Dean DeBroux: Colorado Elk Hunt Report

HUNT: 1st Rifle Colorado Rifle Elk Hunt
CONSULTANT: Kyle Hansen, Outdoors International

October, 2020

The outfitter and the hunt were simply amazing!

I booked a 1st rifle elk hunt in Colorado through Kyle Hanson with Outdoors International. The outfitters and my guides were fantastic, and really worked hard to get us a shot at a bull elk.

All three hunters in our camp got bulls.

This outfitter will work very hard for their clients and will do everything they can within your physical abilities to make your hunt successful.

One of the hunters got his bull opening morning by 7:15am. Kevin worked extremely hard to get me on a herd bull that we glassed up along with two satellite bulls opening morning. We saw them later in the morning and decided not to make a play on them that morning because they were already going down into the deep timber and being early in the hunt, we didn’t want to take a chance at chasing them out of the area. We had also spotted a bunch of elk across the canyon but it was about a five mile trip to get to those herds if needed, so we tried to find elk closer to camp first.

On day two we didn’t see any elk either, but it was probably due to the 40-50mph winds that came into the area and some snow.

The elk hunkered down and stayed out of site. The guides still went out in the weather and tried to locate some elk for us, regardless of the high winds. These guys pulled out all the stops on this hunt and were willing to do anything to get us on a bull.

On day three we took a long horse ride.

After not seeing any elk in day two in the area, on day three they took us on horses for five miles to get to the elk we saw opening day across the canyon. One of the other hunters in camp got his bull over there that day because of their willingness to work hard and go anywhere the elk were at. And if that wouldn’t have worked, they were willing to take us 10 miles down the mountain range and sleep on the mountain overnight to get after a bull if we needed to.

On the evening of daythree, they spotted the same herd again closer to camp that we saw opening morning and Kevin decided to go after them at first light on day four.

A beautiful Colorado Sunset.

The next morning we left camp before daylight and got there to see them right at first light.

We hiked up to the top of that steep mountain and got to within 75 yards of the herd bull. Unfortunately, one of his cows peaked over the top and busted us right before we could get in view of the bull on top. All I could see was the antlers of the herd bull and wasn’t able to get a shot before they took off down the other side into the timber. Kevin was really upset that my chance at the herd bull was blown. He had been working so hard to get me a shot at this bull.

Kevin didn’t give up though and made a bold move to run over and down into the timber after the elk and try to pull a bull over to us. It was a very slim chance to pull one of the bulls over to us after they got spooked down the mountain, but Kevin wasn’t about to give up on me. After literally running down into the timber and making some calls, raking some trees, etc., Kevin called in my bull off that herd and got him into about 30 yards for me to make the shot. It was a fantastic moment!

This was an extremely physical hunt, so come prepared and in shape.

I can’t stress that enough. I worked hard to get in shape for this elk hunt and it paid off. These guys don’t quit, and love what they do. The food was great and they made sure we had more than enough snacks to enjoy during our stay. This was truly a western mountain hunt experience and it was everything I had hoped it would be and then some. We even saw some mountain goats and caught some wild trout in a lake next to camp.

This outfitter will work very hard for their clients and will do everything they can within your physical abilities to make your hunt successful.

My consultant was Kyle Hanson. I can’t say enough about these guys and Kyle Hanson who booked the trip for me. Thanks for a memory of a lifetime!

My consultant’s communication before, during and after the trip was perfect, I couldn’t have asked for more. Kyle Hanson was very clear on his communication and checked in with me throughout the process and right before and after my hunt. My consultant was very knowledgeable, and a pleasure to talk to.

• Overall, my Colorado elk hunt was amazing, I couldn’t have asked for more.
• My outfitter’s communication before, during and after the trip was perfect, I couldn’t have asked for more.
• My guide was amazing.
• Physically, the trip was extreme.
• The food was amazing.
• The accommodations were good.
• Would you book another trip with us in the future? Yes
• Can we use your stories and/or photos on our website? Yes
• Can we use this in social media? Yes

Thank you Outdoors International!

It was an amazing steelhead fishing trip! I brought my dad along with me and we slayed the fish. If you guys aren't applying for the OI Draws, you should. They're legit!

Tyler Kirk / OI Draw Winner

I couldn't believe we won!

We won this fully guided, all-inclusive New Zealand red stag hunt in the OI Draw! I highly recommend this hunt, and Outdoors International—fantastic company, amazing meals, and hunts that are second to none.

Brandon Ball / OI Draw Winner

I'm so grateful for the opportunity!

Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PH's and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa again 100%.

Brye Mangum / OI Draw Winner

My most memorable and rewarding experience.

This was my first guided hunt, and the outfitter was amazing. He was able to keep me motivated and encouraged to hold out for true trophies. I would rate him on an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! I never thought Africa would be a reality for me. Thank you Outdoors International.

Dason Lasater / OI Draw Winner

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