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

Drop Camps

Still

Available for the 2010 Rifle Seasons

$1800 per person

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. In itself, Colorado has over 300,000 elk, more than any other state or country in North America. The White River Area has more elk than any other place in the world.

Pictured above is Bill King, far left, CEO of King Industries, Chattanooga, TN, with his hunting party.  All of these elk were taken before 8AM on the first day of the season, on an unguided hunt from the lodge, using GPS and quadrangle maps.  Unguided hunts are from the lodge into the USDA  White River National Forest and adjacent BLM areas, using horses and four-wheel drive vehicles.  

AIR TRAVEL: Connections can be made with United Express to Hayden, about 45 miles north of the lodge on U.S.40. For private planes, there are paved and lighted airports in Meeker, Craig, Hayden and Steamboat Springs.

REGULATIONS TO REMEMBER: All hunters born in 1949, or later, are required to have passed a hunter safety course. Big game hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of daylight flame fluorescent orange on upper body and hat. Rifles must be at least 24 caliber with 85-grain bullet or more, exerting 1000 lbs. of energy at 100 yards. Handguns are legal for deer, elk and bear, minimum barrel length is 4 inches. 24 caliber or larger and have 550 ft. lbs. energy at 50 yards. After booking, let me know and I’ll send you the official 2010 Division of Wildlife hunting brochure, which includes all regulations, maps and other very useful information.   

NON-RESIDENT LICENSES: Not available at this time but prices are possibly a little lower than last year.

GAME PROCESSING: Meeker, Craig, Hayden and Steamboat Springs all have processing plants. Processing charges are about $125. for deer and $250. for elk. Boxing and dry icing is about $70 per box. Freighting is about $125 per 70 pound box.

CONDITIONS:  Deposits for reservations are made with one-third of the total and the balance on arrival with guaranteed check or cash only.

THE 2010 ARCHERY, MUZZLELOADER AND GUN SEASONS         

ARCHERY: AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 26th

MUZZLELOADER: SEPTEMBER 11-18TH

FIRST GUN SEASON: ELK ONLY BY DRAWING: OCTOBER 16-20th

SECOND SEASON: UNLIMITED BULL ELK, DEER BY DRAWING: OCT.23-31st

THIRD SEASON: UNLIMITED BULL ELK, DEER BY DRAWING:: NOV.6-14th

FOURTH SEASON: ELK AND DEER BY DRAWING ONLY: NOV.17-21st

The elk herds of the White River National Forest are by far the largest of any in Colorado and almost all hunters will see game. The White River Area has twice as many elk as any other area in Colorado, and  Colorado has more elk than any other state in America  or country in the world.   We are blessed with good hunting.  Quality bull hunting (four points or better ON ONE SIDE) was initiated in 1985, resulting in higher quality and quantity of bulls. It is not uncommon at all to see five and six point bulls.

Northwest Colorado has always been the state’s best deer hunting. The hunters usually average better than 50% success on hunts in the lower country.  In 2008, they had 80% success in the lower country.  It has continued to be good thru last season.  Great deer hunting at the lodge is dependent on the weather. Deer and elk occupy the same habitat in the lodge area making the hunting doubly good. The elk rut usually begins early in September and bugling is very effective from late August throughout the season.

The 2009 season marked another great year of hunting in Northwest Colorado. We will do everything possible in 2010 to make the hunt a rewarding and memorable experience for you.  I hope you will join us.

Yours for great hunting,

Dan Schwartz

The Colorado Division of Wildlife information brochure and applications will be available early in 2010.Reach the DOW at 303-297-1192, or on the Internet 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.  There was a four hunter maximum per application in 2009.  The DOW recommends that you make your applications well before the deadline, which is April 6, 2010.  

Ripple Creek Lodge is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.

Ripple Creek Lodge operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service,  White River National Forest.