Our 5 day hunt (7 total days out) begins with a 16 mile horse pack trip to base camp at around 11,500' elevation. During that time we met lots of great folks and started raising four boys along the way. In 1989 we bought the outfit from the outfitter and continued running it until 2008. We started back into outfitting a few years ago and this past year we had the opportunity to start our own business again. Applications for Big Game Limited Licenses begin March 1, 2020. But Colorado does have over 3 million acres of wilderness areas that are open to hunting. This past August we were offered the opportunity to get back into the country that we outfitted in for over twenty years. Our clients have experienced higher than average success and opportunities. ... knowledge but also explain topo maps of your hunting area with all of the hot spots marked just for your arrival. The earliest rifle elk seasons in Colorado … Horseback Experiences Trail Rides & Hunting! We specialize in offering quality summer pack trips, fall elk hunts for the archery, muzzleload and rifle seasons. Welcome to Weminuche Wilderness Outfitters, LLC, Horse pack trips into the Weminuche Wilderness, Elk Hunts - A few snap shots from past years. Our camps feature wall tents equipped with wood burning stoves and cots (with foam mats). Explore the Weminuche from horseback. Hunters without preference points for elk and deer still have very high odds to draw their licenses. "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.". All meals are provided, and prepared by our cooks stationed at the site. This is from an archery hunt a number of years ago. The boys were very involved in rodeo and have done very well for themselves. Bend after bend nature surprised us with her smallest of marvels to her largest of wonders, from beautiful mountain views, to roaring rivers and hushing aspen to curious wildlife, the area abounded with natural curiosities. The largest wilderness in Colorado, the Weminuche wilderness contains a significant part of the San Juan Mountains near the towns of Durango, Silverton, and Pagosa Springs Colorado. See our booking policy for further information. I also plan to meet a friend in another unit for a 10-12 day elk hunt in another unit. Choose from either a timberline ride above Vallecito Lake or a trail ride up the Pine for a day of fly fishing. Our camps are prepared with radio and cell phone communication, in the event of any emergencies (including those at home). FAQs Game Packing Weminuche. At three quarters the size of Rhode Island, the Weminuche Wilderness is the largest Wilderness area in Colorado at 499,771 acres. Vallecito Lake Outfitters offers non-guided pack trips & drop camps - access the best hunting in the Weminuche Wilderness and Vallecito Lake area. I plan on hunting the Weminuche wilderness for a week. Colorado wilderness hunting: Colorado does not have any wilderness areas that rival the size of Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho’s wilderness areas, nor does it have much for September rifle elk seasons the way those other states do. Muzzleload hunters who don't draw a license may roll their hunt to a future year, or elect to change to an archery hunt for the current year. The Weminuche Wilderness area boasts nearly 500,000 acres of rugged terrain, and is Colorado's largest wilderness area. Spanning nearly 500,000 acres in southern Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness is Colorado’s largest Wilderness Area. These hunts are designed to accommodate a maximum of 4 hunters. Abandoned mines, fishing opportunities pretty amazing camp sites if ya hunt for ‘em. We hunt in game units 75 and 751 of the San Juan National Forest. We operate in the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness. Since 1967, we've led guided big game hunts throughout Colorado's San Juan Mountain range, Weminuche Wilderness, and Piedra Primitive Area. WWO offers guided elk, deer, bear and bighorn sheep hunts into the Weminuche wilderness. As might be expected, the area contains the headwaters of dozens of major streams and rivers, feeding both the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers, two of the Southwest's most ecologically and culturally significant waterways. So my meeting Earl Gibbs in the Durango airport was probably some sort of an omen. Our staff brings years of knowledge, and is committed to a comfortable and successful hunt. Day rides into the Weminuche are also available with advanced reservations. Weminuche has produced a number of quality 6x6 and 5x5 bull elk, as well as 25-30" mule deer bucks! We encourage you to reach out to recent clients, click here to see our references page! We provide guides for each hunt, generally at a 1:1 or 1:2 guide to hunter ratio. In late July 2016, my wife and I did a 6 day, 50+ mile loop through the Weminuche Wilderness. I was able to drive to a couple trailheads that lead into Weminuche Wilderness. 