HUNTING

Premier Big Game Hunting in the Cradle of Wilderness

The Territory:
GMU 24 & The Flat Tops

The Heartland of Colorado Big Game Trappers Lake Lodge sits at the gates of Game Management Unit (GMU) 24, part of the White River National Forest. This isn't just any hunting ground; it is the heart of the Flat Tops, home to one of the largest migratory elk herds in North America.

  • The Landscape: Your hunt will take you through a diverse mosaic of dark timber, vast aspen groves, and high-alpine plateaus reaching over 11,000 feet.

  • The Game: While famous for Elk, GMU 24 also offers exceptional opportunities for Mule Deer and increasingly frequent Moose sightings.

Hunting Packages

  • The ultimate "Pack-In" experience. We provide the camp; you provide the hunt.

    • The Setup: We pack you and your gear into a remote, pre-set wall tent miles from the nearest road.

    • What’s Included:

      • Pack-in/pack-out via horseback.

      • Wall tent with heating & cooking stoves.

      • Cots, firewood, propane, and camp furniture.

    • Your Responsibility: Bring your own food, sleeping bag, and personal hunting gear.

    • Best For: Hunters wanting a head start in prime territory without the heavy lifting.

    Archery & Muzzleloader: $2,700 per person

    First Rifle: $2,900 per person

  • If you’re interested in a “do it yourself” hunt, we can pack you, your personal gear and supplies to an area of your choice and return on a scheduled day to pack you out. 

    $150 per wrangler-each way
    $150 per riding horse-each way
    $150 per pack horse-each way
    $550-$850 game pack

    More than 5 horses - additional wrangler is required.

    Call for a quote and for any questions about this individualized package.

    *Some limitations do apply depending on dates and locations

    Gear Drops ARE NOT AVAILABLE AFTER OCTOBER 3rd!

  • The comfort of a cabin with the wilderness at your doorstep.

    • The Setup: Stay in a private, rustic cabin at the Lodge and hunt the surrounding GMU 24 terrain.

    • What’s Included:

      • Warm bed and hot shower every night.

      • Onsite dining (don't miss the Prime Rib!).

      • Convenient access to trailheads and the lake corridor.

    • Best For: Hunters who prefer a warm basecamp and a hearty meal after a long day in the field.

  • Don’t break your back—let our horses do the heavy lifting.

    • The Service: Professional wranglers and pack horses to retrieve your harvest from the field.

    • Availability: Offered to both Lodge guests and DIY hunters.

    • Important: This service is subject to availability. You must coordinate with Alan to discuss "on-call" pack-out support.

    Game pack is $550 - $850 depending on weight and location.

    • This includes one wrangler and 2 pack horses. Additional horses are charged on an as needed basis of $165.00 per horse.

    • The animal must be located on a main trail where horses are able to travel. If the animal is through thick timber, on a cliff face or over down logs, it is not in an accessible location for our horses.

    Distances longer than 3 hours one way will incur an additional charge.

    • Inquire for Pricing: Rates vary based on group size and season.

    • Reservations: Spots in GMU 24 fill up 1–2 years in advance.

    • Deposit: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your camp or cabin dates.

Contact

A woman standing outdoors in a mountainous forested area, holding a rope attached to a white horse with large antlers mounted on its saddle. The woman is wearing a dark jacket, a white cap, and sunglasses.
A man crouching on a dirt road holding antlers in front of a dead elk with blood on its head, in a forested area with trees and a parked vehicle in the background.
A dog with black, white, and brown fur sitting on the ground next to a large elk with antlers. The scene is outdoors in a forested area with trees and mountains in the background, and a backpack resting against a tree.
Two men in camouflage hunting outfits standing in a wooded area with a horse loaded with antlers and hunting gear, including a bow and arrows, and a green water bottle.
A snow-covered outdoor scene with a large deer or elk head mounted on a platform, surrounded by various outdoor gear, including a horse wearing a saddle and bridle, a black pickup truck with snow on its hood, and a forest of evergreen trees in the ba
A man standing inside a wooden cabin holding a large deer antler in front of a mounted deer head on the floor. The cabin has wooden walls, shelves with bags and gear, and a window letting in natural light.
A deer skull with antlers resting on a wooden surface inside a room with wooden walls and shelves, some with labels, and a window in the background.
A smiling man in camouflage clothing and a cap kneels among green bushes and tall grass in a forest, holding the antlers of a large elk lying on the ground. The background features dense green pine trees and a rocky hillside.
Person in cowboy hat and outdoor clothing standing in a grassy field, holding a horse's lead, with a white horse carrying large antlers on its back, set against a backdrop of mountains and pine trees.