Action Adventures

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Jay Mitchell
Montrose, CO, USA
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About

There are several advantages to elk hunting with Action Adventures. We pride ourselves in quality personalized service. Our guided and outfitted camps are well equipped and never over booked. All guided elk hunts are two hunters per guide. All of our livestock is well broke, trained and conditioned for the mountainous terrain. Our equipment is top notch with your safety and comfort our main concern. Our qualified staff is always there to meet your needs.

Action Adventures is a family owned and operated Colorado Outfitter. Western Colorado has been home for many generations. From the years of growing up in the wilds of the San Juan Mountains, we have gained a vast knowledge of the elk, their habits, and the wild country in which they live. Providing quality wilderness hunting experiences is a way of life here. Your complete satisfaction is our main objective. We are not the largest outfitter in terms of number of clientele we take each year, nor do we want to be. We do want to be the best in making your elk hunting memories great and ones that you will soon want to repeat.

Many elk hunts and vacations are less expensive than ours. Remember the old adage “you get what you pay for”. There are many expenses that go into operating a quality outfitting service from; maintaining and training a large remuda of horses and mules, utilizing quality guides, cooks and wranglers, providing good home cooked meals, and do not forget the permit fees, land leases, liability insurance and state licensing. Fully guided elk hunts that sell for these “to good to be true prices” generally are, to good to be true. Something has to be left out; poor equipment and livestock, ill prepared cooks and guides, and in some of the worst circumstances no license or permit and definitely no insurance. Then there is the all to often “way to many hunters in camp at one time.”

We here at Action Adventures would like to have you consider us for your next elk hunt or summer vacation.

Photos

Lodging

East Creek Camp

Quick Facts:
– Unit 65 Archery Elk: Over-the-counter (either sex)
– Muzzleloader Elk: By application (typically draws with 2 points)
– 1st Rifle Elk: By application (typically draws with no points, either sex)
– 2nd Rifle Elk: Over-the-counter
– Horseback Pack-in (3 hour ride)
– Elevations range from 10,000 ft to 13,000 ft
– Accommodates 2 to 6 hunters

East Creek Camp is one of our longest established over-the-counter elk camps. Camp sits along a creek bottom with tall ridges and peaks running both sides. Creek bottoms, avalanche shoots, and high basins make up the topography. The camp has some steep terrain, and the elk like the high ridges. Bulls tend to be less vocal in this area, but when they do get to talking the bugles echo up and down the valley.

Merino Mountain Camp

Quick Facts:
– Unit 65 Archery Elk: Over-the-counter licenses (either sex)
– 1st Rifle Elk: By application – typically draws with 0 points (either sex)
– 2nd Rifle Elk: Over-the-counter (bull or cow)
– Horseback Pack-in (2 hour ride)
– Elevations range from 10,000 ft to 13,000 ft
– Accommodates 2 to 4 hunters

Merino Mountain is known for consistently producing quality bull elk. Typography is diverse and it includes lush creek bottoms, open avalanche shoots, high benches, dark timber, and above timberline alpine tundra. This camp offers some of the best elk hunting in over-the-counter unit 65. We first started hunting this area in 2014 and since then it has quickly become a top producing elk camp.

Timberline Mule Deer Camp

Quick Facts:
– Limited Mule Deer Unit 65 Archery Deer: By application – typically draws with 1 point
– Muzzleloader Deer: By application – typically draws with 5 points
– Early Rifle Deer: By application – typically draws with 10 points
– Horseback Pack-in (3.5 hour ride)
– Elevations range from 11,000 ft to 13,500 ft
– Accommodates 2 to 4 hunters

This camp is where the big bucks call home for the summer and early fall. These groups of bucks love it at timberline and above. This hunt should offer a great opportunity to harvest a P&Y buck in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountains. We only take a select few archery hunters each year. To spot and stalk a trophy buck with a bow above timberline is not without its challenges, but it is well worth it. A new early rifle season has recently become available that allows rifle hunters a short season to be able to hunt these high country deer before they move down into their winter range. This is one hunt you don’t want to miss.

WARNING!!!
This hunt is not for everyone. These mule deer are living at extreme altitudes and tremendously tough country. If you are up to the challenge the game is there for the taking.

