The best advice that I can give you is to start
planning your hunt at least one year in
advance.
Sleep Apnea -Hunters with sleep apnea that need to be on a breathing machine at night ( CPAP Machine ) need to let us know prior to your hunt so that we can accommodate to your special needs. You will also need to bring a battery pack for you CPAP machine to get you through the night while the generator is off.
OXYGEN - Hunters on full or part time oxygen are advised not to hunt in our elevation. The determination of your capabilities to hunt or not will depend on your medical advisors and our staff.
Hunts are also called seasons: example the 2nd hunt is the 2nd season.
If you choose to make payments see hunt dates & pricing page. Non-hunting guest are charged $ 750.00 per season and their payment is due in full before April 1st of the year you plan to attend. NON-HUNTERS CANNOT CARRY A WEAPON OR GO IN THE FIELD. NON-HUNTERS THAT HAVE A TAG WITH THEIR NAME ON IT MUST PAY HUNTER PRICES. NON-HUNTERS THAT WISH TO GO IN THE FIELD MUST PAY HUNTER PRICES.
Reservation Policy - Your reservation is confirmed upon receipt and clearance of your full payment or your 1st quarter deposit by February 1st of the year you plan to hunt with us. We take only a limited number of hunters, so an early booking is the only way to ensure a hunt of your choice. Hunts are booked on a first come first serve basis.
Deposits: Deposits are non-refundable, but if the reason for cancellation is beyond our or your control (family emergency, forest fire, acts of war, mother nature etc...) we will do everything we can to transfer you to a future date.
Unsuccessful Draw Results: Hunters that are unsuccessful in the draw results will be moved to the next year with no price increase.
* License fees and gratuities are not included in the price of the hunt.
License fees - All licenses have a $ 8.00 Resident non-refundable application fee, or a $ 10.00 Non-Resident non-refundable application fee plus .25 cent search and rescue fee and a $ 1.50 surcharge for the Wildlife Management Public Education Fund.
Habitat Stamp - A Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp is required of people ages 18-64 who buy hunting or fishing licenses. With a license purchase a stamp is $ 11.50 and required with licenses bought in a calendar year. The stamp also allows access to state wildlife areas or state trust lands leased by the DOW. A Lifetime Habitat Stamp is $345.11
Gratuities - Tipping is like anywhere else you receive a service and is considered customary & courteous to leave 15 - 20 % of the cost of your hunt. REMEMBER GUIDES DO NOT GET PAID - THEY WORK FOR YOU AND FOR TIPS ONLY.
Arriving & Departing - Please plan to arrive on your arrival date and depart on your departure date due to other hunters occupying the lodge for their hunt season.
Early arrival and/or late departure - In order for our hunters to experience the best hunt possible we cannot allow hunters to arrive early or depart late as it interferes with the staff preparing for our new arrival hunters.
All hunters should plan to arrive one day before the actual hunt starts and should plan to depart the day after the actual hunt ends. Hunters that plan to arrive earlier than this or leave later than this should plan to rent a rental car and stay at a hotel in Craig until your arrive time as we will not be able to accommodate you due to other hunters lodging at the ranch. We will also be preparing for your arrival and not be available for airport transportation. Please make sure that you select the correct dates for your travels as we will not be responsible for hotel and/or rental car fees that you incur due to incorrect arrive dates on your part.
Zeroing in your weapon - Shots are from 100 - 400 yards. We ask that hunters try to arrive at the Ranch around lunch time so you can zero in your weapon and purchase your licenses/tags before dinner. All hunters should be comfortable and confident shooting at 400 yards.
Type of weapon - you should be using at least 300 Mag, 7 MM Mag or comparable weapon. You should also use 150 grain bullets. Single shot rifles are not recommended.
Shooting Distance - we recommend that you feel comfortable shooting 300-400 yards.
Applying for your tags - You an only apply for your tags on-line. This prevents human error on paper. ( If you need help applying for your tag(s) online refer to our instruction sheet or contact Shari).
