WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…
““You all were so gracious and I truly had a great experience. Derek was phenomenal as a guide.
Thank you Dark Timber Outfitters!”
— Ryan H., California
“Adam was a pleasure to work with. About 3 weeks before the start of 1st rifle season in GMU 61, I received an email notice from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife that I was next in line for a re-issued bull elk tag this season but that I had to notify them if I wanted it by 11 am the next day. I have been applying for this tag for 24 years and did not receive the tag on the initial application this year.
However, my long-time hunting buddy had drawn a bull elk tag for GMU 61. He had thoroughly researched outfitters for GMU 61 and had already booked a hunt with Adam. When I called my friend to tell him the good news, he told me to call Adam. I was able to get in contact with Adam early the next day and explained my situation. To make a long story short, he was able to accommodate me despite the very short notice. I was able to share a hunting adventure with my friend and take the elk of my lifetime.”
— Al W., Indiana
“After decades of applying for Colorado elk hunt Preference Points I was able to draw an elk tag for early rifle season in GMU 61. At 70 years old I knew I needed a guided hunt, and, after considerable research and several phone conversations, I made the decision to go with Adam Gall of Dark Timber Outfitters. The camp is comfortable, with beds, showers, wood stove heat, etc. and it was nice to be able to return there after a day hunting. The food was good with more than enough to eat. The Uncompahgre Plateau is a beautiful area, and the aspen foliage and elk bugling during the rut only added to the experience. I was the only hunter at Dark Timber during this timeframe, so I was fortunate enough to have both Adam and Brandon working with me during the hunt. Adam and Brandon know this area like the back of their hand and are clearly experts on all things elk - where to find them, how to stalk them, their behavior, how to call them, etc. Me taking a bull near the end of our second day hunting was, without a doubt, a direct result of their expertise, preparation and hard work. Adam calling in the bull, and he and Brandon field dressing it in the dark during a thunderstorm with steady rain, thunder and lightning, was an experience I’ll certainly never forget! Adam really emphasizes hunter safety, hunting ethics and takes great care in handling the meat from your elk.
Bottom Line: I highly recommend Adam and his operation.”
— Steve Y., Colorado
"Everything from the scenery, to the food to every member of the Dark Timber team was perfect. The guides were professional, ethical, and witty. Having Deanna and her family there cooking and taking care of us was great and gave the camp a nice, familial vibe. We saw elk every day. Todd is a great guide and a great person. From the interactions I had with the other guides it seemed like they all shared the same ethos. It was also great to hear you talk so passionately about public land hunting, hunting ethics and elk in general. If you had told me I could have bagged a bull on day 1 but would have to miss all the other encounters, I would have said no thanks."
— Matt G., Maine
“Overall, I'm thrilled with how my hunt went. We were in elk every day, I got my bull, and Jerry had a great opportunity on one. Tough to ask for better than that! Good hunting action, comfortable accommodations, great food, knowledgeable guides, hunters and staff ethically aligned with me, and, to top it all off, a bunch of elk meat to take home. Thanks for all you do and all you've done. I will 100% recommend both of your operations to people I know, and I'll wear that hoodie with pride!”
— Michael P., New York
“Excellent experience, would definitely come back again! I drew my tag to hunt unit 62 was thrilled Adam and Dark Timber had an opening to fit me in. The lodge is very nice, clean and in a great location for units 61 and 62. Definitely found a great sense of comradery with the other hunters and guides very quickly. All of the guides were very knowledgeable and did a great job at getting us all looks at elk. Food was excellent, every meal had multiple courses and options which got us all fueled up for the day's hunt. I was fortunate enough to tag out on a nice 5x5 my first day and spent the second morning packing out with the guide. The guys helped me with where to take my meat and head for processing which was done promptly to get me heading back home. Can't say enough about how great the whole experience was. Thanks Adam and all the Dark Timber staff for an amazing trip!”
