Q. What is the average shot distance for a rifle or bow?
A. For archery, the average shot is 35 yards. I do recommend being comfortable to 60+yards if possible.
For rifle, over the last few years the distance has increased. The average is 300 yards but i do recommend being comfortable to 500+ yards.
Q. What type of weather conditions and terrain can we expect?
A. Terrain varies from large expanses of relatively flat mesas (Taylor and Stoner Mesa) to very rough and steep mountains and canyons. Most areas are a combination of heavily timbered forest with small meadows or Aspen areas. During September, nights are cool (30-40 degrees) with generally warm days (50-65 degrees). The nights are colder in October (0-35 degrees) with days ranging 30-65 degrees. Light to moderate snow in October at high elevations. November usually brings moderate amounts of snow in the last part of the season. Nights are -5-30 degrees with days ranging 20-50 degrees. We’re talking about Colorado weather now, so don’t pin us in on these estimates.
Q. Will we be hunting on private or forest service lands?
A. All hunting is on San Juan National Forest lands. Our base of operations is surrounded on 3 sides by the San Juans, Units 71, 711
Q. What are your success rates for elk and/or deer?
A. If your group are experienced elk or deer hunters and you work hard at hunting you can expect about a 50% kill on average (guided hunts).
Q. What is the best time or season to hunt elk and/or deer?
A. Deer archery hunters, anytime during the season. Elk archers (draw) during the rut (generally mid to late September) is when you will see more action, but its possible to have encounters with large heard bulls in the first half of September when they are gathering up their cows. Rifle deer hunters during the October seasons. For elk rifle hunters the first rifle (draw) hunt is the premier hunt.
Q. How many hunters do you book per hunt?
A. Drop camps average 4 hunters per camp. Number of hunters hunting from the lodge averages 20-40 for the first and second rifle hunts, 20 for the third rifle season. Archery and muzzle-loader hunts average 8 to 25 with the highest number during the combined muzzle-loader archery week.
Q. Are there facilities for our wives and what is the cost?
A. Yes, wives are welcome. Non-hunting spouses are at one-half the “Semi-Guided Rate”.
Q. Where is the nearest airport and will you pick us up there?
A. Cortez airport is 36 miles from the ranch. We will provide transportation to the Lodge for those flying in. Telluride airport (40 mi.) is another option.
Q. Are 4×4 vehicles required to get to good hunting areas?
A. They certainly have an advantage in wet or snow conditions, however, two wheel drive trucks or front wheel drive vehicles with chains are adequate. Most years you will not need the chains.
Q. Do you have facilities for keeping the meat?
A. Commercial processing of your game is available in Cortez, Durango, and Montrose, all with in 2 hours of the Lodge. We have a large walk-in cooler and a processing area with equipment if you prefer to process the game yourself. A freezer is also available.
Q. Do you provide a pack-in service where we provide all camp equipment?
A. Yes, we will pack you and your equipment into a location of your choice. You save 25% off our drop camp fees and includes game pack.
Q. Is there any phone service in the area?
A. There is WIFI in the lodge to call home, but cell service is very limited in the area.
Q. What do we need to bring in way of clothing, personal gear, and bedroll?
A. Dress for the season you will be hunting. Several changes of clothing (including gloves) are important, should you get wet. All hunters need to bring their own towels and washcloths, a compass, flashlight, and container to keep matches dry are recommended. For those booking drop camps, please try to keep each mans gear down to one duffel bag, plus bedroll. A detailed list is provided when you book your hunt.
Q. Is there any good fishing close by it we happen to fill our tags early?
A. Yes, the Dolores River and Wildcat Creek run right in front of the lodge and Trout Lake is just 25 miles up the road, so bring your fishing gear. Rainbow trout, cutthroat, brown trout, and Brook trout are abundant in the waters.
Q. Do you offer any group discounts or other discounts?
A. Yes, call for different options.
Repeat client discount: 1 prior year – 5%, 2+ prior years – 10%. Guided hunts limited to a 5% discount.
