Colorado Hunter 2010

2010 Edition | A Complete Hunting Guide For Northwest Colorado | Free

After the hunt

PLUS! Photos from the hunt

Where to go, What to do

Everything you need to know

The Top Spot Northwest Colorado is an outdoorsman’s paradise 1

• Business directory • Maps • Dates • Fees

2 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

2010 Colorado Hunter | 3

Steamboat recreation properties

You’ve heard it before-“they’re not making any more of it”-especially a prime river parcel with direct Ski Area views! 116 acres, ¾ mi Elk River, plus 2nd channel and west fork…lots of water. $4,500,000.

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National Forest Boundary at Hahn’s Peak. 125 treed acres with easy access, hunting, hiking, snowmobiling.

SteamboatLakeProperty.com. Reduced to $995,000.

747 acres w/ 40 acres irrigated meadows. Small house, historic improvements. Excellent hunting ranch only 8 miles from Steamboat! Reduced $850K to $1,900,000.

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54 acres with beautiful home at base of Flattops. Irrigated native hay, 5 ponds, creek, springs. Previously listed at $1.2M; motivated sellers now at $799,000.

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108 acres, 4,700 sf home and 6,000 sf shop/barn in excellent condition. Private valley setting. Between Steamboat and Regional Airport. Reduced to $1,495,000

303 acres three miles north of Craig.

Pond, electricity, views to Steamboat Ski Area . Affordable land close to town.

Motivated Seller. $450,000.

20 acres in the Elk River Valley! Creek, water rights, meadows, paved roads.

Two permitted building sites. $475,000

Outfitting Business for sale. Pack in, wilderness area close to Steamboat. $99,000.

4 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

40-100 acres. Three parcels, all with National Forest boundary and excellent hunting. Silver Creek flows through one parcel. $275,000 - $575,000.

B&L QUALITY

taxidermy

Helpful tips for your Trophy Don’t short cape your animal Call for information on “Where” to cape Don’t drag your animal Keep your hide clean Do not salt your hide unless it has been properly fleshed If you are not sure call or bring your animal to B&L Quality Taxidermy

B&L Quality Taxidermy 1744 Lincoln Ave. No.2 • Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 970.879.1316 or 970.276.2193

We Accept Major Credit Cards 2010 Colorado Hunter | 5

HUNTSMAN'S DELIGHT IN STRAWBERRY PARK - 367 ACRES

Situated in the most desired area of Steamboat Springs, these majestic 367 acres boast mature pines, gorgeous aspen groves and fern filled fields. With direct access to national forest on two sides, enjoy migratory moose, elk, deer and bear and limitless recreation in the great outdoors on miles of private trail system. This ultra private property surround a 4100 square foot Rocky Mountain Log Home, 1400 square foot heli hangar/wood shop and 1100 square foot barn/garage and is merely minutes to jet accessible airport, world renowned skiing, historic downtown, restaurants and shopping. Magnificent Gunn Creek flows through this sprawling estate and appreciate dramatic 360ยบ views of surrounding mountain vistas from many points. To top it off, low taxes are associated with land trust and abundant water rights are included. ID# 129351. Offered for $10,000,000. By appointment only.

SO CLOSE, YET SO PRIVATE - ADJACENT TO 367 ACRES

These two 35 acre mountain lots are only five miles from downtown Steamboat Springs and offer spectacular views of Buff Pass, Flat Tops, Mt. Werner and town. Land is seldomly available in Strawberry Park, of this size and caliber. Horses are permitted, access to national forest and five acre building envelopes, yet to be defined, are just some of the advantages. Ultra low taxes associated with land trust, purchase separately or together and adjacent to 367 acres, also available. ID# 127866, $1,800,000 and ID#127867, $1,650,000.

For more of our listings and virtual tours, please visit our website, www.steamboatagents.com

Michelle Barnes, Associate Broker 970.846.4220 Michelle@steamboatagents.com

Dave Barnes, Associate Broker 970.819.5169 Dave@steamboatagents.com

6 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

2010 Colorado Hunter | 7

Inside LEtE Hunting guidE 2010 Edition | A Comp

Complete date and fee schedules

Learn from locals

Everything you ow need tog kn for the hunt From preparin t to cooking the mea

Introduction.............................................................10 Northwest Colorado overview.................................14 Craig city map........................................................16 Steamboat Springs city map.................................17 What’s new in 2010..............................................20 Season outlook.....................................................21 Herd numbers......................................................22 Return hunters have all the luck..........................24 Outdoor Life magazine rankings.........................28 After nt hu Off-highway vehicles..........................................30 the to go, Where What to do Crossbows versus rifles.....................................31 GMU maps.........................................................32 Bull elk license map..........................................37 Other game.......................................................40 Survival tips.....................................................42 Favorite spots Try fly fishing...................................................47 Teen nabs mountain lion..................................52 Veteran hunter finally gets her lion...............................................................54 Teacher calls hunting “priceless”.................................................................56 Tales from the trails.....................................................................................58 Bagging a moose easier than ever...............................................................60 Healthy populations cause for optimism......................................................63 Photos from the hunt...................................................................................67 Hunting business directory..........................................................................74

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2010 Colorado Hunter | 9

Welcome to our hunting haven

T

hank you for picking up a copy of Colorado Hunter, the premier guide to big-game hunting in Northwest Colorado.