— Catlin B., Ohio
“My dad and I have been talking about elk hunting for more than 10 years. It was one of those things I just had to put on the calendar and make it happen or it would have become a regret that we never accomplished. I am an experienced public land whitetail hunter from the southeast, I know how to hunt, but I don't know how to hunt elk. I wanted to find a guide that would not only provide a great experience, but also be willing to teach me the why's and how's of the hunt. I wanted to walk away from the trip with the confidence to be a DIY elk hunter. I narrowed my list of outfitters and I decided to book with Adam before we even got off the phone. We booked a rifle hunt in unit 62 for my Dad, my friend Chris, and myself. I can say without question that the actual experience surpassed our lofty expectations in every way. Everything under Adam's control was incredible. The lodge was comfortable and the crackling woodstove made it feel like home. The meals were excellent. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to show us the world of elk hunting. They worked as a team to make sure every hunter had the best possible chance of success. Our guide’s genuine joy when Dad shot his bull on the second morning and I shot mine on the next to last evening cannot be faked. When Chris connected with the biggest bull of the trip on the last morning from a high bluff overlooking a beautiful snow-covered meadow, we were blown away. There is no question we were fortunate, but the hard work and expertise of Adam and his team are what made it possible. I have no doubt, if the experience and value Dark Timber Outfitters provides were public knowledge, they would be booked up for the next five years. Thank you for everything.”
— Josh K., Georgia
"I can't say enough about Adam and the entire experience with Dark Timber Outfitters. From our very first phone interaction to the after-hunt follow-up, I was made to feel like a friend and not just another client. This was my very first hunt and because of the experience provided it certainly won't be my last. Adam and his team created a lifelong, ethical hunter. This is the perfect outfitter for any first-time hunter! I cannot recommend them enough. I will definitely be elk hunting with Dark Timber Outfitters in the future."
— Jessica E., CA
“Dark Timber Outfitters exceeded my expectations during archery elk season. Their hospitality, amazing home cooked meals, and comfortable lodging made time at the cabin enjoyable. The guides were fully prepared and had done their homework to ensure a great hunt for everyone. I would love the opportunity to hunt again with Dark Timber Outfitters.”
— Matt B., South Carolina
A good friend and I hunted with Adam in September 2021 during the second week of Colorado's archery elk season. Adam was gracious enough to allow my 11 year old son Ben to tag along and experience the special autumn beauty of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Our hunt was bookended by excitement, day one started with a 5x5 bull within 20 yards in the first half hour of hunting, but no shot. The latter bookend was a gorgeous cow which sauntered to 15 yards after being drawn in by Adam's expert calling during the last hour of the last day. In between the first and last hours of the hunt, we saw multiple elk, hiked through beautiful public land, witnessed gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, ate wonderful food, stayed in a well apportioned cabin, and had the time of our lives. If you're thinking about going on an elk hunt for the first time, or the fortieth, strongly consider Adam and his crew.
— David S., Tennessee
“This was my first hunt with Dark Timber Outfitters. It was the second week of bow season 2021 and we were experiencing a heat wave that shut the elk down. On day five, the last day of the hunt a bull sounded off up the mountain. At a hundred yards he shows, looking down at the flat I’m set on. At 60 yards he bugles again and commits to my left. I had already decided I would draw as he came around the pine, which was at 15 yards. He’s walking head bobbing from 50 to 40 then 30 now 15 and I draw. Still coming. He’s at nine yards perfectly broad side and stops. I need two more steps for him to be clear of the buck brush for a shot. I see the top of his back, half his front shoulder, neck and head. He starts rubbing two aspens and bugles again. It shakes me to the core. I’m still steady. Pin on waiting for those two steps. Rubs again, then again. The bow is heavy by now and I’ve got to let down. I wait till he starts to rub again to let off my bow. I don’t know if he saw the movement or something made a noise, but he turned, looked at me, turned around and walked right back up the mountain. As he walked off I was thankful at what I had just witnessed. Three elk were killed in my group that week and I wouldn’t have traded any three for the show I witnessed that September morning. My heart is pounding now just trying to put this in perspective.