228, Durango, CO (2020) In one of… Camps for 1st and 2nd season are in the Weminuche Wilderness (weather permitting) while camps for the 3rd season are at lower elevation due to weather and game movement; Cost for additional, non-hunting guest is $2000/person So we are in our "New/Old" camp at the head of the Pine river. Please choose your area of interest by clicking one of … While weather, and other factors are variable, our seasoned guides find continued success in their sightings. More than a half million acres in size, the Weminuche Wilderness is Colorado's largest, more than twice the size of Flat Tops, the second largest. Hunters who have preference points for elk and deer have an advantage and generally draw their licenses. Capped with snowy peaks that feed the tributaries of the Colorado River, the San Juan mountains that For more info about licenses, please visit the licenses page. Our specialty as an elk outfitter is archery, muzzle and rifle hunts. Our camps are prepared with radio and cell phone communication, in the event of any emergencies (including those at home). Backcountry Outfitters Inc is licensed, bonded, and insured. Other wildlife includes elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion and bighorn sheep. Crazy Horse Outfitters ... Weminuche Game Packing Weminuche. Next time I'll pay closer attention. Weminuche Wilderness – Elk Park to Needleton From August 5th-9th, my buddy Dave and I traversed the Elk Park to Needleton loop within the Weminuche Wilderness. A few years ago I started scouting in the Weminuche, Colorado's biggest Wilderness area, with plans for a bull elk hunt. Ok so I just spent the weekend looking over my new cabin that sits 20 yards off of Vallecito Resv. So I drew a Southern colorado deer tag. The Uncompahgre Wilderness contains only a few small and scattered lakes; anglers are more drawn to the cutthroat, brook and rainbow trout of the area's many streams. I am not planning on hunting the area as I'll be hunting the Steamboat area. I was hesitant to hunt this huge country alone but could never find anybody willing to backpack hunt so deep into the Wilderness with me. Weminuche Wilderness Wilderness Rules and Regulations With nearly 500 thousand of federally protected wilderness peaks, forests, and alpine tundra, the Weminuche is the largest wilderness area in Colorado. I can set it up to hunt deer the last week of … -Archery - guaranteed for elk, while deer licenses are by drawing. The outfitter came through every other day to check on his camps. Miles of trails: 110. From the Continental Divide and the headwaters of the Rio Grande on the east side, to the craggy peaks known as the “American Alps” on the west side, to the dark, vast interior where you may go days without seeing another human, one could spend … Whether you're looking to go hunting, fishing or on a summer horseback trip, we'll help you have a successful adventure! The Weminuche is a massive wilderness. So while we are starting a new outfit, we are definitely not new to outfitting. All meals are provided, and prepared by our cooks stationed at the site. The terrain and elevation require you to be in good physical condition. It is shared by the San Juan National Forest on the west side of the continental divide, and the Rio Grande National Forest on the east side. Backcountry Outfitters Inc is an equal opportunity provider/employer operating under a special use permit in the San Juan National Forest, Weminuche Wilderness, and Piedra Primitive Area. (970) 731-4868. Applications for Big Game Limited Licenses begin March 1, 2020. Muzzleload hunters who don't draw a license may roll their hunt to a future year, or elect to change to an archery hunt for the current year. Good memories. Specialties: Weminuche Wilderness Outfitters, llc offers guided archery, muzzleload and rifle elk hunts. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Matt Payne 3 days, 6 hours ago . The Weminuche Wilderness area boasts nearly 500,000 acres of rugged terrain, and is Colorado's largest wilderness area. Our guides will handle trophy care, including the preparations for packing out. In 2008 we sold the outfit to finish raising the boys and pursue other interests. Find out more. *All hunts are located in the San Juan National Forest & Weminuche Wilderness. Cheri & I started working for an outfitter back in 1986 as a cook and guide. Twice each fall, my friends and I hunt the Weminuche Wilderness Area above Pagosa Springs, Colo.,elk during the bow season, … Trips from one day to multiple day trips. It is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, established by the Wilderness Act of 1964 to "secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness." In addition we do offer summer horse packtrips for fishing and photography. This is a huge area where you can hunt for five days without ever hitting the same place twice. Along the way we discovered that we really missed the outfitting business, the mountains, particularly our friends who have joined us over the years. Weminuche Wilderness Outfitters, LLC, 186 C.R. My one Weminuche Wilderness hunt was a drop camp. BackCountry Outfitters is a fully licensed, full time outfitter. In addition to Colorado, we also hunt a vast range of northwest New Mexico. 