Like many others who have chosen Northwest Colorado as their home, we live and work here because of the gorgeous landscapes, friendly people and the spirit of the Old West that keeps adventure alive.

Our home, and yours for as long as you wish, offers limitless recreational opportunities year-round.

But fall holds a special place in our hearts.

It’s when we welcome thousands of you — hunters from across the country, and in some cases, the globe — into our communities to experience world-class outdoor activities, spectacular wildlife, and one of the largest elk herds in the country.

Northwest Colorado’s backcountry is easily accessible, and in many cases, the terrain is accommodating for our visitors from lower elevations.

We hope you are successful in finding and harvesting not only your trophy animal for this year, but for many more to come.

But, at its core, what truly makes Northwest Colorado such a wonderful place for out-oftown visitors lies not just with the animals we offer for hunts, but in the people who truly put our area over the top.

Here, you and your family and friends will find the perfect setting to create lifelong memories. The story of a good hunt is as much about camaraderie shared around the campfire as it is about the harvest you take home.

The Northwest Colorado landscape, and the Bryce Jacobson Publisher, Craig Daily Press

people you’ll meet here, provide the perfect backdrop for creating those memories.

This magazine serves as our welcome card to you.

There is something for everyone in these pages — from novice hunters to seasoned pros, from the opinions of visitors to those who earn their livelihoods in the hunting industry.

We give you the nuts and bolts of what, where and when to hunt while also offering tips on making each hunting trip better than the last.

There’s also a detailed directory pointing you toward the best outfitters, guides, meat processors and taxidermists in the region.

We hope you enjoy Colorado Hunter and your visit to our neck of the woods.

We’re happy to have you in our home.

Suzanne Schlicht Publisher, Steamboat Today

Colorado Hunter

is a joint publication of Steamboat Today and Craig Daily Press.

466 Yampa Avenue Craig, CO 81625 970-824-7031

P.O. Box 774827 Steamboat, CO 80477 970-871-4202

TIMELESS MEN’S APPAREL HOWELSEN PLACE 7TH AND LINCOLN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO (970) 871-1137 WWW. ZIRKELTRADING.COM 10 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

2010 Colorado Hunter | 11

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Northwest Colorado: An outdoorsman’s paradise colorado hunter staff

Open up a map of Colorado and draw a crosshairs over the upper left quadrant.

You’ve now identified one of the truly great regions in the country for outdoorsmen, and if you’re smart, you’ve found the destination for your next hunting and fishing adventure.

Northwest Colorado, home to extensive public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado State Parks, the Bureau of Land Management, Division of Wildlife and others, provides terrain as varied as the game animals that inhabit it. The region is a jumping off point for world-class hunting adventures, gold-medal fishing, renowned off-highway vehicle trails, and plain-old Rocky Mountain adventure of every flavor.

Start in the far northwest, where the rugged canyons and ancient sandstone cliffs of Dinosaur National Moment offer a glimpse into prehistoric life in America. Dinosaur fossils are common in the arid landscape bordering Utah. It’s also where the Yampa and Green rivers come together, providing a popular destination for rafters, kayakers and anglers.

Rangely is the largest town in the far west corner of the state, although Dinosaur also offers limited amenities. U.S. Highway 40 is the main thoroughfare for travelers, and it leads east through barren, hilly landscapes populated with deer, pronghorn, elk and a variety of small-game animals.

Craig, the seat of giant Moffat County, continues to be ranked as one of the top destinations in the country for outdoorsmen.

If you could stand 1,000 feet above the city and take in 360-degree views, you’d see why. Craig is surrounded by the public lands and private ranches for which Northwest Colorado has become such a top-flight hunting destination.

Historic downtown Craig offers boutique shopping and dining, but the city also has a Murdoch’s, Walmart and two large grocery stores to help make sure you’re equipped before you hit the backcountry.

Colorado Highway 13 leads heads north and south out of Craig. To the north is a short drive to Wyoming, to the south and west are hunter-friendly towns like Meeker and, eventually, Rifle. In between are game-rich hunting areas and open landscapes.

But back to U.S. 40 and its route through the heart of Northwest Colorado. If you head east out of Craig, you’ll soon be in the small Routt County town of Hayden. Rich in its

ELKHEAD RESERVOIR

ranching heritage, it’s also hunter-friendly and a great place to grab a bite to eat while between destinations.

