Things to Consider
Every year clients ask us the same questions about what to bring and how to prepare. Some of it comes down to personal preference and hunting style, but a lot of it is universal. Here are the answers we give most often. If your question is not covered here, please don't hesitate to call. Planning the trip itself? See Trip Planning.
What our hunts cost
Our hunts run in three areas, and what is included differs by hunt.
Eastern plains and foothills, Colorado — $2,500 to $17,500 per hunter. Antelope, whitetail deer and trophy mule deer. Meals and lodging are not included.
Southern Colorado — $3,500 to $18,000 per hunter. Elk, black bear, mountain lion, antelope and trophy deer. Meals and lodging are included.
West Texas — $8,750 to $9,500 per hunter. Free-range aoudad. Meals and lodging are included.
Turkey, either Colorado area — $2,750 per hunter. Lodging is included. Meals are not.
Bison, eastern plains — $3,500 to $9,000 per hunter. Meals and lodging are not included. No license is required for a bison hunt. Younger bull and cow meat hunts cost less than trophy bulls.
Trophy and second tier trophy hunts. Our trophy hunts target the largest mature animals we have. Second tier trophy hunts target animals with smaller antlers and cost less, which is where the lower end of each range comes from.
Landowner vouchers are quoted separately. Some hunts need one, which lets you hunt in a year you did not draw a tag. Vouchers run $1,000 to $4,000 on the eastern plains and $1,000 to $7,500 in southern Colorado. Costs change year to year, so we tell you whether your hunt needs a voucher and what it costs before you book.
Where a hunt falls in its range comes down to three things: the weapon season you choose, the hunt area, and whether the hunt needs a landowner voucher.
Full rates for every hunt, and what is not included: Hunt Rates.
Are meals and lodging included?
It depends on the area you hunt. Southern Colorado hunts and our west Texas aoudad hunts include meals and lodging. Eastern plains and foothills hunts and bison hunts do not. Turkey hunts include lodging but not meals.
Are gratuities included in the price of the hunt?
No. Gratuities are not included in the hunt price. They reflect how your guide performed, are much appreciated, and average 10 to 15 percent of the total hunt cost.
Booking and licenses
Do I need to draw a tag to hunt with you?
Not always. Non-residents draw for most Colorado licenses, but second and third season rifle elk tags are over the counter, and leftover archery tags are usually available. Colorado residents can buy archery tags over the counter. Some of our hunts also have landowner vouchers, which let you hunt in a year you did not draw. How licenses work for each hunt.
How far in advance should I book?
It depends on the species. Mule deer usually books two to three years ahead. Elk generally has availability each season, though some spots book a couple of years out. Antelope usually has room, but spots fill by mid-summer.
What weapon seasons do you guide?
Archery, muzzleloader and rifle.
Getting ready
How physically demanding is a guided hunt?
Be prepared to walk, walk bent over, crouch, kneel, crawl and belly crawl. Crawling and belly crawling are most common on our archery and muzzleloader hunts, but they happen on rifle hunts too. Getting into position can be tedious, and to maximize your success it is important that you follow your guide's instructions. If anything prevents you from following certain instructions, let us know and we will make adjustments.
Stalks go more comfortably with knee pads on your pants, gloves with leather reinforced palms, and thicker socks, or scuba or neoprene socks, in case you take your boots off on a final approach. A moderate to high degree of flexibility helps. Start stretching now.
How far are shots typically taken?
Rifle shots are typically taken under 500 yards, muzzleloader shots under 100 yards, and archery shots under 60 yards. If you want to shoot further than that, we require you to arrive with the equipment and the skills to do it.
How should I practice before my hunt?
Practice shooting from multiple positions rather than relying on a single one. Archery clients should get comfortable shooting from a seated position. Stalking and shooting situations can be awkward, so you want a position you can hold comfortably for a long time, and seated works for most clients.
What equipment do you recommend?
Come with quality equipment that has been tuned and shot and that you are comfortable with, especially arrows and broadheads. We do not recommend expandable style broadheads. Much of your success lies in your gear and your preparation.
Do I need to bring my own optics?
Our guides carry excellent optics, but bring your own binoculars. Bring a rangefinder too, and we prefer you use the same one you sighted in your weapon with.
What to bring
What clothing do I need for a Colorado hunt?
Bring one full set of warm hunting clothes even if your hunt is in late summer or early fall, including insulated underwear and quality rain gear. Colorado weather is unpredictable and can change abruptly from day to day. Dress in layers and avoid heavy, bulky items.
What is the full gear list?
Clothing
1 or 2 pairs of hunting pants, preferably with knee pads, light to medium weight
4 shirts, several light and one medium weight
2 poly or light wool base layer shirts
1 set of insulating underwear, preferably wool or poly
1 lightweight shell jacket
1 insulated jacket
1 set of high quality, lightweight, breathable rain gear, jacket and pants
2 pairs of gloves, one lightweight and one waterproof, leather palm if possible
6 pairs of quality socks, wool or similar
2 warm or insulated hats or caps
1 pair of well broken in, waterproof boots (Meindl, Kenetrek, Lowa or similar)
1 pair of lightweight hiking boots or tennis shoes
Optics and pack
Binoculars
Rangefinder, ideally the one you sighted in your weapon with
Small day pack
Lightweight flashlight or head lamp
Sunglasses
Weapon and license
Rifle, muzzleloader or bow, and accessories
At least 20 rounds of ammunition, or 12 arrows, all with broadheads
Your license
What should I do about prescriptions and medication?
Bring at least twice the number of days you are staying for any prescriptions and daily medication. Carry them on rather than packing them in checked luggage, so a lost or delayed bag does not become a problem.
On the hunt
What happens if I wound an animal but do not recover it?
If blood is drawn on an animal you are hunting, it is considered a kill, and we will keep pursuing that specific animal for the rest of your hunt. That is why it matters that you arrive prepared and confident in your shooting ability and your equipment.
What is the weather like?
Colorado weather is unpredictable and can change abruptly from day to day. Plan for both warm and cold conditions, whenever your hunt falls.
