HUNTING

Here at Budge’s, archery elk hunts are the highlight of our season! Most of our bow hunting is done in a limited draw unit. This is a major advantage - we don’t fight the crowds in over-the-counter archery elk units. Being in a limited draw unit creates a high quality hunting experience.

Applying in the draw and gaining preference points is easy! We can even handle the process for you. But don’t wait until after the draw to contact us. Advance reservations take priority. If you contact us after the draw, we may not have availability. Plus, reserving now will lock you in at current pricing. Click here to reserve your spot now.

It currently takes a nonresident hunter 2-3 preference points to draw the archery elk license. Colorado residents can draw with 0-1 point. Already have preference points in Colorado and ready to book? Contact us now to get started.

In addition to our limited unit hunts, we offer archery hunts in an over-the-counter elk unit. If you want to bow hunt elk this year, contact us for details.

All of our black powder hunts are in a limited draw unit. Over the past several years, our muzzleloader hunters have had 100% shot opportunity!

The muzzleloader season is in mid-September. Essentially, this provides an archery elk hunting experience during the rut, but with a longer-range weapon.

However, that high success rate requires a longer wait. Currently, it takes nonresident hunters 5-6 preference points to draw the muzzleloader elk license Colorado residents can draw with 1-2 points.

But don’t be intimidated by the application or draw process. It’s easy and we can help. Reserve your spot now to lock in this year’s rates. Already have preference points in Colorado and ready to book? Contact us now to get started.

Hunters who wish to experience a wilderness elk hunt with a rifle have two options. We offer hunts during the first and second rifle seasons in Colorado. Licenses for both of these seasons are very easy to obtain.

The first rifle season takes place during the first half of October. This is a post-rut elk hunt. Hunters during this season usually experience mild weather - but of course there are never any guarantees when it comes to weather in the high country.

The second rifle season takes place at the end of October. Colder weather and the chance of snow can work to the hunter’s advantage, causing the animals to be more active throughout the day.

Licenses for both of these rifle seasons are easy to obtain. The first rifle season is a limited draw hunt, but the tags never sell out and can be drawn every year. Licenses for the second rifle season are unlimited and available to purchase over-the-counter.

Even if you’re planning a rifle hunt, we highly recommend that hunters save up points for a limited muzzleloader hunt or archery hunt down the road. In just a few years, you could experience the thrill of hunting bugling elk during the rut! Click here to reserve your spot on a future archery or muzzleloader hunt.

Hunters often ask about success rates on our wilderness hunts. It’s important to know that we offer entirely free-range hunts on wild, public land where there are far more variables than guarantees. Of course we work extremely hard to give our clients every opportunity. But if you won’t be happy unless you go home with an elk, a wilderness hunt may not be for you. Whether an elk is harvested or not, we hope that every single guest has an outstanding wilderness experience with memories that will be cherished for years.

On a good week of hunting 80% of the hunters in camp might take an elk. On a tough week, it may be closer to 20%. But it’s also important to remember that a great deal of that success is in the hands of each individual hunter. Physical conditioning and excellent proficiency with one’s weapon are two factors that can greatly increase your odds.

Here at Budge’s Wilderness lodge, we take the care of wild game meat very seriously. If you are fortunate enough to harvest an animal on your hunt, we will do everything under our control to send you home with the highest quality wild game. In addition to the antlers on the wall, a freezer full of elk meat to share with your family and friends is one heck of a souvenir!

Because we are passionate about meat care, we exclusively use Caribou Gear Game Bags. All of our guests who harvest an animal will go home with a set of these reusable game bags. They are breathable, durable and offer the absolute best performance for protecting meat in the field. They are very easy to wash and re-use. These game bags can be used for years and still look like new.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen many outfitters over the years that simply drop elk quarters in to dirty mule paniers or leave the hide on for “protection.” Here at Budge’s we do our best to respect the animals and maximize the resource. When treated right, elk meat is as good as it gets!

Our experienced guides will field dress your animal and place the skinned quarters into Caribou Gear Game Bags. We will then pack it back to the main lodge on horses or mules. Everything will be hung in our on-site meat shed until your departure. Transporting the meat home is entirely up to you. Any processing and taxidermy are the hunter’s responsibility.

The prices listed above do not include your hunting license or associated fees from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. To learn more and for help with your application, see our limited license and application information.

Access to Budge’s Wilderness Lodge is by high-clearance 4WD only. Standard pickups and stock SUVs with about 9” of clearance can make the trip, just take it slow. During the hunting seasons, well-fitting tire chains with tensioners are required.

If you do not have a high-clearance vehicle or prefer not to drive to the lodge, we offer pick-up at the Eagle County Regional Airport for $600, round trip per vehicle (max 4 passengers).

For detailed directions and other info, please see our Guest Information Page.

For a suggested packing list, what to expect and directions to the lodge, please see our Guest Information Page.

Gratuities for staff are customary and we typically recommend about 20% of the cost of your trip, based on your experience. This is usually split between guide, wrangler(s), kitchen and housekeeping staff. You are welcome to tip these individuals separately, or you can leave a single amount and we can divide it among the crew.

Deposits & Payments :

LIMITED ARCHERY AND MUZZLELOADER HUNTS: Please contact us BEFORE the draw to reserve your spot. Hunters who reserve a spot ahead of the draw have first priority. If you contact us after the draw, we may not have a spot for you. A $500 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot and locks in your price at the current rates. Each year that you do not draw, your deposit will be rolled over to the following year. This deposit does not expire and will remain active until you draw the license. Upon drawing your tag, a 50% non-refundable deposit is due immediately to secure your dates. The balance is due August 1st. Click here to learn more about how to reserve your spot on a limited draw hunt.

ALL RIFLE AND OTC ARCHERY HUNTS: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your dates. The balance is due 60 days prior to arrival and is non-refundable. If full payment is not received by the due date you may forfeit your deposit and your space may be offered to our wait list.

Deposit and balance payments may be made by check, wire transfer or credit card.

Cancellation Policy:

Owing to a brief season, remote location, the highest safety standards and industry leading service, our wilderness experiences are operationally cost-intensive. For that reason, our Cancellation Policy is as follows:

You may cancel your trip at any time, but all payments, deposits and fees paid to Budge’s are 100% non-refundable. No exceptions. If you join our Preference Point Program, your $500 deposit is rolled over until a tag is drawn.

If a hunting trip is cancelled with more than 90-days notice prior to the arrival date, the non-refundable deposit may be credited toward other guests or dates within 12 months of the date of the original reservation, subject to availability. For cancellations made less than 90 days prior to the arrival date, the exact reservation may be transferred to another guest, or the payments received will be forfeited.

For these reasons, we strongly advise you purchase vacation cancellation insurance through your local provider. These are the standard operating policies of Budge’s and are subject to change without notice.