Arapaho Wilderness Outfitters: Colorado Elk Hunting Outfitters
Arapaho Wilderness Outfitters holds the distinction of being the first big game hunting outfitter in Colorado to secure a special use permit for commercial guided hunts within the Arapaho National Forest wilderness area. Owner Shane Allen and the family team operate on permitted ground in Game Manag...
Own Arapaho Wilderness Outfitters: Colorado Elk Hunting Outfitters?
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Business Details
Full description and what we offer
Arapaho Wilderness Outfitters holds the distinction of being the first big game hunting outfitter in Colorado to secure a special use permit for commercial guided hunts within the Arapaho National Forest wilderness area. Owner Shane Allen and the family team operate on permitted ground in Game Management Units 18 and 28, deep in terrain bordered to the east by the Continental Divide.
The outfitter runs four distinct hunting seasons annually:
| Season | Dates | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Aug 25 - Sept 23 | Elk, mule deer, moose, black bear |
| Muzzleloader | Sept 8 - Sept 16 | Elk, moose |
| 1st Rifle | Oct 13 - Oct 17 | Elk (either sex or bull) |
| 2nd Rifle | Oct 20 - Oct 28 | Elk (bull only) |
| 3rd Rifle | Nov 3 - Nov 11 | Elk (bull only) |
| 4th Rifle | Nov 14 - Nov 18 | Elk (either sex) |
Lighted nocks now legal for archery season in Colorado. Black bear tags available over-the-counter with caps on all over-the-counter hunts.
- •Fully guided hunts - Outfitter guides you through terrain and stalks
- •Semi-guided economy hunts - More independent hunting with guide support
- •Both options available for elk and mule deer across all three weapon seasons
- •Up to 8 hunters accommodated per camp session
- •Special pricing available for hunters under 15 and non-hunting spouses
- •No alcoholic beverages provided in camp
The hunting area is rough, steep, and genuinely remote. Access is by foot, horseback, or boat only—no vehicle access to hunt country. This isolation means less pressure and fewer hunters competing for game.
"Rough, steep, and accessible only by foot, boat, or horseback. This remote area holds many trophy elk, mule deer, moose and bear."
Beyond big game hunts, the outfitter offers:
- •Summer pack trips on private and permitted BLM ground
- •Horseback rides in Colorado mountain terrain
- •Colorado fishing trips (included as bonus opportunity if you fill your tag early)
- •Base camp options including truck-accessible camps with canvas-walled sleeping tents and cook tent
- •Private land hunts with cabin accommodations (available since 2012)
All hunts require valid Colorado hunting licenses and appropriate tags. Non-residents receive an annual fishing license included with big game tags.
2018 License Fees:
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Elk (bull or either sex) | $641.00 |
| Elk (cow) | $481.00 |
| Mule Deer | $386.00 |
| Black Bear | $351.00 |
| Habitat Stamp (if needed) | +$10.00 |
Tag Requirements by Season:
- •Archery: Over-the-counter either sex tags
- •Muzzleloader: Draw tag (0 preference points minimum)
- •1st Rifle: Draw tag, either sex (0 preference points)
- •2nd & 3rd Rifle: Over-the-counter bull-only tags
- •4th Rifle: Draw tag, either sex (0 preference points)
- •Trophy Mule Deer: All draw tags (1-2 preference points depending on weapon)
- •Trophy Moose: Weighted draw system
- •Colorado Outfitters License #3001 (also listed as #1993 in older materials)
- •Licensed, Insured, and Bonded
- •Special use permit from U.S. Forest Service for Arapaho National Forest
- •Equal opportunity employer
- •Accepts all major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express)
Arapaho Wilderness Outfitters
Owner/Outfitter: Shane Allen
Phone: (970) 355-9541
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: PO Box 2153, Granby, CO 80446
Book early—camp fills quickly for popular seasons.