Another 30 minutes east of Craig is Steamboat Springs, the seat of Routt County and one of the more beautiful resort towns in the Rocky Mountains. Known first and foremost for its world-class ski area, Steamboat also is home to fifth-generation ranches and some of the best trout fishing in the state. Steamboat also is where visitors will notice a change in the topography and ecosystems in Northwest Colorado. Giving way to the rugged sagebrush-covered hills of the far west reaches of the region are more dramatic mountains abundant in thick groves of aspen and pine. Like much of Moffat County, Routt County and Steamboat Springs are home to large elk and deer herds. Steamboat Springs also is home to a booming moose population that has spread south from North Park. Downtown Steamboat Springs offers premier shopping and dining, not to mention an abundance of outdoor sporting goods stores to help you stock up.

South of Steamboat Springs on Colorado Highway 131 is Oak Creek, a place to stop

14 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

and eat and walk Main Street before heading off toward the Flat Tops Wilderness Area or any of the other game-rich public lands adjacent to it. Just beyond Oak Creek to the south are Phippsburg and Yampa, the latter of which bills itself as the “Gateway to the Flat Tops.”

No trip to Northwest Colorado is complete without a stop in North Park, a series of towns that has become as well known for its moose population as it has for its fishing. Walden is the largest city in North Park and is a must-stop for anyone traveling through the area on Colorado Highway 14. It’s a one-hour drive from Steamboat and only one hour from Laramie, Wyo. As with the rest of Northwest Colorado, the public lands here are extensive, so the hunting opportunities are seemingly endless.

Use our game management unit maps and descriptions beginning on page 32 to help you plan your next trip to Northwest Colorado. Chances are high you’re hunt here will be successful, which is the way folks in the regions like it. Hell, it’s why many of them call the region home. One visit, and we think you’ll understand why.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE HUNT When it’s time for a day off from the field, Northwest Colorado has no shortage of amenities to help entertain and relax weary hunters as well as more sights to help take away any extra breath that wasn’t already spent stomping the woods.

WOLFORD MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR

YAMPA RIVER IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

CRAIG

ILLINOIS RIVER NEAR WALDEN

• HOT SPRINGS Any list of amenities starts with the natural hot springs scattered across the region, all ready to soothe tired legs. If you’re in Steamboat Springs, Old Town Hot Springs, near the corner of Third Street and Lincoln Avenue, provides the most convenient soaking option and a little excitement with its recently remodeled pools and pair of 230-foot slides (www.oldtownhotsprings.org). If you have time, the seven-mile trip to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs north of town on Routt County Road 36 is well worth it. Strawberry Park features a series of natural stone pools tucked into the hillside along Hot Springs Creek (www.strawberryhotsprings.com).

If you’re farther west, soak in the same “Healing Waters” springs containing 24 minerals that the Native Americans who once camped near Juniper Mountain would seek. Juniper Hot Springs in Lay, about 25 miles west of Craig, has three indoor pools and one outdoor pool (www.juniperhotsprings. com). Farther south, the Meeker Recreation Center features a family aquatics area with a four-lane lap pool, diving well, therapeutic whirlpool, water slide, hot tub and lazy river, with extended fall hours to stay open after dark. Don’t forget about the sprawling complex of 22 pools and private baths at the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa right along the Colorado River (www. hotsulphursprings.com).

• MUSEUMS Firearm connoisseurs will surely be interested in taking a look at the Museum of Northwest Colorado (www. museumnwco.org). Housed in the historic former Colorado State Armory building, the museum in the heart of downtown Craig showcases the Cowboy and Gunfighter Museum and a collection of nearly 1,000 working cowboy artifacts and railroad memorabilia.

Meeker visitors can revel in the past with a trip to the historic downtown Meeker Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt once stayed, as well as a trip to the White River Museum.

Other notable museums include downtown Steamboat’s Tread of Pioneers Museum (www.treadofpioneers.org) — complete with exhibits exploring Steamboat’s Olympic heritage, ranching roots and outlaw tales from its Wild West past — as well as the quirky and unique collections at Craig’s Wyman Living History Museum (www.wymanmuseum. com).

• MOVIES AND BOWLING Simple entertainment is never far.

Catch a flick in Steamboat at one of the six auditoriums with stadium seating

Photo courtesy of the North Park Visitors Guide.

2010 Colorado Hunter | 15

at the Metropolitan Wildhorse Stadium Cinemas or on Lincoln Avenue at the Carmike Chief Plaza 4 Theater. Craig also has a pair of screens at the West Theatre at 29 E. Victory Way. If you want to head for the lanes, Thunder Rolls Bowling Center in Craig offers the largest facility in the region. There are another 12 lanes at Steamboat’s Snow Bowl on the west end of town and six lanes in Walden at Paradise Lanes. Beyond that, the Rifle Fireside Lanes lie just north of Rifle off Colorado Highway 13.

• OFF-ROAD RIDING Endless open space means plenty of options for dirt bike and OHV users.

The Sand Wash Basin, about 50 miles west of Craig, offers a Bureau of Land Management area where wild horses still roam. According to the BLM’s Little Snake Field Office in Craig, 90 percent of the Sand Wash Basin’s 165,000 acres is open for off-road travel. The Craig office (970-826-5000) has visitor maps available marking some of the BLM’s inventoried routes in the basin.