Boulder Basin Camp

Quick Facts:
– Limited Unit 66 Archery Elk: By application -typically draws with 6 points (either sex)
– Muzzleloader Elk: By application – typically draws with 15 points
– 1st Rifle Elk: By application – typically draws with 3 points
– 2nd Rifle Elk: By application – typically draws with 1 point
– Horseback Pack-in (3 hour ride)
– Elevations range from 10,000 ft to 13,000 ft
– Accommodates 2 to 6 hunters

Boulder Basin is a wilderness pack-in elk camp located in limited draw Unit 66. We have been operating this camp for more then 30 years, and historically it has offered the highest success rate for bull elk. Camp sits at 11,300 feet, and you can often glass herds of elk right from your tent. Lush creek bottoms and above timberline alpine tundra comprise the majority of the typography. Game trails wind through the timber between feeding and bedding areas making for ideal ambush setups. Bulls are usually very vocal in this area during September, giving archery hunters ample opportunity. Rifle hunters have had an average of 85% success rate over the last 10 years.

Robbins Creek Camp

Quick Facts:
– Limited Unit 66 Archery Elk – By application – typically draws with 6 points (either sex)
– Muzzleloader Elk – By application – typically draws with 15 points
– 1st Rifle Elk – By application – typically draws with 3 points
– 2nd Rifle Elk – By application – typically draws with 1 point
– Horseback Pack-in (3 hour ride)
– Elevations range from 10,000 ft to 13,200 ft
– Accommodates 2 to 6 hunters

Robins Creek Camp sits perched high on a ridge with infinite elk habit in every direction. Oftentimes you can glass up a herd of elk right from camp. In fact, there have been a handful of bulls taken within 200 yards of the camp. On either side of the camp you will find above timberline alpine meadows that the elk frequent. There have been many nights when bulls on either side of camp get into bugling matches, calling back and forth, keeping you up all night. A deep ravine leads to a lush creek bottom where big bulls like to hide. Robins Creek is high on my of my list of camps for elk hunters.

Wapiti Ridge Camp

Quick Facts:
– Limited Unit 66 Archery Elk – By application – typically draws with 6 points (either sex)
– Muzzleloader Elk – By application – typically draws with 15 points
– 1st Rifle Elk – By application – typically draws with 3 points
– 2nd Rifle Elk – By application – typically draws with 1 point
– Horseback Pack-in (3 hour ride)
– Elevations range from 10,000 ft to 13,200 ft
– Accommodates 2 to 6 hunters

Wapiti Ridge is a high elevation elk camp that sits nearly at timberline. Herds of elk frequent the nearby creek bottom and open basins. The topography of this camp is more open meadows than dark timber, making it the rifle hunters dream hunting area. Archery hunters still have great success here catching elk moving between open meadows and stands of timber. Herds of elk can often be spotted from camp. The majority of elk have been harvested within one mile of camp.

Hunting

  • Deer
  • Mule Deer
  • Elk

Methods

  • Bow
  • Crossbow
  • Muzzleloader
  • Rifle

Extras

  • Free Range
  • Guided
  • Meals Included
  • Multi-Day Trip
  • Private Land
  • Public Land
  • Self-Guided
  • Semi-Guided

Wilderness Pack-In Hunts

This is the ultimate in elk and mule deer hunting. No fences to bind you or the game, just miles of seemingly endless big game habitat. There is no greater hunting accomplishment than having harvested a wilderness bull elk or timberline mule deer. Pack-in hunts are our specialty. We raise and train most all of our stock for the rigors of this type of hunt. All of our equipment is top notch and has been field tested, tried and true in the wilderness. Having outfitted in these same areas for over 30 years, we know the game herds and the country they travel. Action Adventures is a full time outfitter, and pack-in hunting is what we do best.

We offer wilderness pack-in hunts in both limited units, as well as over-the-counter units. Our wall tent camps include all the amenities, and are strategically positioned to give you the best opportunity on your hunt. Camps are kept small to keep pressure low.

Private Land Hunts

Action Adventures is home to numerous big game hunting opportunities. One of these is to hunt one of our private ranches. These are not high fence ranches. These are high country acreages home to some great elk and mule deer. Low pressure and quality management gives private land hunters an added edge in harvesting a quality animal. We offer private land hunts in both over-the-counter units as well as limited draw units. Below are some of our great private land hunting packages.

