Colorado Elk Guide...Action Adventures

[dnurk]

Good morning folks.   I did a search and read through numerous threads on here regarding guided elk hunts (lots of good stuff and opinions.)  I'm researching a number of outfitters but wanted to see if anyone here has experience with Action Adventures  

   Action Adventures website

My hunting buddy and I are researching for a place to go in 2016 and he ended up talking with this outfitter.  He was impressed with the conversation but I have some concern with the stated shot opportunity rate he provided (it was lower than I would have expected...)    FWIW they apparently hunt GMUs 65 and 66.

I'd love to get any help (in this thread of via PM) you might be able to offer.

Also for what it's worth, we are more interested in large numbers of elk and seeing lots of wildlife than harvesting a "trophy" animal.

Thanks in advance TradGang.

[Whip]

I don't know anything about them. But my opinion is that stated "shot opportunity" is sometimes misused  and exaggerated by some outfitters.  To some, seeing an elk within 80 yards is a shot opportunity.  Others are more reasonable with their definition.  

My own opinion is that a shot opportunity is when I actually take a shot or pass up a shot on an animal that I decide not to take because I'm looking for something bigger. Broadside at 50 yards is not a shot opportunity for me.  A full on frontal at 20 yards is not a shot opportunity for me.  Most outfitters would count those as two shot opportunities.
 
Your best bet is to get references with people that have actually hunted with him including those that did not fill a tag.  Have a list of questions for them and make note of what they tell you about their experiences.

[The Night Stalker]

Dave, I will send you an email after work. Probably in your best interest to talk to me on the phone. Tim in NC

[Scott E]

Wow his rates are very reasonable. I don't think I've seen a Elk hunt for under 3k before.

I would say it's definitely worth looking into. I might just join you in 2016.

[BigErn]

Been looking at the same outfitter!
                          Ernie

[widow sax]

What Whip said is good advice really research any guide you are thinking about using. If you do your homework you can have a great time with a good guide. The kill percentage for archery is very low in any state and for trad it is lower. If the area the guide is hunting is good you should see animals but in now way does that mean you will get a shot. You can not judge your hunt on the killing you have to judge it on the experience you have trying to get the kill. CALL a lot of references like every person that hunted with him last year they will not mind I know I didn't when I was called for one of the only two times I used a guide.    Widow

[wingnut]

Do your homework!  It's a hard lesson when you don't.  Talk to all the hunters from at least last year and have a script of questions.  Also ask if there are any questions you should be asked.  Although price can be an influence there is usually a reason the price is lower then others.  

If you decide to go with an outfitter, communicate your expectations and understand theirs via email. Surprises are not good when your in the middle of no where and the guide tells you to shoot when the bull is 80 yds out.

I went through the same process the last couple of years for a drop camp outfitter in CO.  We believe we have a good one but will let you know after our hunt in September.

Mike

[Tall Paul]

A really top-notch outfitter won't just give you 3 or 4 references to call, he'll give you the names and numbers for EVERYBODY that hunted with him last year. Admittedly, these are hard to find.

Hope you guys find a great hunt to go on! Bowhunting elk in the Colorado high country is beautiful!

[dnurk]

Thanks for the responses folks.  We are definitely doing our homework here.   Already called and emailed dozens and still looking for the right one.

[monterey]

When I read his description of their muzzleloader hunts, it just rang with over hype in my brain.  Basically he promises that you will get several opportunities at big bulls!

[dnurk]

After doing the research on them we decided this isn't the right fit for us.  We will keep looking elsewhere.