Q. Do you have internet access and TV?
A. We do have free WIFI. WIFI TV is available in the main lodge and in both cabins.
A. For archery, the average shot is 35 yards. I do recommend being comfortable to 60+yards if possible.
For rifle, over the last few years the distance has increased. The average is 300 yards but i do recommend being comfortable to 500+ yards.
Q. What type of weather conditions and terrain can we expect?
A. Terrain varies from large expanses of relatively flat mesas (Taylor and Stoner Mesa) to very rough and steep mountains and canyons. Most areas are a combination of heavily timbered forest with small meadows or Aspen areas. During September, nights are cool (30-40 degrees) with generally warm days (50-65 degrees). The nights are colder in October (0-35 degrees) with days ranging 30-65 degrees. Light to moderate snow in October at high elevations. November usually brings moderate amounts of snow in the last part of the season. Nights are -5-30 degrees with days ranging 20-50 degrees. We’re talking about Colorado weather now, so don’t pin us in on these estimates.
Q. Will we be hunting on private or forest service lands?
A. All hunting is on San Juan National Forest lands. Our base of operations is surrounded on 3 sides by the San Juans, Units 71, 711
Q. What are your success rates for elk and/or deer?
A. If your group are experienced elk or deer hunters and you work hard at hunting you can expect about a 50% kill on average (guided hunts).
Q. What is the best time or season to hunt elk and/or deer?
A. Deer archery hunters, anytime during the season. Elk archers (draw) during the rut (generally mid to late September) is when you will see more action, but its possible to have encounters with large heard bulls in the first half of September when they are gathering up their cows. Rifle deer hunters during the October seasons. For elk rifle hunters the first rifle (draw) hunt is the premier hunt.
Q. How many hunters do you book per hunt?
A. Drop camps average 4 hunters per camp. Number of hunters hunting from the lodge averages 20-40 for the first and second rifle hunts, 20 for the third rifle season. Archery and muzzle-loader hunts average 8 to 25 with the highest number during the combined muzzle-loader archery week.
Q. Are there facilities for our wives and what is the cost?
A. Yes, wives are welcome. Non-hunting spouses are at one-half the “Semi-Guided Rate”.
Q. Where is the nearest airport and will you pick us up there?
A. Cortez airport is 36 miles from the ranch. We will provide transportation to the Lodge for those flying in. Telluride airport (40 mi.) is another option.
Q. Are 4×4 vehicles required to get to good hunting areas?
A. They certainly have an advantage in wet or snow conditions, however, two wheel drive trucks or front wheel drive vehicles with chains are adequate. Most years you will not need the chains.
Q. Do you have facilities for keeping the meat?
A. Commercial processing of your game is available in Cortez, Durango, and Montrose, all with in 2 hours of the Lodge. We have a large walk-in cooler and a processing area with equipment if you prefer to process the game yourself. A freezer is also available.
Q. Do you provide a pack-in service where we provide all camp equipment?
A. Yes, we will pack you and your equipment into a location of your choice. You save 25% off our drop camp fees and includes game pack.
Q. Is there any phone service in the area?
A. There is WIFI in the lodge to call home, but cell service is very limited in the area.
Q. What do we need to bring in way of clothing, personal gear, and bedroll?
A. Dress for the season you will be hunting. Several changes of clothing (including gloves) are important, should you get wet. All hunters need to bring their own towels and washcloths, a compass, flashlight, and container to keep matches dry are recommended. For those booking drop camps, please try to keep each mans gear down to one duffel bag, plus bedroll. A detailed list is provided when you book your hunt.
Q. Is there any good fishing close by it we happen to fill our tags early?
A. Yes, the Dolores River and Wildcat Creek run right in front of the lodge and Trout Lake is just 25 miles up the road, so bring your fishing gear. Rainbow trout, cutthroat, brown trout, and Brook trout are abundant in the waters.
Q. Do you offer any group discounts or other discounts?
A. Yes, call for different options.
Repeat client discount: 1 prior year – 5%, 2+ prior years – 10%. Guided hunts limited to a 5% discount.
Q. Do you have internet access and TV?
A. We do have free WIFI. WIFI TV is available in the main lodge and in both cabins.