Jackson County also has plenty of open trails ranging from the vast timber rides in the State Forest State Park, to the 60-plus miles of dirt bike-only singletrack on the Snyder and Willow Creek Trails near Rand and the state’s only OHV sand and open dune riding at the North Sand Hills Special Recreation Management Area. Other public options include the Wolford Mountain area north of Kremmling or the singletrack trails just south of Routt County, between McCoy and Burns as well as the technical trails at the Bocco Mountain SRMA near Wolcott.

• SIGHTS If you’re heading to or from the 235,406-acre Flat Tops Wilderness Area for your hunt, consider the trip on the 82mile Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway from Yampa to Meeker.

The drive is particularly beautiful in fall as the leaves of aspen trees change from green to gold, red, orange and pink.

The other scenic drive worth mention would be the 101-mile Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic and Historic Byway from Walden to Fort Collins. Stop by the State Forest State Park along the way to find out why Walden has earned the title of “Moose-viewing capital of Colorado.”

If you’re staying near Steamboat Springs, consider the short but spectacular hike down to Fish Creek Falls just east of Steamboat.

There’s also a 3-mile loop trail up Cedar Mountain, just northwest of Craig, providing great views of the Flat Tops and Elkhead Mountains. If you’re in between the two towns, consider the Carpenter Ranch, where the 1.5-mile interpretive trail loop in the Yampa River Preserve (free and open dawn to dusk) gives you a chance to spot some of the Nature Conservancy preserve’s 150 bird species.

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2010 Colorado Hunter | 17

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About You

1362 +/- Acres of extraordinary land.

Acreage can be split into two separate sales; 235 Acres m/l and a parcel of 1127 Acres m/l.Incredible views, annual income proSandra King, ABR- ducing, historic water rights. Rare opporBroker Associate Cell: 970-629-0596 tunity to purchase a Office: 970-824-7000 property such as this.

MLS#112325 390 Yampa Ave., Craig CO

Gorgeous 5 acre Property! A stream runs through the back of the property which borders Public (BLM) land. Flat building site with fabulous views.

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Breathtaking views from this large property located in close proximity to the newly expanded Elkhead Reservoir. Well, electric, and road in place.

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170 acres located North of Craig, CO. Only 18miles to Routt National Forest.

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Amazing acreage which includes DEEDED acreage inside Dinosaur National Monument. Excellent BLM lease, State land leases and Dinosaur Monument lease as well as deeded 4175 acres for over 13,466 acres in Premier Sandra King, ABRGame Unit 10. Historic Broker Associate Cell: 970-629-0596 water rights date to 1912.

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18 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

Realtors of Moffat County

Sari Cobb - Broker Owner Cell: 970-629-9876 Office: 970-824-4455 508 Yampa Avenue, Craig CO sari@saricobb.com

Marylou Wisdom - Broker Assocciate Home: 970-824-9272 Cell: 970- 824-0223 304 W.Victory Way, Craig CO Mwisdom2@aol.com

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Stacey Mathers - Broker Owner Cell: 970-326-7581 Office: 970-824-4455 508 Yampa Avenue, Craig CO Stacey@staceymathers.com

Sherry Marren - BrokerAssociate Cell: 970-629-1109 Office: 970-824-0223 304 W.Victory Way, Craig CO sherrymarren@hotmail.com

Pam Horn - Broker Owner Cell: 970-326-6026 Office: 970-824-7000 390 Yampa Avenue, Craig CO pamhorn2@aol.com

Roy McAnally - Broker Associate Cell: 970-326-6566 Office 970-824-3445 105 E, Victory Way, Craig CO roy@americannorthwestrealty.com

Yvonne McAnally - Broker Associate Cell: 970-326-8346 Office 970-824-3445 105 E, Victory Way, Craig CO yvonne@americannorthwestrealty.com

Frank & Dan Kawcak Broker Associates Office: 970-824-3202 1425 W. Victory Way, Craig CO

Vicki Burns - Broker Owner Cell: 970-629-2470 Office 970-824-7086 840 W Victory Way, Craig CO vicki@brasskey-realty.com

Nicole Hill - Broker Associate Cell: 970-620-3060 Office 970-824-7086 840 W Victory Way, Craig CO nhill.realtor@yahoo.com

2010 Colorado Hunter | 19

Otis Lyons - Broker Associate Cell: 970-326-6938 Office 970-824-7086 840 W Victory Way, Craig CO otis@brasskey-realty.com

What’s new for 2010 colorado hunter staff

Every year the Colorado Division of Wildlife reviews existing hunting regulations and policies and makes adjustments as needed. The resulting changes are important for resident and nonresident hunters to be aware of. Here’s a highlight of DOW hunting changes for 2010 that affect Northwest Colorado hunters:

Big game • The third rifle combined seasons for deer and elk has been extended to nine days and now includes two weekends.

• Game management unit 361 was created from a portion of GMU 36. See map on page 32.

• All muzzleloading elk licenses are valid in specific GMUs. Statewide licenses are no longer available. Either-sex licenses are now available in specific GMUs. • The rifle season for moose has been extended to 14 days. See story on page 60.