Last 2nd & Last 3rd Season Hunters be advised you need to purchase your tags before the 2nd season & 3rd Season starts. ALL TAGS MUST BE PURCHASED BEFORE ANY SEASON THAT YOU ARE HUNTING IN STARTS.
Licenses & Tags are the same thing.
Success Rate - If the weather cooperates - Antelope/Pronghorn 100% opportunity - Mule deer 100 % opportunity - Elk 70 % opportunity.
Guarantee -This is not a high fence hunting area, the animals in this area are free roaming animals and are not predictable, also due to the fact that a hunter's bullet does not always hit its target when shot, we do not guarantee you an animal. We do however put you in the best possible areas to give you the best odds of tagging your animal(s). Weather also plays an important part of the hunt. Antelope/Pronghorn are prone to be out during hot sunny days mule deer and elk are prone to be out during the colder snowy days. Elk will especially start to move to lower elevations once the snow starts. We cannot guarantee cold weather or snow. If you would like a guaranteed hunt we will be more than happy to provide you with a few high fenced outfitters. The cost of these hunts usually range from $13,000.00 to $30,000.00.
Land Voucher - We apply for deer vouchers every year, ( IF ) we are successful in getting them and you do not successfully draw your deer tag we ( MAY ) have deer vouchers that you can purchase from us plus the price of your tag. You will also need to purchase your Habitat Stamp if applicable. We encourage you to apply for your animal tag regardless of land owner voucher success.
Late arrivals on the day before you hunt - For hunters arriving too late to zero in your weapon; you will be taken to the shooting range the next morning after our hunters are dropped off at their designated positions.
GMU - Game Management Unit: Our GMU's are 11, 211 and sometimes unit 3.
DOW - is now CPW.
CPW - Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
BIG GAME REGULATION BROCHURE: Hunters can download the Big Game Regulation Brochure from the Colorado Division of Wildlife web site: http://cpw.state.co.us
CID # - A CID # is the number the DOW gives you when you apply for your license; it is your specific personal lifetime #. First time hunters will not have a CID #, you will receive one when you purchase your tags. Conservation numbers no longer apply.
Why we need your information - We need your CID # - Social Security # - Hunter Safety # and Drivers License #, on file as an outfitter per CPW.
Hunter Safety Education Card - Hunters born on or after January 1, 1949 must have completed an approved firearm hunter education course or bow hunter education course ( for archery licenses only ) sanctioned by a state or province before applying for purchasing a license. Colorado honors hunter safety courses from other states and provinces. You must present an original hunter safety card when buying a license. You must carry your hunter education card when hunting unless you personally go to a CPW office and get verified by a CPW agent then there will be a ( V ) printed after your hunter safety card number on your license.
Lost hunter safety cards - If you have lost your original hunter safety card you can print one on-line.( Google it ) under copy of hunter safety education card in the state you took the course in. CPW considers the online copy an original.
Some states won't print one out but will mail you one. Depending on what state you live in there may or may not be a charge for your duplicate card.
Getting Verified - ( If you get verified it means that you have been legally cleared with and by DOW and the word there will be a ( V ) printed on any licenses that you purchase after your hunter safety #, if you have that ( V ) printed on your license you will not have to carry your hunter safety card with you ) have your hunter safety card, drivers license and social security # with you and stop by any CPW office to get verified. Once verified it is good for a lifetime and well worth taking the time to do. Check your licenses to be sure you have a ( V ) printed on it before you leave the store you bought it from.
Applying for tags on-line - SEE ONLINE APPLYING INSTRUCTIONS PAGE FOR EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. You can no longer apply by mail in applications.
Application Deadline – Don’t miss the application deadline (First week in April) apply as soon as you receive your Big Game Book.
Transportation - We pick-up and drop-off from the Yampa Valley Regional Airport for no additional fee, locals also call it the Hayden/Steamboat airport. The YVRA is 1 and ½ hours from the lodge. If you fly into Denver and rent your own car the travel time is approximately 5 hours depending on the weather. You will also want to verify that mountain passes are open. ( Rabbit Ears Pass etc. ) We recommend that you try to schedule your arrival flight for early afternoon so you will have time to zero in your weapon eat dinner and attend the MANDATORY after dinner hunting meeting.