Private Land Drop Camps:
We are once again offering private land drop camps on the Quarter Circle HM Ranch. This hunt includes comfortable bunkhouse with beds, separate cooking cabin with dining and lounge area. Solar and generated electricity, hot and cold running water, shower, TV, all the comforts of home in a wilderness setting. Private lake boasts trophy trout for when you want to take a break from hunting. Ground blinds and tree-stands preset over water holes, and feeding areas. The ranch also borders a roadless portion of National Forest. There are boundless acres to hunt and it boasts very good numbers of elk, mule deer and black bear. If you have four or more in your group you will have the ranch to yourself.

Private Land Outfitted Hunts:
This is one of the best combination elk and deer hunts you will find. There are also a large number of black bears in the early seasons. This productive ranch is completely behind locked gates. This hunt is a hybrid of a guided hunt and a drop camp. You are provided with lodging, two home cooked meals, along with a sack lunch each day, pack horses, and a guide in camp to show you the ranch, plus GPS coordinates of the best spots. This hunt allows you the freedom of a drop camp, to hunt on your own without all the cooking and camp chores. You will hunt out of our private ranch that also accesses several thousand acres of roadless National Forest. The lower end of the ranch adjoins a remote state wildlife area. All you have to do is concentrate on bagging that big bull. You are outfitted with everything you need to have a successful hunt. If you like the challenge of elk hunting on your own with all the extras of a full service hunt without the high price tag, this is the one for you. Comparable guided hunts would run in excess of $5,000. These are great hunts for the veteran hunter and novice alike. You will have a comfortable cabin to stay in and the finest in home cooked meals. Anyone filling their tags early can fish for rainbows and brookies in our private lake. The ranch can be reached by 4WD, and provides a great opportunity for those that can’t get around like they used to. There are miles of roadless forest for those wanting to hunt this remote unspoiled area.

 

Hunts & Rates

Drop Camp:
Archery
– 7 Days: $1,950 per Hunter
– 8 Days: $2,150 per Hunter

Muzzleloader
– 7 Days: $2,150 per Hunter

Rifle
– 7 Days: $2,150 per Hunter

Semi-Guided:
Archery
– 7 Days: $3,250 per Hunter
– 8 Days: $3,450 per Hunter

Muzzleloader
– 7 Days: $3,950 per Hunter

Rifle
– 7 Days: $3,950 per Hunter

Fully-Guided:
Archery
– 7 Days: $4,250 per Hunter
– 8 Days: $4,650 per Hunter

Muzzleloader
– 7 Days: $4,950 per Hunter

Rifle
– 7 Days: $4,950 per Hunter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a Colorado Hunt?:
We only accept reservations over the phone. First we discuss your expectations and then we find the trip that will best meet your goals. Due to the limited amount of hunters we take each year, and a high clientele return, early booking is a must. If you are interested in a trip for the current year we require a 50% deposit (you can make this in a couple of payments). If you are planning a trip for the future we only require a 10% deposit. Call us for available openings 1-800-383-1888.

What type of hunt is right for me?:
We are continually modifying our hunts to meet the demands of our discriminating clientele.

The bow hunter or black powder hunter has 3 choices
1. A fully guided hunt: this hunt is wilderness pack-in; all meals, lodging, and guide for every 2 hunters is provided.
2. An outfitted hunt: this hunt we provide meals, lodging and 1 guide in camp to familiarize you with the area and help pack out your harvested game.
3. Private land drop camp: this is a complete do-it-yourself hunt. You bring your own groceries, and you hunt on your own.

The rifle and hunter has 3 choices
1. Fully guided wilderness pack-in: this hunt is by horse back, all meals, lodging, and guide for every 2 hunters is provided. This is a demanding hunt.
2. Fully guided private land hunt: we hunt by horseback and or 4WD, all meals, lodging, and 1 guide for every 2 hunters. This hunt is less demanding
3. Private land drop camp: this is a complete do-it-yourself hunt. You bring your own groceries, and you hunt on your own.

