HUNTING

Elk, Mule Deer, and Other Large Game

Vallecito Lake Outfitters operates in game unit #751 and part of unit #75 . We are extremely service oriented and while we primarily hunt elk and mule deer, this area offers numerous other big game species including moose, black bear, big horn sheep, and goats. We offer non-guided camps as well as drop camp trips for archery, muzzle load, and all four of the rifle seasons. We also provide game meat packing services for anyone needing assistance getting their animals out of the backcountry.

We ask that you contact us early in the year, as we usually fill up by mid-June at the latest. The deadline for Colorado’s hunting applications is typically the first Tuesday in April so please feel free to call at any time with questions - we enjoy this as much as you do.

Vallecito Lake Outfitters has been operating in this area since 1946. We are Licensed Colorado Outfitter #3288 and are fully bonded and insured. Most importantly, we want you to have an enjoyable hunt and time in these beautiful mountains.

NON-GUIDED CAMPS

These are tent camps located on the San Juan National Forest in the Weminuche Wilderness. Over the years, this area has had a high rate of success with both elk and mule deer. Our camps sit at altitudes from 9,500 to 11,200 feet. These camps are set prior to your arrival and include wall tents, sleeping cots, heating stove, cooking stove, and complete kitchen with utensils. Also included in the camp is an ax, hatchet, shovel, saw, lanterns, and latrine. You will supply your own food, sleeping bag and pad, paper goods, soap, water filter, and personal and hunting gear. We will gladly advise you on what all you may need. This trip includes transportation in and out, which includes 1 riding horse and 1 pack mule per hunter. Extra mules are available at an additional cost per day. We do not leave any stock in camp. Game packing is extra per pack mule and wrangler per day. Maximum of 6 nights in camp.

In our camps we strive to have the best equipment and solid gentle mountain horses and mules we can find. We attempt to keep all riders under 220 pounds for safety of the stock and rider, as well as limit our pack mules to 150 pounds of gear. We recomend that at least one person per hunting party bring a satelite phone or texting device as there is no cell phone service in the areas we operate.

DROP CAMPS

This type of camp is when we pack you and your own gear to a camp site of your choice anywhere within our permited area. We would be happy to make suggestions if needed to help decide on a drop point. We supply riding horses, pack mules, and wranglers on a per animal per day cost, and game packing is available any time we are available to do so, for an additional cost. We again advise that you provide a satellite phone or texting device for comunication.