Nearest Town - Maybell is the nearest town ( about 30 minutes away ) but be advised it only has a Post Office, gas, and the Maybell Store ( a Jiffy Store ), the store does have a wide variety of supplies.
Nearest larger town - Craig is the nearest larger town ( about an hour away ) and has everything from restaurants to Wal-Mart.
Weather - everything out here depends on the weather from hunting to travel. We'll order in snow and cold weather but we don't always get what we want. The moon phases also play a part in your hunt.
Processing your animal - our guides will quarter your animal or take it to Fitch Artisan Meat Company ( 970-824-3855 ) - Formaly Brother's Custom Meats - in Craig for processing for you and you can either pick it up on your way home or have it shipped home. Ask Shari for processing fees. Processing fees may change without notice.
Guided and Semi-Guided hunts. All hunts are guided and semi-guided. Guides take you to and from the stand. Guides do not sit in the stand with you but they do glass you the entire time you are in the field.
Guides - Our guides do everything for you - all you have to do is pull the trigger. Guides can put you out at either man-made blinds or natural blinds or if you prefer to walk & stalk they can let you out to walk the mountains. If you are unable to walk or get around easily they can drop you very close to one of our natural man-made or pop-up blinds. We can accommodate all types of hunting. The more physically able hunters usually prefer the stands or blinds that take a while to hike to.
Taxidermy - We recommend Mountain Man Taxidermy ( 970-824-4910 ) or Big Cat Taxidermy ( 907-824-9624 ) but feel free to use whomever you like. If you want to have your trophy mounted in Colorado, call these taxidermists for pricing. ( Big Cat Taxidermy is two years out on mounts ).
Altitude - Sitting on our couch the altitude is 6450 feet and you will be hunting in altitudes of 6000 feet to 9000 feet.
Altitude sickness - People of all ages can experience altitude sickness but it may be more severe in people with heart or lung problems, to help avoid altitude sickness drink plenty of water beginning early the day you plan to arrive at the lodge, avoid strenuous activity the first day or two and avoid alcohol and barbiturates. If you feel a headache coming on stop whatever you are doing and drink plenty of water ASAP. If you think you will have a problem with altitude sickness consult your medical doctor. If at all possible it is best to arrive a few days early and stay in Denver or Craig to get yourself acclimated.
Signs of altitude sickness - Signs of altitude sickness usually appear within 48 hours and include headache, feeling lightheaded, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, difficulty sleeping, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and hands. If you experience any of these symptoms tell a guide immediately. Driving out and sleeping one to two nights at a gradual ascent helps acclimate your body.
Nose bleeds - Nose bleeds are common due to the dry air. To help avoid nose bleeds be sure to bring with you Vaseline or Bag Balm ( it's in a green tin at your drug store ) if you put a small amount of the ointment in your nostrils the day you arrive ( especially at night ) it will help avoid them.
Terrain - The terrain is 27,000 acres of private hunting land and 10,000 more acres during the forth elk hunt season. The terrain you will be hunting in is very diverse. You will be hunting in everything from flat lands, sage brush and juniper tree pockets to deep rocky cliffs, ravines and canyons. If you choose to walk and stalk be sure that you are physically able to take on this terrain. Consult with your doctor before deciding if you can physically hunt.
Physical Condition - Hunting in the mountains is very psychical. Your physical condition can depend on how your hunt will turn out. Consult with your doctor before doing any type of physical activity or traveling. The more physically fit you are the better your hunt will be. If you're not already physically in shape, after you have had it cleared by your medical doctor, we recommend you start an exercise program including cardio and strength training to help get your body prepared. You may even want to do you cardio training with a backpack and or also carry your weapon so you will be used to the extra weight.