Why should we book with Action Adventures?:
Action Adventures Guide Outfitter is a long established full time outfitting business located in Montrose Colorado. We have been providing quality trips for 30+ years and we are here to stay. I am a 5th generation Western Colorado native. I live and raise my family here on the north end of the famous San Juan Mountains. This allows me constant access to the game that inhabits this vast beautiful country. We have been in business for 3 decades. This has allowed us to accumulate the assets required to insure you have a successful hunt. We are not a fly by night or part time outfitter. Many things go into making a quality outfit, they cannot be bought, and they have to be tested by time. Our commitment and tenure in the outfitting business is one of our greatest advantages. We hope to have an opportunity to take you on one of our hunts in the near future.

When are deposits due?:
A 50% deposit is due upon booking your hunt. We take Visa or MasterCard or you can simply mail us a check. You can make your deposit in scheduled payments if you like. If you are booking a hunt for next year or beyond we only require a 10% deposit to hold your hunt, with a remaining deposit of 40% due in January of the year you plan to hunt. Final payments are not due until you arrive.

How do I obtain a Colorado hunting license?:
We take all the hassle out of obtaining your Colorado hunting license. Colorado licensing can be a complicated procedure, but we make it easy for you. Well before license applications are due you will receive a simple form to fill out, with all your pertinent information. We take care of the rest! We proof check your application and deliver it to the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Please note not all licenses are by drawing. Several can be purchased over the counter. You will know in advance of booking your hunt, which type of license will be required.

Do you have any references?:
Yes, we have nationwide references. We do, however, respect the privacy of our clients, and do not post their names, phone numbers or email address on our website. We will gladly supply references upon request. Please call us at 1-800-383-1888.

What can I expect on my hunt?:
You can expect all the prompt courteous professional service that you would from any other quality client-customer relationship. We strive for complete customer satisfaction. Many years of being in this business have provided the unique opportunity to solve most problems before they develop. From time to time conditions come up that are beyond anyone’s control, these are few and far between. You as our client will always be our main concern. Meals are all home cooked and served family style, no expense is spared for your comfort and satisfaction. We take our obligation as your wilderness host very seriously. We leave camp well before sunrise to insure that we are in place before sunrise and we are not back in until the day is done. We use many different tactics during our elk and deer hunts. Your day may find you glassing and then stalking from a distant ridge to bugling at lovesick bull, in one of the many secluded basins. The most will be made of the time you spend with us. You will definitely know that you are on a quality elk hunt. Hunt descriptions can be found at Private Land and Wilderness Pack-in pages.

What is expected of me?:
This is your hunt! You are paying the money so why not get the most out of it. Our motto is “where preparation and opportunity meet”. This is our definition of luck. We believe in luck and the harder you work the luckier you get. It’s hard to just show up for a western hunt and be successful. You will need to get ready, and the more you do the better off you will be. Let’s face it. The anticipation and preparation are half the fun of going on western hunts. A good place to start is by walking, and then proceeding to walk uphill and climb stairs. The air is thin out here and the better cardiovascular shape you are in the less you will notice it. I have watched many a bull elk walk over the ridge out of range because someone didn’t get in shape. Our guides are not here to race you up the mountain but, your hunt could hinge on whether you were prepared or just “showed up.” You will need to become competent with your weapon, be it a rifle, muzzleloader or bow. Believe it or not we have had clients pull their gun out of the box at the trailhead brand spanking new, never fired. If you are scheduled for a wilderness hunt, you should try to find a stable and do some riding. It will loosen up muscles that you don’t regularly use, and will add a lot to your overall comfort and confidence with your mount. We have provided checklists with suggestions on what to bring. Archery Checklist, Black Powder Checklist, Rifle Checklist, Drop Camp Checklist, and Summer Pack-trip Checklist. Also check out our Press Room that is full of informational reading to help you prepare for your hunt. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at 1-800-383-1888.

Is there a limit on how much I can bring on a pack-in hunt?:
Yes! You are limited to 1 army style duffel bag not weighing more than 50lbs, a sleeping bag, and your weapon. When preparing for a wilderness hunt you should look at your gear and bag and visualize that this is going on a horse and not in the back of a pick-up truck. Suggestions can be found at Archery Checklist, Black Powder Checklist, Rifle Checklist, and Drop Camp Checklist.

