Looking to bag some big game in Colorado's backcountry? This 5-day guided hunt with J&B Outfitters puts you right in the thick of prime deer, elk, and antelope country. You'll be teamed up with experienced guides who know these mountains like the back of their hand. They'll get you set up in quality lodging and outfit you with reliable gear to maximize your chances of a successful hunt. The terrain is rugged and remote - perfect for spotting game but challenging enough to make that trophy feel well-earned. With only a handful of slots each season, serious hunters will want to lock in their dates early. It's a no-fuss way to experience some of Colorado's wildest landscapes and best hunting opportunities. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so come ready to make the most of your time in the field.
Get ready for the hunting trip of a lifetime in Colorado's wild backcountry. Our 5-day guided hunt takes you deep into prime territory for deer, elk, and antelope. With J&B Outfitters, you're not just booking a trip - you're signing up for an authentic Western hunting experience led by local pros who know these mountains like the back of their hand. We've got the gear, the know-how, and the hotspots to give you your best shot at tagging out. So grab your boots and blaze orange - it's time to hit the high country!
From the moment you arrive at our lodge, you'll be geared up and ready to go. We kick things off with a detailed briefing on the lay of the land, recent game movement patterns, and our game plan for the week. Each day starts early - we're talking pre-dawn coffee and a hearty breakfast before heading out. You'll be paired with an experienced guide who'll work tirelessly to put you on animals. We use a mix of spot-and-stalk and blind hunting techniques, adapting to the terrain and animal behavior. Expect long days of glassing, hiking rugged terrain, and heart-pounding moments as game comes into range. Back at the lodge, you'll swap stories over dinner and get some well-earned rest. It's an immersive, dawn-to-dusk hunting experience that'll challenge you and remind you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place.
Colorado's diverse landscape means you need to be ready for anything. One day you might be creeping through aspen groves, the next glassing wide-open sage flats. We'll teach you how to read elk rubs, identify fresh deer tracks, and spot those telltale antelope white rumps from a mile away. Our guides are masters at calling elk - that bugle echoing through the valley never gets old. We provide top-notch optics and shooting sticks to steady your aim when that trophy bull steps out. The elevation can be a real lung-buster if you're not used to it, so we pace ourselves and make sure you're acclimated. Weather can change on a dime up here, so we'll gear you up with the right layers to stay comfortable whether it's blazing sun or an unexpected snowstorm. It's challenging terrain, but that's what makes the hunt so rewarding.
Muskox might be on your bucket list, but you won't find them in Colorado - these shaggy Ice Age survivors are way up north in places like Alaska and Greenland. But don't worry, we've got plenty of other impressive game to chase:
White-tailed Deer: These wily whitetails are masters of disappearing acts in the thick cover of river bottoms and aspen stands. Bucks in Colorado can push 200 pounds, with impressive antlers to match. The rut kicks into high gear in November, making it prime time to catch a lovesick buck on his feet during daylight hours. There's nothing quite like watching a mature buck ghost through the trees, nose to the ground on a hot doe trail. Whether you're a bowhunter looking for a close encounter or a rifle hunter wanting to test your long-range skills, whitetails offer an exciting challenge.
Tule Elk: While Colorado is famous for its Rocky Mountain elk, we don't have tule elk here - those are found mainly in California. But don't let that disappoint you, because our Rocky Mountain elk are the real deal. These majestic animals are the kings of the Colorado high country. Bulls can weigh over 700 pounds, with antlers stretching 5 feet wide. During the September rut, the hills come alive with their haunting bugles. Hunting elk is a true test of a hunter's skills - you need to be in good shape, have sharp eyes to spot them in the timber, and possess the patience to stalk in close. When a 6x6 bull steps out at 40 yards, bugling his head off... well, that's a moment you'll never forget.
Pronghorn Antelope: While not one of our listed target species, pronghorn are a bonus option on this trip and a Colorado hunting classic. Often called "speed goats," these prairie rockets are the fastest land animal in North America. Their eyesight is incredible - imagine spotting a mountain lion from four miles away, that's how good their vision is. Hunting pronghorn is all about wide-open spaces and long-range shooting. It's a totally different experience from stalking elk in dark timber. Watching a herd of pronghorn race across the sage flats at 60 mph is a sight that'll stick with you long after the hunt is over.
Our repeat clients tell us it's the total package that brings them back year after year. Sure, the hunting is top-notch, but it's more than that. It's waking up to that crisp mountain air and seeing the aspens turning gold. It's the camaraderie around the campfire, swapping tales of the one that got away. It's pushing yourself physically and mentally in some of the most beautiful country God ever created. And yeah, it's that indescribable rush when you finally get a shot opportunity after days of hard hunting. We've had folks who didn't fill their tag but still called it the best hunt of their lives - that's when you know you're doing something right.
Listen, tags for these hunts are limited, and they go fast. If you're thinking about pulling the trigger on this trip, don't wait too long. We've got a core group of hunters who book the same week every year, so available spots can be few and far between. Remember, that deposit is non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out here glassing a mountain basin at sunrise, you won't be thinking about refunds. This is the real deal, folks - fair chase hunting in some of the best big game country in the Lower 48. So give us a call, let's talk about what kind of hunt you're after, and we'll get you set up for an adventure you'll be reliving for years to come. The mountains are calling - time to answer!
The muskox (Ovibos moschatus) is a large, cold-adapted mammal native to the Arctic regions of North America and Greenland. Known for its long, shaggy coat and curved horns, the muskox thrives in tundra environments where it grazes on grasses, lichens, and mosses. Adult bulls can weigh between 500 to 800 pounds, with thick horns used for defense and dominance displays.
Despite their size, muskoxen can move quickly over rough terrain and often form defensive circles when threatened. Hunters value them for their impressive hides, heavy skulls, and unique trophy qualities. Muskox hunting typically takes place in remote areas during late fall or winter, and is regulated by draw or tag systems depending on the location.
Tule elk are unique to Colorado, smaller than their Rocky Mountain cousins but still impressive. Bulls can reach 700 pounds, while cows are around 400. You'll spot them in open grasslands and oak woodlands, often in small herds. Fall is prime hunting season, especially September and October during the rut. That's when bulls are most active, bugling to attract cows and challenge other males. Hunters prize tule elk for their challenging hunt and high-quality meat. These animals have excellent eyesight and a keen sense of smell, making them tricky to approach. The hunt often involves long stalks across open country. One tip: learn to mimic their bugle. A well-timed call can bring a bull in close, especially during the rut. It takes practice, but it's a game-changer when done right. Tule elk offer a mix of spot-and-stalk and calling tactics, making for an engaging and rewarding hunt in Colorado's scenic terrain.
White-tailed deer are a staple of Colorado hunting. Bucks typically weigh 150-300 pounds, with does a bit smaller. You'll find them in forest edges, brushy areas, and agricultural fields. They're most active at dawn and dusk, so those are prime hunting times. Fall is the best season, especially during the rut in November when bucks are less cautious. Hunters love whitetails for their challenging nature - they're known for their keen senses and quick, erratic movements. The venison is excellent too, lean and flavorful. When hunting, pay attention to wind direction. These deer have an incredible sense of smell, so staying downwind is crucial. I always tell folks to look for rubs on trees and scrapes on the ground - those are sure signs of buck activity in the area. With some patience and smart stalking, you've got a good shot at bagging a nice whitetail in our Colorado terrain.