Colorado Elk season date changes for 2013

[stykbow67]

Was wondering if anybody else had booked a 2013 Elk hunt before they changed the dates and if so how is your outfitter dealing with it? The reason I ask this is because me and a three buddies booked a drop camp hunt in late April for the first week of the season(only available for 2013) which at the time was Aug. 24- Sept 22. Sometime in May, it is my understanding that the CBA lobbied to change the dates to Aug.31-Sept.29 and succeeded. After exchanging a couple E-mails with our outfitter they informed me that they were not aware of any season date changes and said they would check with the DOW and let me know what they found out. After waiting for over a month for a response I got a little impatient and contacted them again and was informed that they would be able to confirm anything til January. It clearly states in the 2013 Regs. that the dates are 8/31-9/29.
   I'm sure everything will workout fine as this is a very reputable outfitter and is a class act. I'm sure most on here would know him but I'm not going to mention any names till it all shakes out.
I'm anxious to hear what people have to say.

Steve

[Matty]

The outfitter should just accommodate you as if it were week 1,2,3or 4 it's a simple adjustment. I'm sure you won't have a problem. I just checked the Dow website and didn't see any changes. IMO the season is way too early.  And the change would be a good one. Shoot it should be 3 weeks later!  Anyway. They should accommodate you no problem..

[DoubleJ1929]

I thought it was always the last Saturday in August?  
Good luck with Outfitter..  Sure he will take care of you.

[fnshtr]

I understand that the dates have been changed because of a CBA request. I think it is great... but I am a DIYer, and retired, so it doesn't affect me.

I could see problems for outfitters as they schedule hunts based on the calendar weeks rather than first week, second week... etc. If they already scheduled someone for what they thought would be the second week... and it ends up the first week... someone has to adjust their vacation request.

Hopefully it doesn't cause anyone a problem.

Good luck!

[stykbow67]

Matty, If you go to the Big Game Hunt Planner from the Season and Dates page of the DOW website you'll see where the confusion lies. I think you'll like what you see!

fnshtr, We have hunted Elk DIY for the last 8-10yrs with very little success other than being able to spend some quality time in the backcountry, So we thought we'd give a drop camp hunt a try and one of our party has to put in for vacation this month for next year so now you can see our dilemma. I'm confident everything will work out, I just wondered if anybody else was in the same boat.

Steve

[fnshtr]

Steve... I did it the opposite way. Went on three drop camp hunts before doing two DIYs. Took my first bull on my second DIY.

Good Luck!!!