Speckmisser
Registered: March 2001
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 12575
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Review Date: Thu October 27, 2005
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: $2,750.00
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Hard working guides, good location, comfortable main lodge
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Cons:
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I joined Rick Webb and guide Grant Kleebes for Colorado's first rifle elk season in Unit 62. This is Rick's first year of operation in the area (he's been hunting there for over 20 years), and if my experience is a harbinger of things to come, I'd say he'll be around for a long time. The guides I met, especially Grant, work hard both before, during, and after the hunt.
My brother and I were both successful at harvesting bulls, including my brother's 310+ 6x6, on public land. I attribute our success to the pre-season scouting and effort put in by the guides. They knew where the bulls would be, and indeed had nicknamed several based on their calls.
Back at the lodge, the accomodations were very comfortable. Meals were filling and delicious, and something was always available to eat. The hospitality shown by Rick, and his wife and father-in-law (who managed the house and kitchen)was unparalleled.
It should be noted, and Rick will always be very up-front about this fact, if you want a good hunt you better be willing to do some serious walking. ATVs and 4WD trucks can get you to the trailhead, but to find the elk you can count on having to put some miles on your boots. There are some areas that are more easily accessible than others, but the premium areas are well off the beaten path...where the majority of other public land hunters will not go.
Once your animal is down, Rick has horses and mules to assist with the recovery. If you're not used to several hours in the saddle, it wouldn't hurt to get some riding time in before the hunt, along with your other conditioning.
Bottom line, I had a great hunt with Dark Timber, and I believe anyone who has the desire to enjoy a real hunt will enjoy the same, positive experience.
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;)
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