I want to thank Adam for the awesome team he has built. I want to thank Brandon for tolerating me as we hunted these amazing creatures on public land for all to enjoy. I want to thank Geordie for some of the best dinners ever served at any elk camp bar none. And last but not least the hunters in camp, all wonderful people there to experience what the elk woods of Colorado had to offer.
I will be back!"
— Roger B., TN
“The entire bow hunting experience with Adam and Dark Timber exceeded all expectations. Adam was already calling elk during our hike before sunrise the first morning. We saw and heard elk every day of our trip and had numerous opportunities, but the right shot never presented itself. If you want to challenge yourself, learn a ton, and spend time with great people in some beautiful country, then Adam is the outfitter for you.”
— Cory H.
“Adam and his team provided a very memorable and enjoyable archery elk hunt experience at Dark Timber Lodge. I feel like I learned a decade’s worth of elk hunting knowledge during my 5-day guided hunt. We hunted hard all week and Adam worked tirelessly to get us into elk. It was one of the most fun hunts I’ve had in my 30+ years of hunting, and having a bull come in bugling at 40 yards is not something I’ll soon forget. Dark Timber Lodge provides a comfortable and convenient base camp for hunting elk, and I can’t wait to get back and hunt there again.”
— Mark S.
“Just wanted to say thank you for a fantastic hunting trip! You certainly went above and beyond to get us on elk. Everything was absolutely top notch, from the lodging and food to the guiding, I simply couldn’t ask for more. You’re not just a good guide, but an excellent teacher as well. I learned more in five days of hunting with you than I have in years of hunting on my own. I would definitely recommend you to anyone interested in an elk hunt, and am looking forward to hunting with you again in the future. Thanks.”
— Ben N.
“I can’t thank you guys enough for the awesome experience I had during archery season! I feel a bit spoiled after having such comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and a freezer full of meat in such a short time! I was telling Brandon how much I enjoyed hunting (the day before we killed my bull) even though I’d yet to kill an animal. I knew it was going to be a lifelong obsession. Now that I’ve gotten to experience the thrill of stalking an elk and taking a shot from 10 yards with my bow, I’m officially hooked! I learned a ton from my short time with Dark Timber Outfitters, I can’t wait to get back out there to pursue those majestic animals! Thanks again.”
— Jake H.
“I hunted with Adam in the archery season of 2017 and while the weather never gave us a chance, he never gave up. We hunted hard everyday whether it was raining, sleeting, snowing or the wind was so hard you couldn’t walk straight. He knows the country inside out and found elk every day. Adam loves the hunt and his determination is awesome. You will not find another guide to work harder for you. I do plan on hunting with him again.”
— Keith
“Dark Timber Lodge was an ideal basecamp and outfitter for hunting elk. Adam provided me with critical local knowledge and set me up perfectly for success. Also, the food at Dark Timber was outstanding and with a friendly staff. The place just feels like the quintessential hunt lodge. It was an amazing experience and rewarding to come home with a cooler full of elk meet and a large rack that will always be a reminder of a great hunt. The only thing better will be doing it again!”
— Chris
“Just wanted to take a moment to say a few words about my archery elk hunt in unit 61 with Dark Timber Outfitters. It took 21 years of preference points to draw this tag and I wanted to give myself the best opportunity for success. Dark Timber could not have been a better choice. Adam did a lot of preseason scouting and kept me informed with text messages and pictures. I have hunted with many outfitters, and this never happens. At 62 years old the hunt was very challenging, but Adam was encouraging and pushed me to put everything possible into the hunt. The bulls were less than cooperative but Adam’s knowledge had us into elk every day. I had chances to fill my tag with nice bulls but could not close the deal. After hard days chasing elk, the lodge was warm and welcoming. With hot showers, a warm fire and fantastic food we were in good shape to give chase again the next day. Success is not always measured in inches of antler that you haul home. Sometimes it’s measured in the effort you gave, the friends you make and the memories of a great hunt. Dark Timber Outfitters made my hunt a success.”