• Hunters who are 18 or older who purchase over-the-counter or leftover big game licenses are required to purchase a habitat stamp.

• Fee changes for nonresident cow elk and bear licenses.

Small game

for more on the greater sage grouse.

• Small-game hunters are no longer required to purchase permits to hunt properties enrolled in the DOW’ Walk-In Access program.

• Greater sage grouse season has been reduced to two days in GMUs 6, 16, 17, 161 and 171 (the North Park area) because of a decline in annual lek counts.

The season is Sept. 11 to 12. See page 40

For more information, contact a local Division of Wildlife office. Local DOW office phone numbers can be located in the game management unit descriptions beginning on page 32.

— Information provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Welcome Hunters You will be pleasantly surprised to find such a relaxing yet fun atmosphere!

Whether it’s shopping or lunch or a stroll through the park that you have on your mind, you will be able to find it here!

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20 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

Wet conditions provide challenges ben bulkeley/colorado hunter

Hunters had the upper hand when the Bears Ears and White River herd populations boomed, but this year might present more challenges.

Larger herds and hot summers reduced water supplies in the upper elevations, and normal temperatures in the fall forced elk to congregate in higher concentration near water sources.

The result?

“Hunters had much more success because the elk were all centered around water sources,” said Randy Hampton, spokesman for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. “They could wait for the elk, knowing they would center around where there was water.”

However, in the past few years, hunters have generally had less success in the field, and for several reasons, Hampton said.

“With wetter summers, there are more places where the elk have been able to find water,” he said. “Now, instead of coming to lower elevation in the fall, the elk are able stay spread out.

“If they don’t have to move (because water sources have dried up), then there is no reason for them to come down to lower elevations.”

That has created a false perception, Hampton said.

“We’ve had people coming in and saying, ‘There’s no elk,’” he said. “That’s not the case.”

So what happened?

The elk have spread out, creating the illusion of fewer animals, he said.

But the elk are still there, Hampton said, and hunters will have to adjust their strategy this

season if they want to have a successful hunt.

“Before, they could wait, knowing where the elk would be,” he said. “Now, they will have to alter their approach to be successful.”

With no signs pointing toward how the weather will be in the upcoming season, Hampton said hunters need to be prepared in case the elk are again spread throughout the area. The spring and summer were relatively wet throughout much of Northwest Colorado.

Precipitation also factors into how concentrated elk populations are, Hampton said, and heat and wetness affect how they spread out.

In addition to the new way the elk have positioned themselves, the upcoming season will feature several changes, Hampton advised.

The first is that the third elk and deer season will be extended from seven days to nine days.

The expanded season will carry one large benefit, Hampton said.

“It will cover two weekends instead of one,” he said.

As the seasons draw closer, there are still plenty of over-the-counter licenses available, Hampton said.

But, as has been the case for the past few years, elk hunters need to take special care when out in the field, Hampton said.

Hampton warns any elk hunters to be aware of moose, especially in the Flat Tops area near Meeker.

“Most people are 99.99 percent sure they can tell the difference,” he said. “But mistakes can still happen.”

COLORADO FEES & SEASONS Deer: • Resident — $34 • Youth resident — $13.75 • Nonresident — $329 • Youth nonresident — $103.75 Elk: • Resident — $49 • Youth resident — $13.75 • Nonresident bull — $544 • Nonresident cow — $354 • Nonresident either sex — $544 • Youth nonresident — $103.75 Pronghorn: • Resident — $34 • Youth resident — $13.75 • Nonresident — $329 • Youth nonresident — $103.75 Bear: • Resident — $44 • Nonresident — $354 Moose:

• Resident — $254 • Nonresident — $1,819 Hunting seasons: • Archery/deer — Aug. 28 to Sept. 26 • Archery/elk — Aug. 28 to Sept. 26 • Archery/pronghorn — Aug. 15 to Sept. 20 • Archery/bear — Sept. 2 to 26 • Archery/moose — Sept. 11 to 26 • Muzzleloading/deer — Sept. 11 to 26 • Muzzleloading/elk — Sept. 11 to 26 • Muzzleloading/pronghorn — Oct. 21 to 29 • Muzzleloading/bear — Sept. 11 to 19 • Muzzleloading/moose — Sept. 11 to 19 Deer/limited rifle: • Second season/combined deer and elk —.

Oct. 23 to 31 • Third season/combined deer and elk — .

Nov. 6 to 14 • Fourth season/combined deer and elk —.

Nov. 17 to 21 Elk/limited and unlimited rifle: • First season — Oct. 16 to 20 (limited) • Second season — Oct. 23 to 31 • Third season — Nov. 6 to 14 • Fourth Season — Nov. 17 to 21 (limited) Pronghorn: • Oct. 2 to 8 Bear/limited rifle: • First season — Oct. 16 to 20 • Second season — Oct. 23 to 31 • Third season — Nov. 6 to 14 • Fourth Season — Nov. 17 to 21 Moose: • Oct. 1 to 14

2010 Colorado Hunter | 21

Herd numbers holding stable ben bulkeley/colorado hunter

There’s a reason Moffat County carries the informal designation as the “elk hunting capital of the world.”

