Thanks for your interest in hunting with Winterhawk Outfitters in western Colorado’s Flat Tops Wilderness of the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Winterhawk is a professional full-time outfitter whose goal since 1982 has been to provide high quality fair chase wilderness big game horseback hunts in the true western tradition. We’re dedicated to providing successful, enjoyable trips and to maintaining high ethical standards and respect for the land and animals we hunt.

Our trips are strictly first class, as we provide seasoned, professional guides, deluxe camps, high quality meals, and personalized attention to each guest. We own our own stock and our horses and mules are the finest in the business.

We hunt over 250 square miles of game-rich country where motorized vehicles of any kind are prohibited. Our area holds thousands of elk, mature bulls and some 30" trophy mule deer bucks. We enjoy excellent success, but we don’t guarantee a kill. Our hunts are strictly fair chase… real hunts in Colorado’s spectacular high country, where there are definitely more challenges than guarantees. If you’re like most hunters, a western hunt is a major event. Choosing the right outfitter is important and we encourage you to ask questions and check multiple references for any outfitter you're considering.

Whether you hunt with bow, black powder or rifle, prefer full-service guided hunts, or would rather do it yourself in a high quality pack-in drop camp, we’d like to be your Colorado outfitter. If you don’t see the exact hunt you’re looking for, give us a call. With advance notice, we may be able to customize a hunt for you or your group. Thanks again for considering Winterhawk. We look forward to talking with you soon.

We have some the best Elk and Mule deer hunting on the Uncompahgre Plateau. All our Elk hunts are on National Forest and BLM land in unit 61 and unit 62. We hunt on approximately 50,000 acres in each Unit. We have some of the best Deer and Elk habitat in the area, dark timber, aspen groves, scruboak, cedars, pinions, sage flats, and meadows. The elevation at the Lodge is at 9600 feet and surrounded with some of the best Elk and Deer hunting in Colorado. We us 4wheel drive vehicles and ATVs to transport hunters to the hunting areas and we hunt by foot from there.

At Dark Timber Lodge, you'll find all of the best conditions for a good hunt. You'll find Dark Timber areas where the Elk feel safe and Scrub Oak areas where Elk go when they get pressured. We also have Water Holes that Elk frequently visit and secluded areas with very little pressure that attract bigger Elk. The bulls can be very vocal at this time and the Elk are all over the place. At the lodge, we have a 3-D archery course set up with life-sized Elk and Deer targets. We also have a spike camp set up in some of the best archery and muzzle loader hunting areas for Elk.

Dark Timber Lodge does not have fences and is not ranch-style hunting. We go where the Elk are. You'll need to be in shape so your hunt will be the best it can be. The days can be long and have a lot of walking. Don't miss one of the best Colorado Elk hunts that you can have! You can get over-the-counter archery Elk tags for Unit 62, while muzzle loader Elk tags have to be drawn for. Contact us today for more information. Ask about our summer recreation packages.

The Lodge is warmed by a wood stove and a large raised hearth fireplace. We have a newly updated ktichen and updated bathrooms with private hot showers. We have a large bunk room and private rooms are available. The Lodge supplies all linens and meals are included. Our meals are of big country portions, homemade desserts and the best sack lunch in Colorado. Our goal is to accommodate the individual hunter, first time hunter, or veteran hunter to the best Elk or Mule Deer in Colorado you can have.It will be an ultimate hunting experience.

Enjoy do-it-yourself non-guided hunts on private land for both Elk & Deer. Choose from 15 Colorado ranches for Elk Hunting and Deer Hunting. Hunting leases border White River, Routt and San Isbal National Forest. Completely furnished cabins and lodges on most leases. Maximum of 4-8 Deer and Elk hunters per lease, only one group per lease. Prices range from $2000 - $2200 per hunter.

We and the landowners have designated a low number of Deer and Elk hunters (4-8) per season on each lease to guarantee a non-crowded, highly productive Elk and Deer hunting environment. Our leases offer a wide selection of accommodations. We have leases with cabins, camping availability or if you wish a motel stay in the nearest town. The use of ATV's is permitted and encouraged on all our Deer and Elk hunting leases.

With a variety of hunting dates, from August through November, and a variety of hunting methods (Bow Hunting, Black Powder, Rifle) - we offer some of the best combination trophy big game hunts in Colorado.

We find the do-it-yourself non-guided hunt on private property to be the most fulfilling and productive hunting experience available. Contact us today to book your next hunting adventure.