ELK HUNTING AND YOUR PHYSICAL CONDITION - If you plan to elk hunt you need to be in very great if not excellent physical condition. You will be hunting in rough, steep, difficult and strenuous terrain. You will be climbing to heights of approximate 9000 feet above sea level carrying your rifle and backpack sometimes at a 35-45 degree angle. We recommend that you start training at least 6 months in advance for this hunt so that you have a better opportunity to harvest your animal. If the weather has yet to come in for your hunt we will need to send you to higher altitudes because that is where the elk will be until the weather comes in and brings the elk down to lower elevations.
All guides are trained in basic first aid.
AED - The main lodge is equipped with a defibrillator.
A Basic Day - After breakfast approximately 4:00 - 4:30 AM you will either be semi-guided or guided to your drop off location at either a mountain top, man made hunting condo, pop-up blind or natural blind to a designated hunting location. Depending on your physical ability you can also stay with your guide in the truck. You will be picked up for lunch before noon. After lunch approximately 2:30 -3:30 the guides will drive you back out to designated hunting locations which may or may not be where you started out. You will be picked up for dinner at or just after dark, guides will stay out until the last animal is brought in.( If animals are down hunter pick ups may be delayed ).
Hunting all day - If you prefer to hunt all day let one of the guides know and a bagged lunch and snacks will be provides for you. Hunters staying out all day need to be sure that have appropriate water, food, clothing, gear and boots.
Meals - 3 meals are prepared daily in the main lodge. Breakfast is served at approximately 4:00 - 4:30 AM. Lunch is served approximately at 12:00 Noon & dinner is served at approximately 8:30 - 9:30 PM. Food will be kept warm for hunters and/or guides coming in late.
Drinking Water - We have plenty of bottled drinking water.
Well Water - The water that comes from the well is fine for brushing teeth, showering and laundry.
Animal Processing Building & Walk-in Cooler - We have a state-of-the-art 30 X 40 skinning shed with a 12 X 15 walk in cooler to store your meat in at no extra charge while staying with us .
Facilities - The lodge and bunkhouse are fully equipped with modern bathrooms. We even have hot water in the skinning shed.
Laundry facilities - The main lodge has a washer and dryer for your convenience.
Accommodations / Sleeping arrangements - Hunters will stay either in the bunk house or the main lodge, we cannot guarantee where you will be staying as we need to accommodate our female guests/hunters, husband wife teams and hunters with medical and disability issues in the main lodge first.
Private Rooms - If you want to be absolutely positive that you have a private room one can be reserved for you for an addition fee of $ 500.00.
Clothing - bring plenty of warm water proof clothes ( remember that water proof is different than water resistant ), including 2 pairs of water proof boots. Don't forget your blaze orange vest, cap and/or orange stocking cap. You cannot hunt without an orange vest and an orange hat. ( Be sure to print off the hunter packing checklist for your convenience ).
Cell Phone Service - Cell phone service in the mountains is come and go. Usually if you are within a direct line with a tower you can get service. If you can not get service you are more than welcome to use the lodge phone to make calls home to check in. AT&T has the best service at the lodge. Verizon hardly has service at the lodge.
Internet - The main cabin is equipped with WIFI.
Unsuccessful Tag or License Draw - We have no control over how many licenses CPW distributes each year and we are not responsible for unsuccessful tags or licenses that are not drawn. No hunt refunds will be given for unsuccessful tag or license draws. Unsuccessful draws hunts wil be moved to the next available hunt year. If you are not successful in your hunt take your tags with you and properly dispose of them. DO NOT LEAVE THEM BEHIND.
Refunds - Your deposits and payments are non refundable but if the reason for cancellation is beyond our or your control (family emergency, forest fire, acts of war, etc...) we will do everything we can to transfer you to a future date.
Coolers for Your Meat: You will need approximately a 120 quart cooler per elk to store your meat for the ride home. This is for processed or deboned quartered meat.
NO SMOKING/VAPING- Absolutely no smoking or vaping is permited inside any building structures on the property. Doing so will result in cleaning fees that you will be responsible for.
References - References upon request.
All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.