One of the five original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act, Mount Zirkel was greatly enhanced by additions in 1980 and 1993. The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to unite the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. Here is what I did on a new place for this year - this 3. All of this wilderness is located in northwestern Colorado and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Susan Werner, area wildlife manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, said 50 licensed hunters are within the boundaries of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness … As a Midwestern hunter accustomed to flat terrain with dense woods and open fields, adjusting to the new terrain was a huge challenge. ben 09-Aug ... Amoebus 10-Aug-07. Zirkel Wilderness Unparalled adventure hunting for high altitude eld and/or deer, plus muzzle loader and archery hunts for elk or deer. Rumor has it Zirkel Wilderness in Colorado. In the normally dry climate of the Rockies, elk seek small pockets of moist areas in late summer and early fall. The book also contains many beautiful pictures by renowned photographer and Colorado resident John Fielder. The closest city is Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Trace! We finally we had encouragement when we heard an elk bugling after dark. Forest Service managers hope to phase out the stocking of non-native brook and rainbow trout in favor of indigenous cutthroats. I knocked an arrow and when she walked broadside into the clearing and stopped, I aimed and released the arrow. Suddenly, Ben saw elk about a hundred yards away. We also heard this from another party later in the hunt. Had I been less tired or more experienced at elk hunting, I would have walked closer to the draw while she approached, or let her pass and stalked. Mt. We could hunt and then set up camp wherever we landed… hopefully near an elk kill. They were packing up and leaving that day but recommended some spots. The Mount Zirkel Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located in Routt National Forest in northwest Colorado. At first we didn’t see any elk, but later that morning, we finally had an encounter. One significant attribute of Mount Zirkel lies in its miles of river valleys. Suddenly, there was the motion of a large animal running away, snapping large branches and twigs. At 12,180 feet, it is the high point in Colorado's Park Range, Routt County, and its namesake wilderness. We caught glimpses of antlers disappearing into the distance. Mt. Interesting Colorado Outdoor Recreation Links. They said they’d seen some elk but they weren’t bugling as much as normal. This wilderness features lush green meadows, snowy alpine tundras, rocky mountains, and flowing rivers. Advice for residents and nonresidents on finding where to hunt, obtaining reliable information, and negotiating the licensing and permitting process—To a beginner—whether resident or nonresident—trying to learn about elk hunting in Montana can seem like entering a secret society. mountzirkelwilderness.com home page, Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area guide guidebook Colorado information, hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, horse packing, horseback riding,and camping information for Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Routt National Forest, Steamboat Springs and Walden Colorado, hiking, backpacking, camping, horse packing, horseback riding trail maps and pictures in the Mount Zirkel … Clark Area The "SUPER ELK CAMP" will be for the Archery, Muzzle loader in September. Zirkel Wilderness. We saw excellent sign of the bull, including the tree a rutting bull had stripped of bark, fresh tracks and scat. Home From that point, we were stuck in the tent for a full 12 hours. U.S. Forest Service Mountain climbers can choose from the fifteen peaks to climb within the wilderness. Zirkel Wilderness area. Neighboring towns: Steamboat Springs, Walden, Hahns Peak. Elk - Mt. Colorado Wilderness Areas, Leave No Before reaching the wilderness though, we had to walk on some ATV trails on the first day of elk hunting season. The hunt was a “non-success” in terms of game meat but nonetheless it was a great adventure and learning experience that deepened my commitment to both elk hunting and conservation efforts that protect backcountry. The two major rivers in the wilderness, the Elk and the Encampment, have both been proposed for official designation as wild and scenic rivers by the Forest Service, and offer many miles of lovely valley hiking. Additionally, given we are hunting remote, tough terrain, deep within the Eagles Nest and Mount Zirkel Wilderness Areas, big bulls are a possibility as are trophy bucks.The country we hunt out of these remote camps typically is between 9,000 to 10,500 feet in elevation. I am proud to say that I hiked to the summit of Mt. Your hunting trip will be a remarkable one when you rely on us. Zirkel W.A. That night, hopeful to see more elk, we planned for a trip to some meadows much deeper into the backcountry while taking our entire camp on our backs. Welcome to Montana Elk