80% of our service location is in the Weminuche Wilderness. Our 5 day hunt (7 total days out) begins with a 16 mile horse pack trip to base camp at around 11,500' elevation. Weather conditions and your physical ability will play a major role in the success of your hunt. Our guides will handle trophy care, including the preparations for packing out. If you are looking for an adventure this summer or fall, we are hoping that you would have a look at the various trips that we are offering. So here we are with "Weminuche Wilderness Outfitters, llc!" These hunts are designed to accommodate a maximum of 4 hunters. Hunters who have preference points for elk and deer have an advantage and generally draw their licenses. This area covers a large The area is known for its difficult and rugged terrain that ranges from the deep Animas river gorge to the tops of jagged peaks in the Needle Range that lie immediately to the east. Elk hunting, September, and the San Juan Mountains of Colorado… Add the famed Weminuche Wilderness into the mix, with the hard work and experience of 5barN Outfitters, and let the adventure begin! Elevation: 8,400 to 14,300 feet. This year will mark our 35th year of guiding friends, family and guests into the Weminuche. I arrowed my bull on the third day, the outfitter took it out the next day and I picked it up at the meat processor at the end of my hunting partners hunt. We specialize in full service, guided elk hunts in Southwest Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness.. Join us to hunt over 500,000 acres including Big Game Unit 77! Deadline to apply for all drawing licenses is April 1, 2020. You have questions, we … September camps at elevations of 10,000-11,000 feet deep in the wilderness put you where the action is. I was wondering if anyone here might have some info on the place. Weminuche Wilderness Area is a protected area in Colorado. Our staff brings years of knowledge, and is committed to a comfortable and successful hunt. We offer non-guided and drop camp trips in units #751, 75 as well as summer fishing and pack trips. Search-and-rescue people are like cops or lawyers: If you're talking to one, chances are something's wrong or will be soon. We are looking forward to having folks who have joined us in the past as well as meeting new friends along the way join us for an adventure of lifetime. Our guided high-country Archery and Muzzleloading hunts are in GMU 751 and take you 14 miles (roughly 5 hours by horse) into the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest designated wilderness area and home to one of the largest herds of elk in Colorado. During a recent backpacking trip in the Weminuche Wilderness, the wonders of nature never ceased to amaze. 186 County Road 228, Durango, Colorado 81301, United States, Weminuche Wilderness Outfitters, llc is an equal opportunity service provider and employer and operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, Columbine Ranger District. We had planned this trip for months and I had been dreaming of it for most of the winter. "but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" - Joshua 24:15. Hunters without preference points for elk and deer still have very high odds to draw their licenses. Size: 102,721 acres. For more info about your accomodations at our base camps, please see the, For more info about licenses, please visit the. Copyright © 2021 Weminuche Wilderness Outfitters, LLC - All Rights Reserved. Summer & fall horse pack trips into the Weminuche Wilderness for fishing, photography, awesome scenery, guided archery, muzzleload and rifle hunts. Our camps feature wall tents equipped with wood burning stoves and cots (with foam mats). Even first time elk hunters enjoy excellent success at a very economical cost. The only southbound option for wilderness access will be Elk Park. Most of these take place in the Florida River Basin where we hunt the subalpine to alpine environment surrounding timberline. Deadline to apply for all drawing licenses is April 1, 2020. 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