Hunting Trip Tips
Be in the best physical shape possible. Expect to do some hiking at elevations up to 11,500. Bring the best optics you can afford. Long distance glassing is sometimes critical in locating game.

Work on your yardage guesstimating. Colorado is big deceiving country, and what can look 300 yards, can turn out to be only 200 yards.

Leave your pretty stocks at home. Scabbards and horseback hunting can be hard on them. The most important thing is to bring a gun you are comfortable with and can hit with, either uphill or down, out to 300 yards.  The most popular caliber of guns used are the following:  30-06, 270, 300 mag., and 7mm mag.  We suggest a bullet weight of 150 to 180 grains.

We recommend a minimum draw weight for bow hunters of 50 pounds.  Broadheads must be at least 7/8 inch wide and have at least two cutting edges.  No crossbows.  Arrows should be packed in a hard container, for packing in to camps.

Modern In-line muzzleloaders are legal during the muzzleloading season.  The minimum caliber for deer is .45, and .50 for elk.  Scopes on muzzleloaders are not legal.

Be confident in knowing where your gun shoots out to 400 yards, or your bow out to 40 yards.  Have your rifle sighted in before you arrive.  Our sighting suggestion is 3 inches high at 100 yards, which should have most rifles right on at 300 yards.  We have an area near base camp to "check" your rifle.  We have life size elk and deer targets in the base camps for our archery hunters to check their sights.  No broadheads in these targets, please.

Bring along a small thermos or canteen, which would fit in your saddle bags (guided hunters).

Expect saddle soreness, especially if you don?t do much riding. It?s part of the hunt, and it usually wears off in a couple of days

 

 

High Altitude Considerations
EFFECTS OF HIGH ALTITUDE
High altitude can be anything above 5280 ft. Effects vary among individuals and more commonly occur at elevations greater than 8000 ft. At this elevation, oxygen is 40-45% less dense that at sea level and has 50-80% less humidity.

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
This is the most common high altitude illness. Symptoms may begin on arrival but the onset may also be delayed. Symptoms include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, strange dreams, lethargy and sometimes flushed feelings. Children may have the same symptoms and may have vomiting. The illness usually lasts 1-2 days. Treatment includes resting frequently during the first few days at high altitude, doing recreational activities at a lower altitude the first day, eating lightly and drinking more liquids. Aspirin or Tylenol may help but barbiturates should be avoided. The best treatment is to take several days to arrive at the higher altitude and increase activity slowly. Avoid overexertion.

SWELLING
Face, hands and feet may swell with a weight gain of 4-12 pounds, mostly occurring in women. The swelling is symptom less and resolves spontaneously but may persist for several days after your return to a lower altitude.

DEHYDRATION
Dehydration may be caused by the dry mountain air and an increased respiratory rate due to the lower oxygen content. This results in increased loss of body moisture. It is advisable to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day.

NOSEBLEEDS
The low humidity dries the membranes of the nose, making them brittle and frequently causes nosebleeds. Dehydration and colds may cause them as well. The most effective way to stop it is to pinch the nose together for at least 5 minutes.

SUNBURN
There is less atmosphere to block out the sun?s burning ultraviolet rays, so sunburn occurs more readily. Use appropriate sun block.

GIARDIA
Campers and bikers in the High Country may be tempted to drink water from the crystal clear lakes and creeks, but should be aware that these often harbor and intestinal parasite called Giardia Lamblia. Symptoms may not appear until you return home and then may be difficult to diagnose by those not familiar with it. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea of varying degrees, cramping, fever, chills and weight loss.

HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia may be a result of immersion in cold water or an extended time in a cold environment. Cold water cools the body temperature 32 times greater than air. The rivers and creeks are snow run-off and are very cold. It doesn't take long. The victim may be confused, an attempt should be made to orient the person. Minimize heat loss and begin rewarming slowly. Remove wet garments and cover the victim with blankets or sleeping bag. If necessary, a rescuer may lie alongside the victim underneath covers to assist in rewarming. Transport the victim to the nearest hospital immediately