In the heart of the White River National Forest and
adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness

ARCHERY-MUZZLELOADER

Information Letter-2008

Greg Fisher with his six-point bull taken in the muzzleloader season.  This bull was taken within 100 yards of Ripple Creek Lodge.

Ripple Creek Lodge is located 39 miles east of Meeker, adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness of the White River National Forest in Northwest Colorado. The area, with mountains ranging above 12,000’ and covered with evergreens and aspen, is considered as Colorado’s finest hunting. A recent elk population survey by the Division of Wildlife estimated the White River Area to have twice as many elk as any other area in Colorado.  Incidentally,  Colorado has more elk than any other state in the United States or country in the world.  That makes the White River Area the best area in the world to hunt for elk!

Unguided elk and deer hunts are from Ripple Creek Lodge in the White River National Forest and Flat Tops Wilderness.  Unguided elk and deer hunts are also north and west of the National Forest.  All, or part of this operation is conducted on USDA Forest Service and special permits from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.  Horses and four-wheel drive vehicles are used for these unguided hunts.  Guided hunts are becoming a thing of the past with the advent and reliability of GPS, not to mention its economic value to the hunter.  With the input of very valuable coordinate information into your GPS, chances of success are much greater than ever before.  In most cases, guides will no longer be needed.

Eight cabins surround the lodge and accommodate from two to six people. All of our cabins have kitchen facilities, fireplaces, bathrooms with showers and hot water. Propane is the energy source for lighting, cooking and heat for the free-standing fireplaces.. Family-style meals are in the main lodge by the fireplace. Generally, you have breakfast at the lodge, take lunch with you, and after the day's hunt, return to the lodge for dinner. We serve nothing but high quality foods, guaranteed.

Dr.David Schrody of Clinton, IA with his 6-point bull taken at Boulder Lake.

In Area 24, where we are located, archery elk and deer season will be August 24-September 22th. Muzzleloader Season will be September 13-21st. Archery and Muzzleloader seasons are on a drawing basis and applications must be postmarked on or before April 1st. We would be glad to assist you with the applications.

Trout fishing is very good from June through hunting season. Flies, lures and bait all do well in most surrounding lakes and streams. Hunters are welcome to bring their fishing gear.

WHAT TO BRING: You should be prepared for snow and cold weather. Generally, it ranges from 10-50 degrees. In the way of clothing, bring two changes of warm clothes and thermal underwear, heavy socks, hat, gloves and/or mittens, snow pacs and/or hunting boots with vibram soles, a good warm jacket and vest, and raincoat or suit. Your equipment should include knives and hone, COMPASS, binoculars, cleaning equipment, flashlight, cigarette lighter, plenty of ammo and film. We have gun scabbards or you can bring your own. GPS, cellular phones and walkie-talkies are an added safety and success consideration.  Maps will be here for you.

AIR TRAVEL: Connections can be made to Hayden, about 45 miles from the lodge. For private planes, there are paved and lighted airports in Meeker, Craig, Hayden and Steamboat Springs.  Vehicle rental is available at most airports.

REGULATIONS TO REMEMBER: All hunters born in 1949, or later, are required to have passed a hunter safety course. Crossbows are not legal during archery season. Muzzleloaders must use 40 caliber or larger for deer, 50 caliber or larger for elk.  They must also use at least 500 square inches of flame orange on upper body and cap.  Strings may not be drawn or held mechanically. After booking, I’ll send you the official 2008 Division of Wildlife brochure, which includes all regulations, maps and other very useful information.

NON-RESIDENT LICENSES: Bull Elk, $529., Cow Elk, $254.; Deer, $319.; Small Game, $40.; 5 Day Fishing, $18., One day fishing $5.

GAME PROCESSING: Meeker, Craig and Steamboat Springs all have processing plants. Charges are about $90. for deer and $225. for elk. Boxing and dry icing is about $50. per box. Freighting is about $100. per 70 pound box.

UNGUIDED HUNTING FROM THE LODGE: Includes lodging the night before the hunt begins and all meals. There are no trophy fees or hidden charges on the hunt.

5-7 Day Elk & Deer Unguided........     $1200.  

CONDITIONS: The booking deposit is one-third of the total hunt and the balance before the hunt begins with guaranteed check or cash only. Refunds are guaranteed for booked hunters through February.  Naturally, booked money is returned to those unsuccessful in the drawings.  There are no refunds once the hunt begins.

Almost all hunters will see game. Quality bull hunting (four points or better on one side) was initiated in 1985, deer was three points or better in 1986-98, resulting in higher quality and quantity of game. Deer and elk occupy the same habitat in our area making the hunting doubly good. The elk rut usually begins early in September and bugling is very effective from late August throughout archery and muzzleloader season.

Northwest Colorado has always been the state's best elk and deer hunting, particularly for archery and muzzleloaders.  We usually average better than 50% success on these hunts.  Almost everybody should have the opportunity to take game.

The 2008 season will mark another great year of hunting from Ripple Creek Lodge in Northwest Colorado. Hunting was great in the first season last year, but not as good in the other seasons.  Therefore, this should be one of the best and most productive, ever. We will do everything possible to make the hunt a rewarding and memorable experience for you. I hope you will join us.

Yours for great hunting,

Ken Jett

ARCHERY ELK SEASON: AUGUST 25-SEPTEMBER 23rd

  HUNT CODE:  EE0121A

  EITHER SEX ELK

  UNITS 12, 23, 24 NORTH OF THE NORTH FORK OF THE WHITE RIVER

NON-RESIDENT DRAWING STATISTICS:

  TWO POINTS OR MORE:  100%

  ONE POINT OR MORE:  62%

  ZERO POINTS:  0%

The Colorado Division of Wildlife brochures and applications are available soon.  You can reach them at 303-297-1192 or on the web at:  www.wildlife.state.co.us/total_licensing/  By applying over the Internet, you are much less likely to make an error that would void your application..  The DOW recommends that you not wait until the deadline to make your applications.  THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS is early APRIL .