided elk hunt 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
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 depending on your outfitter.
Terrain and Conditions
- 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.
Seasons:
- First Rifle Season: Limited draw and elk-only focus.
- Second and Third Rifle Seasons: Over-the-counter (OTC) bull tags and limited cow tags make these seasons popular, though they experience higher hunter pressure.
- Fourth Rifle Season: A limited draw hunt, ideal for targeting elk concentrated at lower elevations due to colder temperatures and snow.
About the Hunt
Duration: 5-day hunts during the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rifle seasons.
Licensing: Over-the-counter (OTC) and draw tags are available for private land.
Amenities: No meals and No lodging*
Guiding Ratio: Standard guiding is provided; a 1×1 guide service is available for an additional fee, subject to staff availability.
*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 just wanted to take time to tell everyone what a great experience I have had with Jeff. My dad and I have now hunted with Jeff three different times. Twice we did the DIY hunts and went on a guided hunt this year.
Each time has been truly great hunts and experiences. Jeff and his guides have always went above and beyond to make sure that we have not only been on game but have enjoyed a quality experience. Jeff has always been very up front and totally honest from the first conversation I had with him.
He has a great team of guides that are extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend using there service for any western big game hunting trip that you are planning.
-Sierra D.
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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
Tags:
- Bull Tags: Available OTC for most rifle seasons.
- 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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