Anyone done an RFW hunt in Colorado?

coloradoelkhunter · Apr 11, 2007

Has anyone gone on a ranching for wildlife hunt in Colorado? If so, which ranch and how was your experience? I'm trying to figure out which is better - to use my preference points on an RFW tag or on a tag for a regular trophy unit. I'll have 8 points after the draw this year and will continue to hold out for the right tag but don't want to wait more than another 5 years.

Bazy · Apr 11, 2007

I've done 2 RFW hunts for elk and deer. I think the experience depends on the ranch. Both of my hunts were on the same ranch and they essentially left you alone to hunt where you wanted. They did provide help for getting your harvested animals out of the woods.

I had a friend that hunted Three Forks and they treated you just like the paying customers in that you had a guide.

My opinion is that if you are hunting a ranch requiring a significant number of points you get more personal attention.

BeanMan · Apr 11, 2007

I've hunted Cow elk on Three Forks, it was a drive by shooting experience. If your goal is to harvest an elk this would be the place. Not too many big bulls worth spending a lot of points on I understand. I used up 10 deer points on Crazy French, which is no longer (fortunately) in the RFW program and it was an all around bad experience. The problem with RFW's and spending a lot of points on them is that they control what time and where you may access the property and most will not allow you to scout in advance. I also drew a buck pronghorn tag at Big Gulch about ten years ago, the guy in charge didn't show up to unlock the gate until after first light and there were about ten trucks lined up waiting. Talk about a shotgun start.

I wouldn't recomend an antler hunt on any RFW you weren't really postive about.

BeanMan