Hunting. Home; Destinations. Any info is appreciated. Loading ... How to Remove Elk Ivories with Steven Rinella ... Mount Zirkel Wilderness 2014 - Duration: 6:13. It also ranks number fourteen among Colorado's most prominent peaks. We relocated nearly a thousand feet higher at 8,700 feet. Hunters will have better success and enjoy more solitude by walking into remote areas. Within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, use of motorized or mechanized machinery or vehicles is prohibited. It worked out well since Ben’s an experienced hunter and many grades above yours truly in regards to navigation in the Rockies. Zirkel bull elk in rut Job Seese. Elk have thick skin, seek cool places and eat green grass. So, we called but to no avail. Experience Guided Hunting in Steamboat Springs, CO. Plan an exciting trip into nature by taking advantage of our guided hunting in Steamboat Springs, CO. At CPO, we offer a number of exciting excursions into the wilderness, allowing you to experience the amazing hunting … Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, Steamboat Springs Picture: Mica Lake, Mt. Drop camps are a popular method to hunt the trophy elk and mule deer of the area, with the quiet and calm of nature surrounding you at night. Wilderness be with you". In one moment, you’re in thick, gnarly timber with small openings that cause you to overestimate distance. After working that area, we walked up high hoping to use the ridges to cross about a mile and a half of ground and reach a trail that would take us back – all while doing some hunting on the way. ... but why not experiment and come up with something that works great for your plots and your hunting land? Sizeable herds of elk and mule deer use the wilderness as habitat grounds. We guessed it to be half a mile or less away, but it ended up being much closer. ben 11-Aug-07. Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. The Area was one of the five original wilderness areas that were designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act. The next morning, we intended to hunt the same pond, but by navigating through the thick timber and deadfall in the moonlight and with minimal use of our headlamps, we ended up a couple hundred yards to the left on a steep hillside of pines, aspens and green grass. I watched as the clouds thickened and the rain intensified. Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area Part of the Routt National Forest, Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area is restricted to non-motorized travel, meaning access is on foot or horseback. Mt. On the way, we met a group of hunters from Kansas who had a large camp and horses. Thank you. your own Pins on Pinterest The 1980 enlargement added the Mad Creek watershed, among others, and the 1993 addition included 12 miles of the Encampment River near Davis Peak. Elk Hunting in Colorado GMU 14 ... success and enjoy more solitude by walking into remote areas. Its true that these days manufactured Click ← go back to visit the previous page. Hunting Seasons, Colorado Wilderness Map I had made a common mistake for terrain like that. They had a fire somewhere in that area the other day don't know how bad it got but might check with DOW to see.Somewher e about 25 miles north of Steam Boat Springs and the size was around 35000 acres. We quickened our pace and started cow calling, hoping to draw them to us and cover our approach. NOTE: coloradowilderness.com gratefully appreciates the eloquent descriptions of our wilderness areas provided by Mark Pearson, author of "The Complete Guide to Colorado's Wilderness Areas", Westcliffe Publishers, Englewood, CO. 4 am start at Slavonia trail head and reached the summit at 10:30 am. Trailheads from every direction. modular homes have the most recent designs which make Colorado Colorado Weather Conditions I thought the cow was 40 yards away, but it was actually 60 yards. Most people don't realize that Colorado It was a clean miss. There is no middle ground. Swapping beta for the next two hundred miles in either direction, we set off toward the Mt. Hunting is also available, however, a state license is required for both hunting and fishing through the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Being in the wilderness is a challenge, but it’s also a relief from noise, pressures of everyday life, cell phones and the omnipresent media. All of this wilderness is located in northwestern Colorado and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. We concluded the elk had to be higher up, as the weather was warm, signs were old, and we heard no bulls bugling or cows mewing. About 4200 vertical feet and 11 miles to summit. My “training” as a hunter kicked in. This year , myself and a buddy are planning a DIY OTC archery elk hunt in the Mt. That night it began raining at dinner and was still going when we woke at 3 a.m. We were wrong when we concluded it would soon pass. Neighboring towns: Steamboat Springs, Walden, Hahns Peak. The USFS issued us permits to run “Super Elk Camps”, Drop Camps, High Altitude fully guided Deer and Elk Hunts in the Mt. BTW, Mt Zirkel Wilderness has some really rough terrain. Zirkel