Colorado Elk Outfitter

Colorado Elk Outfitter runs out of Loveland and operates across some of the best elk habitat in the state. Over the last five years, their success rate has been above 60%—compare that to the statewide average of 18% and you see why they get repeat clients.

The herd in North Park is around 6,000 animals with nearly 30% bulls, a ratio that's still climbing according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife studies. That ratio stays high partly because most hunting happens on private land where the pressure is lower than on public lands elsewhere in Colorado.

The main operation centers on the Thompson Family Ranch: 3,000 acres of mixed terrain southwest of Rand, Colorado, in the North Park region. Elevation runs 8,500 to 9,000 feet. You've got lodge pole pine and aspen on the mountains, hay meadows, native grass, willows, and sage filling out the landscape. Three creeks and various ponds run through the property. National Forest borders the ranch with over 1 million acres of additional terrain.

They also hunt US Bureau of Land Management public land in Game Management Units #6, 7, 16, 17, and 161.

The dark timber elk use for rutting, the aspen groves, and the meadows all attract the animals. As owner Doug Spencer puts it: "If I am lucky enough to go to heaven, I hope it's half as pretty as this country in the fall."

Elk is the focus, but they also hunt: - Moose (drawn through state lottery) - Mule Deer (drawn through state lottery) - Antelope (drawn through state lottery) - Bear - Coyote

Doug Spencer (Owner/Outfitter/Guide) – Raised in Colorado, spent his youth in the Rocky Mountains hunting and fishing. His first passion is elk hunting. He's hunted around the world but keeps coming back to Colorado.

Tim Hagen (Owner/Outfitter/Guide) – Grew up hunting and fishing in Minnesota. Brings experience from a different region's hunting culture.

Hayden Spencer (Lead Archery Guide) – Born and raised in Northern Colorado. Started guiding with his father in 2009. Previously worked fly fishing in Roosevelt National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park, plus six years instructing archery, fly and spin fishing, and trap shooting for a youth organization.

Chad Ruff (Archery Guide) – Middle school PE and outdoor education teacher in LaSalle, Colorado. Involved with Colorado Youth Outdoors and conservation mentoring.

Drew Oswald – Rocky Mountain native who started elk hunting young with his father. Years of archery hunting experience in Colorado.

"If you're looking for a fully guided elk hunt with 5 star resort style accommodations and an army of staff to cater to your every want, then Colorado Elk Outfitter isn't for you. However, if you desire to hunt in some of the finest elk habitat anywhere, with rustic but comfortable accommodations and with a team of exceptional individuals, then I encourage you to contact Doug or Tim. At Colorado Elk Outfitter, the focus is on the total experience not just the hunt. You will stay in a 100-year-old ranch house surrounded by out buildings constructed from timber cut and hand hewn from the ranch. Meals are home style cooking where you will never leave the table unsatisfied." – Dan Amerman, five-time client with three harvested bulls including a 6x6

"I now realize how lucky and fortunate I am. I cannot thank you guys enough for the generosity, hospitality and utmost care you displayed while assisting my brother. From helping Austin sight in his rifle, helping him walk around the house, to assisting him in & out of the hunting stands." – Lucas Adams

Colorado Elk Outfitter specifically accommodates hunters at all fitness levels. They specialize in the elderly and less-fit hunter who may struggle with the rigorous physical stress of high-altitude hunting. This isn't a one-size-fits-all operation.

Licensed, insured, and bonded in Colorado under license #2981. Operations on public land conducted under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Equal opportunity employer and service provider.

• •Office Address: 1105 Westridge Dr, Loveland, CO 80537

• •Doug: 970-481-4354
• •Tim: 218-244-0544
• •Email: [email protected]

Archery hunts require: - Hunter safety system (MANDATORY—you must bring one) - Proper hunting license and habitat stamp - Bow, arrows, release, broadheads - Binoculars and rangefinder - Two pairs of waterproof, broken-in boots - Layered clothing for weather swings (it can go from blizzard to 80 degrees) - Scent-free sunscreen and cover scent - Rain gear (non-nylon preferred) - Headlamp with extra batteries

Rifle/Muzzleloader hunts require: - Proper hunting license and habitat stamp - Hunter orange (500 square inches minimum: hat and vest/jacket, visible above waist) - Rifle minimum .24 caliber/6mm (.30 caliber recommended) with sling and gun case - Ammunition: minimum 85 grain with 1,000 foot-pound impact energy at 100 yards - Same layered clothing and boots as archery - Scope caps (highly recommended)

Layering is critical. Colorado weather changes constantly.