— Dale C.
“I can’t say enough good things about the experience we had at Dark Timber Lodge. My husband and I have rifle hunted elk in Colorado before, but this trip topped them all. Adam and his team of guides were professional and extremely knowledgeable. I learned more in five days than I have in all of my other trips combined. We also saw and came close to more elk than I ever have before on public land — our guide was immediately calling them in on opening day! The scenery and landscape were breathtaking and the lodge was very comfortable. It was so nice to come back each night to a warm fire, a good meal, and a hot shower after hunting hard all day. Being the only woman in the group at that time, I appreciated the privacy that I was offered and the friendly, inclusive atmosphere of all the staff and other hunters. We will definitely be going back again — next time for archery season. We’re looking forward to it!”
— Dianne M.
“This was my first big hunt out west so being from the east coast, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. The hunting was spectacular, the scenery was amazing, but the only thing that I tried to prepare for but couldn’t was the altitude difference but after two days you get used to it. Adam was my guide and he was great! He has obviously put in a lot of what I call “sweat equity” in hiking and knowing where the elk are and when they are there. The lodge was fantastic. We had comfortable beds to sleep in, hot showers, and the food was excellent! I got a great bull the last day of the hunt that I ironically passed on a few days earlier but boy was it worth it! All in all, I had an excellent experience and would highly recommend Dark Timber Outfitters to anyone who is looking for a great elk hunt!”
— Tyler P.
“Dark Timber Lodge is the real deal. Adam and his guides are excellent and go out of their way to make the experience first class. My brother and I booked our first western elk hunt (we're TX whitetail and waterfowlers) with the goal of learning as much as we could so we can one day start doing it DIY. We chose Adam and Dark Timber Outfitters/Timber to Table because of their conservation ethos and teaching and hunting philosophy. Adam was super accommodating, answering a ton of questions before the trip and getting us set up right. Marshall was a phenomenal guide who always had a smile on his face (as did the other DTO guides). Marshall has a motor on him and is tenacious in both getting on bulls and on pack outs. They got us into elk the first day and my brother and I both shot and killed bulls - me in the morning and my brother in the evening - and we now have completely unrealistic expectations of public land elk hunting! Even with both tagging out the first day, Marshall and the crew at Dark Timber kept us out in the mountains bear hunting, seeing country, and helping out other hunters in the cabin. It was an awesome all-around experience. I'd be remiss to not mention the amazing food that Aunt Debie was cooking up - she was prepping amazing meals and was just a wonderful person to talk to. While we're looking forward to eventually doing DIY, Dark Timber Lodge was so great I can't wait to be back.”
— Derek and Adam T., Texas
“I signed up for a guided hunt with the hopes of seeing Elk - but never imagined we would have TWO BULLS down 45 yards apart! What a finish to an incredible trip! We hunted consistently and hard for our entire trip, getting a chance to explore all the different terrain and hunting styles that went well with each area we hunted - stalking dark timber, glassing ridges, exploring aspen parks. During our hunt, Adam would give us clear feedback on animals, weather, options - and made decisions based on exactly what my hunting partner and I agreed on. Adam pushed us when we wanted to go hard, and was incredibly determined to get us on opportunities. I won’t stop at saying Adam has “high ethics” - Adam sets the bar for ethics. In the woods hunting, caring for the animals and meat, managing his clients and their experience. I would recommend this outfit to anyone who wants to experience Mountain West elk hunting. Even though I learned enough and am confident going on my own, a friend and I both signed up for a Dark Timber hunt in 2022. It’s more than a hunt trip, it’s a full experience! Great camaraderie, fantastic meals from scratch, hot showers - and a crew that was ready to go and highly focused on our time to hunt.”