W.A. BIGHORN 11-Aug-07. Simply put, Mount Zirkel is one of the best mountains in Colorado. It was much tougher than anticipated. Steamboat Lake – Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, pack trips, and more in the Routt National Forest and stunning Mount Zirkel Wilderness. The wilderness is named after Mount Zirkel, the highest peak in the range at 12,182 feet (3,713 m), which itself is named after German geologist Ferdinand Zirkel. Zirkel Wilderness Areas access is restricted to non-vehicle methods. Mount Zirkel and its lakes owe their current shape to Pleistocene glaciation 15,000 years ago. Even though we were in a wilderness area inaccessible to motorized transportation, the area was used by elk hunters and some others traveling on horseback. Government information and links are at the bottom of this page. From: ben. There, we saw elk sign, including bull rubs, but they appeared to be old. Guides & Outfitters You couldn’t see across the canyon, and the entire sky and surroundings were gray. His skills using USGS maps, a GPS and a compass were a huge help. Located near Steamboat Springs in north central Colorado, the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area is managed by the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. I thought there was alot of pressure anywhere there was reasonable access unless you got into the wilderness pretty far. Contributors to this thread: ben 09-Aug-07. "May the Peace of the County Routt, Grand Size 382 Square Miles (244,527 Acres) Land Ownership. I thanked myself for having a … Zirkel Wilderness Area is one of the most beautiful places to hike imaginable, with trails of all lengths and levels of difficulty. According to biologists, it is possible that the hundreds of glacial lakes in Mount Zirkel never supported reproducing fisheries. In each case, Congress augmented the ecological integrity of the wilderness by combining vital low-elevation forests and rivers with the rocky alpine spine of the Park Range. As she walked into the opening, Ben saw her and advised me to get ready to shoot. Hunting pressure is heavy. homes are perfect for starting a family because Colorado He also understood that different slope directions effect weather, sunlight, vegetation and the direction of storms and wind. There will surely be something for everyone in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance webiste is designed to provide valuable articles about hunting, fishing and conservation for members of AFL-CIO affiliated labor unions and all sportsmen and sportswomen who appreciate hunting and fishing and want to preserve our outdoor heritage for future generations. If you get into the areas without trails, you might find yourself in over your head, which is not necessarily a bad thing - it's how you learn your real limits. Activities in Mount Zirkel Wilderness. As we traveled, we heard a bugle, but some distance off. By this time, we had walked 12 hours, with a few short breaks, while carrying about 50 pounds on our backs and our bows in hand. There was concern about reaching the trail before dark, but suddenly, there it was. Your email address will not be published. On the opening morning we were kept in camp by a rather heavy wet snow that did not stop until around 10 AM at which time the sun came out and we saddled up our horses to take a quick look for elk tracks, intending to return to camp for a quick lunch. A good portion was rugged uphill hiking, which took more than three hours. Then when you come upon an open draw and look at a large animal, you underestimate distance. Major rivers flow from countless glacial lakes along this northernmost stretch of Colorado's Continental Divide. Mt. Zirkel Wilderness. We started by hiking the Swamp Park Trail to the South Fork Mad Creek canyon where we camped. One cow went in a different direction than the others and looped around behind us into a draw we had just walked through. Zirkel Wilderness Elk. Where to go Hunting. Full Story The spooked bull was gone, but my heart pounded as I shook with excitement! We also saw mule deer, blue grouse and some black bears. Ben has spent lots of time in Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains hunting mule deer and scouting elk, but this was his first elk hunt. Interesting Colorado Outdoor Recreation Links This Wilderness area is home to the headwaters of the Elk, Encampment and North Platte Rivers, as well as some 70 lakes, high mountain peaks (including the 12,180 foot-tall Mount Zirkel for which it is named) and a portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Our guided pack-in Wilderness Hunts are offered within prime country for elk and mule deer. Colorado Division of Wildlife In the pre-dawn hours, we packed up and began the day’s hunt. Ben was still impressed that I didn’t skip a beat after the grueling walk. manufactured homes have great structure which last for years. We’re locals, and we always know when and where the fish are biting, and we’re happy to … Colorado Elk Hunting in the Mt. A major feature of … After relocating, we saw more elk sign. This Wilderness area is home to the headwaters of the Elk, Encampment