There are simply more elk in the county than anywhere else.

The White River herd, which is located primarily south of Craig, has a post-2009 hunt estimate of more than 42,000 animals, making it the largest elk herd in North America.

Not to be outdone, the Bears Ears herd, located north of Craig and west of Steamboat Springs in adjacent Routt County, has more than 17,000 animals — a sizeable number, as well.

Randy Hampton, Colorado Division of Wildlife spokesman, said that while those numbers are down from a decade ago, they are right where the DOW wants them.

“There are still a lot of animals in both populations,” he said. “There are also a lot of licenses left.”

The Bears Ears herd peaked in 2000 at an

estimated 35,000 elk.

“The population trend in Bears Ears, since it peaked in 2000, has been down quite a bit,” he said. “That’s one herd we had told everyone we would do our best to bring those numbers down.

“There have been a lot of licenses issued to reduce that herd size because of agricultural damage. What we’ll do now is flatten off the number of licenses sold.”

Hampton said the objective for the Bears Ears herd, or where the DOW would like to see the numbers rest, is between 15,000 and 18,000 animals.

Now that the herd is at its objective, Hampton said the number of licenses available should remain steady.

“Once we reach our objective, there will be fewer licenses issued for that population to keep at that number,” he said. “We are right at the desired range for a healthy biological range for that population. … In fact, we are right at the level where the population was in the 1980s.”

22 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

BY THE NUMBERS 2009 post-hunt population estimates in the White River and Bears Ears herds, according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife Elk: Bears Ears — 17,670 White River — 42,890 Statewide — 286,510 Mule deer: Bears Ears — 35,950 White River — 61,450 Statewide — 460,520 Pronghorn: Great Divide — 12,790 Sand Wash — 1,230 Statewide — 76,190

The total number of elk licenses available for Bears Ears is 17,000.

Statewide, hunters have successful hunts 20 percent of the time, the DOW reported, which is the same number for hunters in the Bears Ears area.

In the White River herd, the population has not yet reached the DOW’s objective.

“That population rose until 2002,” Hampton said.

“It was about 63,000 animals (in 2002). Our objective for that herd is between 32,000 and 39,000 animals.

“So we are still a little bit over, so we will continue to issue more licenses.”

The total number of elk licenses for White River is 26,000.

Hunters have a better chance of cashing in their licenses in the White River area, which has a 25 percent success rate.

With mule deer, there are approximately 35,950 animals in the Bears Ears herd, according to 2009 post-hunt estimates.

The post-hunt numbers for mule deer in Bears Ears following the 2008 season was 41,023 animals.

In the White River herd, there are approximately 61,450 mule deer, down from 69,643 following 2008.

Both herds are within the DOW’s herd objective numbers.

In the Great Divide pronghorn herd, there are approximately 12,790 animals after the 2009 hunt, which is down from the 15,721 animals following the 2008 post-hunt estimate.

The Sandwash Basin herd was estimated to have 1,230 pronghorn following the 2009 hunt, down from 1,312 animals after the 2008 post-hunt estimate.

Both numbers are in line with the DOW’s herd objectives.

2010 Colorado Hunter | 23

Jim Maestretti said he has returned to Moffat County year after year because of the people he has met in the area. A high rate of success hasn’t hurt, either. Above are Maestretti’s friends, from left, Craig “Lucky” Mellor, Mike Sturla and John Gale, Sr., who are showing their 2009 prizes at Frosty Acres Ranch in Moffat County. Photo courtesy of Jim Maestretti.

Return hunters have all the luck ben bulkeley/colorado hunter

Troy French didn’t have much success during his first hunting trip to Northwest Colorado.

The Waynetown, Ind., native was hunting near Meeker on a semi-guided tour, but the animals weren’t showing up.

On his way back to Indiana, French decided to take a scenic tour north of Craig.

“When I drove home, I took (Colorado) Highway 13,” he said. “And when I was about 20 miles north of Craig, I saw more animals than I had at the national parks.”

Determined to get where the animals were, French contacted the Craig Chamber of Commerce and tried to find an area that would suit his needs.

“The biggest problem was, all the land up there was private,” he said. “But (the Chamber) got me together with Doug (Camilletti), and I haven’t looked back.”

Doug Camilletti and his wife, Janet, have run Frosty Acres Ranch in Moffat

County since 1989.

One of the things that has made running the ranch so enjoyable has been the return of familiar faces each fall, Doug Camilletti said.

“We have a lot of repeat customers, and one of the nice things is they know all the rules,” he said. “They know what they can and can’t do. They know where the deer and elk populations are.

“They know where to get their licenses, and we typically don’t have to re-educate them on state laws.”

Hunters who return to the same area also have a much better chance of cashing in on their licenses, Camilletti said.

“They get to know the migratory patterns of the animals,” he said. “They get to know where the animals are and where they will be.”