Do I need special hunting gear?:
What did we do before Gore-Tex, Scent Shield, Dry Plus, and Wind Stopper? We hunted! Just a lot wetter and colder. I personally like wool; it makes up most of my hunting clothes. I carry a Gore-Tex Rain Suit during the warmer seasons, and will wear cotton if it is extremely warm. Toward the end of September I will add a wool sweater. I learned a long time ago, if your feet and hands are cold, to put on a warm hat. I personally don’t like stocking type hats; you really need a visor to keep the sun out of your eyes. Bow hunters can get by with lighter clothing, but need to be warm enough to sit still while waiting for that big bull. Layers are the key. I recommend long underwear, camos, a sweater and then a Gore-Tex outer layer for when it cools off and to cut the wind or rain. There are many good manufacturers of quiet hunting clothes. The most important thing is does it stay quiet and pliable when it is cold. Rifle hunters should add a heavy coat and snow packs to this list. Rifle hunters and black powder hunters are required to wear 500 square inches of florescent orange. A good pair of binoculars is one of the most important items you can have on a western hunt. It is a lot more enjoyable if you can glass right along with your guide. If I had to cut costs somewhere it would not be in the optics department. You can find more info at our Archery Checklist, Black Powder Checklist, Rifle Checklist, Drop Camp Checklist. Need more info call us at 1-800-383-1888.

What type of weather and temperatures can I expect?:
The weather in the high country of Colorado is extremely unpredictable. It is said if you don’t like the weather in Colorado just wait 15 minutes it will change. Early season bow hunters can expect cool mornings and evenings with mild day time temperatures. As the season moves into mid September any thing can happen from record breaking high temperatures to snow. You really need a seasoned guide when the weather becomes hot and dry. We use different tactics suited to almost any kind of weather. When late September rolls around it is generally freezing at night, which makes for chilly rides in the mornings and evenings. The cool weather also sets those lovesick bulls to bugling. You can usually expect a little snow this time of the year; that will only stay around for a day or 2. In October rifle hunters will encounter freezing night time temperatures, with cool to mild days. Snow is usually at least visible on north slopes and in timbered pockets. One out of every 3 to 4 years we will have considerable snow cover. With each passing day the chance of considerable snowfall becomes greater. As we move into November the temps are much cooler and the days shorter. Good snows and cold temps lead to one thing, big bulls. Night time temps are well below freezing, but the days can still be mild.

What is a drop camp?:
Our premier do-it-yourself hunt. A great hunt for the seasoned Colorado Elk and Mule Deer hunter or for the budget minded that want a great hunting opportunity. We offer drop camps on our private ranch as well as wilderness pack-in. The ranch offers access to a remote road less area of National Forest and it also adjoins an equally remote section of a Colorado State Wildlife Area. While the wilderness is public land a drop camp gets you farther in then you average hunter is willing to go. These hunts offer a great opportunity for the self guided hunter to get away from the crowds and into very game rich areas. It is a self guided hunt where you bring your own groceries and do your own cooking. We supply the hunting area, comfortable accommodations and we familiarize you with the area. Then you are your own. This is a one of the best hunts for the money.

What is an outfitted/semi-guided hunt?:
This is a hunt that we developed just for do it yourself type hunters that don’t want to deal with the camp chores. It is exactly what it says it is. We outfit you with a camp, cook, and a guide to familiarize you with the area. You hunt on your own. While it does have all the amenities of a guided hunt it is still a far cry from a drop camp. No cooking, camp chores, or scouting! We take care of all that. You just concentrate on bagging that big bull.

What is a fully guided hunt?:
These are our ultimate hunts. We spare no expense to create a great hunting opportunity. Great care is taken to see that your hunt is a success. It is the most comfortable wilderness camp available anywhere from the best home cooked meals to the well conditioned and expertly trained stock. . All of our equipment is constantly maintained and tested to meet the rigors of a wilderness setting. Guides and wranglers are expertly trained and ready to help you have that hunt of a lifetime.

How are my days spent once I arrive?:
We realize that you are here for just a short time and we want to make the most of it. Our days start early. Breakfast is usually at least 2 hours before daylight, and a hot dinner waiting for you when you arrive back at camp. Lunch is usually on the side of a mountain somewhere glassing a distant ridge. Better yet, sitting next to that big bull you took that morning, waiting for the pack mules to come. Each day is different; one day may find you stalking a big bull at day break, the next, coaxing a herd bull out of the timber with a cow call. We always try to make the most of your stay with us.

 

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