and North Platte Rivers, as well as some 70 lakes, high mountain peaks (including the 12,180 foot-tall Mount Zirkel for which it is named) and a portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Flat Tops Wilderness Video, Colorado Chambers of Commerce The common belief was the elk were less active due to the massive amounts of green grass around this year, which came from the combination of a snowy winter, wet summer and warm weather. I live in southwest Missouri and have hunted white tails religiously since the day I could carry a bow. At 5 a.m., we were ready to take our tent down after packing our gear and eating a breakfast of coffee, muesli, powdered milk and bacon. Soon, we met some hunters from Iowa who said they’d experienced less elk activity than years past and killed nothing this year, which was uncommon. Afterward, we’d travel back or start packing out a kill the following day and head for home. One of the five original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act, Mount Zirkel was greatly enhanced by additions in 1980 and 1993. It was on a steep hill covered by dark, thick timber on a plateau leading to a meadow and pond. If you would like your own story and experience from the outdoors to be considered for our website, please email us at USAmembers@unionsportsmen.org. We found a good area with a grassy meadow below a steep aspen ridge. 09-Aug-07. Government information and links are at the bottom of this page. We plan to arrive a day before the opener to try to get acclimated to the higher altitude and do a little scouting. Ben dissented slightly; he thought the elk were more cautious due to the hunting pressure. Additional Info. We hadn’t had time to get out our rangefinders. All - plan on hunting the Mt Zirkel Wilderness north of Steamboat Springs the 2nd or 3rd rifle season. Wilderness hunting teaches you that you don’t need that much sometimes – simple meals and a dry place in the tent will do. Visibility went down to a mere two or three hundred yards. Because of the great attraction of the lakes, camping is prohibited within a quarter mile of many of them. Anyone have any experience in this area? Hunting pressure may create refuge situations on the private lands in GMUs 13, 131, 214 and 441. My plan is to hike in with my gear 3-6 miles and try and locate a nice mulie. Mt. Finally, the showers weakened, and we saw bits of sunshine. Menu. We were slowly working a ridge line when we heard a bugle in front of us. A high-country buck season also has started in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/mount-zirkel-wilderness While making a few cow calls along the way, we approached as quietly as possible. My movements would’ve been hidden by the small aspens and pines at the edge of the draw. ; Summit County – Hunt the largest elk heard in the world and trophy mule deer in the White River National Forest and the majestic Eagles Nest Wilderness. Drop camps and “Super Camps” are also available, only in September. After nearly being ready to give up on hunting, I was again ready to shoot an elk now that we found the trail. Elk - Mt. There was a post on here from last Fall that described some of the difficulties. Meeker Colorado, Northern Ute Tribe Each step was taken with great care, but our caution wasn’t enough. For the next day and a half, we hunted the nearby woods and meadows, climbing up to an open hillside to glass down into the canyon. We climbed up several hundred feet in elevation and walked down and up a steep canyon with tons of deadfall. John Fielder Each elk season we would put up an elk camp about 15 miles (horseback only) northwest of Strawberry Park in the MT Zirkel wilderness area. A decent number of accolades for a mountain in a state which contains over 1,000 higher peaks. But this year, green grass was abundant. homes some of the most contemporary homes available. Contact Webmaster. Located in Routt National Forest. Zirkel Wilderness - Check out Tripadvisor members' 7,774 candid photos and videos of Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area When you want to enjoy the relaxed pace of sportfishing, we’ll show you the best fishing spots throughout the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area. Our guess was the swirling winds brought our scent to the elk. ben 09-Aug-07. unionsportsmen.org/first-elk-hunting-adventure-in-the-zirkel-wilderness Discover (and save!) We headed in their suggested direction and found a remote meadow with low-lying wet areas surrounding it. We missed our spot but were in good elk habitat, so we decided it was a good spot for our hunt. Zirkel (GMU 14) and Sarvis Creek (GMU 15) Wilderness Areas access is restricted to non-vehicle methods. Due to last minute changes, my normal hunting partner, Rita, was unable to go. At 5:30 p.m., we left to hunt nearby as the sky finally turned blue. However, since well over half of all visitors here fish, aerial stocking of these high mountain lakes will likely continue. She heard the noise of the arrow and quickly trotted off. However, she recruited her fellow Minneapolis firefighter, Ben Pena, to join me. 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