Jim Maestretti, of Petaluma, Calif., came to Craig by accident.

“A lot of my friends were hunting in Wyoming, and after they weren’t able to draw, they literally stumbled into Doug and

24 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

Janet,” he said. “They threw together a hunt for them at the last minute.”

Like French, Maestretti said he kept coming back not only for the animals he hunted, but the friends he made along the way.

“It’s the quality of the people,” he said. “I would consider them good friends. You get so you miss them, because you can’t see them all the time.”

But Maestretti, who will hunt for the seventh year in a row this fall at Frosty Acres, said he knows the hunting will be quality, too.

“I’m almost 50, so I’m getting more and more picky,” he said. “But I’ve gotten some nice trophy deer in there.

“The deer stay around there — I got a 30inch buck there once.”

Like Maestretti, French has acquired some trophies during the seven years he has hunted at Frosty Acres.

But that’s only one reason why he will return for his ninth year this fall.

“The main reason is the personalities

I’ve dealt with there,” he said. “That’s probably the reason I came back — I love the people I get to deal with.”

French said the ease with which he has been able to draw tags for hunting on private land has been a 100-percent success rate on more than 80 licenses, which also helps persuade him to return.

“There’s also no hunting pressure,” he said. “I don’t have to deal with the public — when I walk over a hill, I don’t have to worry about a rifle pointing at me from the opposite direction.”

French said that while the private lands don’t contain as many animals, he has found more success there.

“The public ground is where the animals hold the terrain,” he said. “The private ground is where they go for refuge.”

French said he plans on returning to hunt in Northwest Colorado for as long as he can.

“As long as I can breathe, draw a tag and have someone to go with me, I’ll go every year,” he said. “I have two sons who are 12 and 16, and as long as Colorado is feasible, I’ll come and enjoy the terrain.

“I can’t see any reason to leave Moffat County.”

Jim Maestretti, far right, said he has been coming to Frosty Acres Ranch for six years because he has been successful during his hunts, and because of his friendship with owners Doug and Janet Camilletti. This photo, taken in 2009 at Frosty Acres, shows, from left, Mike Sturla, Randy Bien, John Gale Sr., Craig “Lucky” Mellor, Robbie McCorkel and Maestretti. Photo courtesy of Jim Maestretti.

2010 Colorado Hunter | 25

Historic

F G

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26 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

D

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Meeker

A: Stage Stop Meat Market & Deli- QUALITY WILD GAME PROCESSING!!!

Large variety of meat sticks and summer sausage 101 E. Market St. 970-878-5085 B: White River Inn-The quietest, cleanest rooms in Meeker Colorado. 219 E Market St. 970-878-5031 whiteriverinn@whiteriverinn.com C:NW Auto Sales-We can put together the car & deal you want, we also provide maintenance, parts, tires, towing, and rentals. 485 Market St. 970-8783171 D: Meeker Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Center-”Supporting a Strong Business Community” 710 Market St. 970-878-5510 info@meekerchamber.com E: Meeker Drugs – Independently owned Retail Pharmacy…Unique Gifts, Prescriptions, Over the Counter Cold, First Aid and Travel Products! 970878-9988 530 Main Street F: Wendells- located in the heart of historic downtown Meeker, Corner 6th and Main St 970-878-3688 Gift shop, coffee shop, UPS and FEDEX Authorized Ship Centers Open Mon – Fri 6 am to 6 pm Saturday7-5

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G: Meeker Hotel & Café- the Historic Meeker Hotel and Café, 110 years of western hospitality.

Hotel rooms and suites. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 560 Main Street 970-878-5255 www. themeekerhotelandcafe.com H: Fiesta Guadalajara- the BEST Mexican food in Meeker! 624 E Market St, 970-878-5535 I: Clark’s Big Burger Restaurant- the BEST Burger in town!!

858 Market St. 970-878-3240

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Continental Breakfast, WIFI, Hot Tub, Guest laundry. 488 Market St. 970-878-0777 www.bluesprucemeeker.com M: Back Country Realty- For All Of Your Real Estate Needs in Meeker and the Beautiful White River Valley. No One Knows This White River Country Like We Do!” 1130 Market St. 970-878-478 www. backcountryrealty.com

2010 Colorado Hunter | 27

NW Colorado tops ranks in magazine nicole inglis/colorado hunter

Each fall, without fail, hunters from across the country flock to Northwest Colorado in hopes of capitalizing on two of the largest elk herds in the country. Their hunts often bring them to Craig and Moffat County.

But Moffat County outdoor aficionado Terry Carwile believes Craig has more to offer than a temporary vacation spot.

Carwile, the sportsman information specialist at the Moffat County Visitor Center, said Craig has a quality of life unmatched by hunting and fishing towns across the country.

“Northwest Colorado is an undiscovered jewel,” he said. “And I’m glad, to a certain extent, that it is that way.”

In Outdoor Life magazine’s third annual ranking of the top 200 towns for outdoorsmen, Craig was ranked 68, a dip from 2009’s ranking of 35th on the list, but a respectable placement nonetheless. The list was released earlier this year.