— Ben T., Colorado
“After 22 years of applying for preference points in Colorado, my dad and uncle each drew a tag for 1st rifle in unit 61. They put their trust in me to pick a guide. Adam Gall with Dark Timber Outfitters answered the call. We had several questions regarding the hunt for the two Midwest boys. Adam answered them up front and honestly. Dark Timber Outfitters is where we were headed.
Upon arrival, we were instantly met with guides and staff, happy to make us feel right at home. The lodge was spacious and clean, and the cooking and friendliness were second to none.
The next several days in the elk woods were everything we expected and far more. We had close encounters with elk without success the first two days. However, that all changed on the third afternoon. My uncle successfully harvested his bull over a waterhole. My dad would continue that success by harvesting a bull within the last hour of shooting light of the fourth day.
I am grateful to have partaken in my dad and uncle’s elk hunt with Adam and Dark Timber Outfitters. I cannot say enough good things about Adam and his operation. I myself will be booking an archery elk hunt with them and recommend anyone looking into going on a guided elk hunt to do the same."
— Dustin D., Wisconsin
“I booked my first western big game hunt with Dark Timber Outfitters after reading some great articles about Adam and his team. I had no idea what I was getting into even though I have hunted whitetails in the south. Adam and his team of guides did an amazing job of preparing me for the days ahead with knowledge that I will use for the rest of my hunting life. My guide, Brandon, worked his tail off to get me on elk. There was some pressure that week with the muzzleloader opening but that didn't matter to Brandon. He got me down in places people didn't want to go and we got on elk almost every day. 20 yards from a screaming bull one day and 40 from a silent raking bull the next. The experience was amazing from beginning to end. The meals were more than I could eat and way better than I could have asked for. I will be back as soon as I can book another trip!”
— Ben L., Alabama
“I had an incredible experience with Dark Timber Outfitters during second rifle season. I am a new hunter and had great guidance from Adam leading up to the hunt on how to prepare. During the hunt, Adam shared his vast knowledge of animal tracking and behavior. He is such a great teacher and motivator, all the while working incredibly hard to get us on elk. I ended up harvesting an incredible bull and enjoyed the learning experience of processing the elk in the field. Adam’s dedication to ethical hunting was truly inspiring and exactly the experience I was looking for. The icing on the cake was the comfortable accommodations and the amazing food (and cookies). I am eternally grateful for this amazing first hunting experience and I can’t wait to come back and hunt again.”
— Carrie Y., Wisconsin
“The hunter was my granddaughter Kylie, age 15. It was an event we had planned since she was ten years old, and made me promise to take her on her first elk hunt.
I had 33 years with the USFS, and have shot elk in three states myself. So my expectations of standard of performance are high. And Timber to Table Outfitters exceeded every expectation.
Accommodations present the perfect balance between a minimalist tent camp, and a luxury lodge devoid of a real "in the woods" setting.
Your staff of guides are undoubtedly among the best. Their endless energy, knowledge of the woods and elk behavior, and commitment to the hunter.....well, it is just amazing.
Kylie did have her opportunity to shoot at a bull, a nice 6x6. Although the bull reacted as if hit, several hours of searching did not find any physical evidence (hair, blood, distorted tracks) verifying a wound.
You took the time to have a private conversation with her, and her father, Matt regarding that matter. It was decided to let her continue the hunt.
Although Kylie had no further shot chance, it was during the remaining days that I believe she grew as a hunter and sportsperson. Her focus shifted from merely wanting to shoot something, to an awareness and appreciation of the full aspect of hunting. She would comment on the beauty of the woods, the effort and knowledge needed to go on such a hunt. In short, she matured as a hunter in her very first outing.
As a grandfather, and a hunter of sixty years, I am extremely grateful for your efforts in providing that experience.
In wrapping this up, please feel free to share this letter with any clients, permitting agencies, or media coverage you may receive.
I wish you continued success in your efforts, and congratulate your hunter success rate during our season. As I recall, four of five novice elk hunters had shot opportunities. Three returned home with their bull elk. One hundred per cent have lifetime memories.”
— Ralph W., Michigan