The rankings are based on a comprehensive index, including ratings on proximity to public lands, potential for trophy fish and wildlife, quality of school districts and unemployment rates.

Outdoor categories account for 60 percent of the total score, and socioeconomic factors

account for 40 percent, according to the magazine.

Rawlins, Wyo., about 120 miles from Craig, cracked the magazine’s top-10 list, earning the No. 9 spot. Rawlins tied for third place last year.

Rapid City, S.D., was ranked No. 1 this year.

Granby was the first Colorado town on the list at No. 21. Colorado Springs, Carbondale, Montrose, Trinidad, Rifle and Fort Collins were also ranked as Colorado cities on the list.

Nearby Hayden, 17 miles east of Craig, made the list at No. 114.

Although Craig’s ranking is a positive nod to the city’s outdoor tradition, Carwile said he thinks the city wasn’t give its full credit.

“I think we should be ranked much higher than that,” he said. “I think you’d have a good case to make in terms of level of services we offer around here, the environmental quality, the stability of the economic climate. I think we have a heck of a lot to offer.”

He said the past few years have been different in that fewer people have been traveling to hunt in the area due to economic and changing hunting conditions.

But, the sportsmen’s life is a cyclical one,

and Carwile said Craig is a town that has weathered economic and environmental changes well over time.

“You see good times and bad times when it comes to hunting and fishing,” he said. “But the basic quality is always there.”

Craig received high scores for its proximity to public land and water, and its gun laws, but lower scores for fishable species.

Craig did not appear on the sub-list for “Big-game Heavens,” but was recognized on another list called “Where to Live Like a King.”

“The towns on this list feature high median household incomes and a low cost of living,” the magazine’s website stated. “Essentially, your hard-earned money will go furthest in these locations.”

Carwile said it’s interesting to see where the town stands in a national survey, but there’s no mathematic formula that can measure something as subjective as quality of life.

“I take a lot of it with a grain of salt,” he said. “We could be rated below Rifle or Carbondale, but I have my own opinions about that.

“If I just predicated my existence on hunting and fishing, there wouldn’t be any other place than this.”

Got Preference Points?

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28 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

TOP 10 TOWNS Outdoor Life magazine’s top 10 towns for outdoorsmen: 1. Rapid City, S.D. 2. Pocatello, Idaho 3. Page, Ariz.

4. Lewiston, Idaho 5. Kanab, Utah 6. Bend, Ore. 7. Mountain Home, Ariz.

8. Saratoga, Wyo. 9. Rawlins, Wyo. 10. Pierre, S.D. 68. Craig, Colo.

— www.outdoorlife.com/besttowns.

Joe Rodriguez, middle, fishes with Martha Henley, right, and her husband, Larry Henley, along the Yampa River near Loudy-Simpson Park in Craig. Craig was named No. 68 on Outdoor Life magazine’s list of the top 200 towns for sportsmen this year. Photo by Shawn McHugh.

Welcome Hunters and your families!

970.824.2496 3107 W 1st Street Craig, CO 81625 lighthouseofcraig.com

You are welcome at YAMPA VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH Sunday Services Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

Morning Worship - 11 a.m.

Evening Service - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Service - 7:00 p.m.

A Caring Church in a Hurting World

SUNDAY SERVICE Sunday School 10 am - 10:45 am Worship Service 11 am - 12 pm Wednesday Bible Study - 6:30 pm

“It is appointed unto man once to die but after this, the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) Jesus said: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

KJV (John 5:24) Directions: 3900 E. Victory Way Craig, CO 81625 Take Highway 40 east of town to the drive-in movie screen. Turn left on Stock Drive and go to the end.

(970) 826-0984 Turn right (east) on E. Victory Way. The church is Pastor Dale Potter (970) 824-5424 about 1 mile east on the right side of the road.

2010 Colorado Hunter | 29

Off-road vehicles: A cautionary tale ben bulkeley/colorado hunter

Off-road vehicles, namely four-wheelers and all-terrain vehicles, can be a blessing, Craig hunter Bruce White said.

Where Jeeps and pickups need chains to continue, an ATV will move over and through mud, sand and boulders with relative ease.

When a hunter is successful near an easily accessible piece of land, an ATV can retrieve the animal with significantly less effort.

But like most things, moderation is key, White said.

“There are people who use them to run all over the place,” he said. “They go off the trails, where most people are walking, and rip up the ground.”

While White said he loves his ATV and understands the appeal of having a capable vehicle where the terrain gets bumpy, overuse has become a problem.

“What I don’t like is when people abuse that privilege,” he said. “If you use it, that’s fine. Just make sure you aren’t bothering anyone else who is out there.

“If you abuse that privilege, it affects everyone. It’s a double-edged sword.”

White, who works at Raftopoulos Ranches in Moffat County, said ATVs have a place when it comes to hunting.

“I use mine to get back and forth,” he said. “When I’m hunting, I only use it to

recover the animal.

“I usually ride to a spot, then walk.”

Over time, the advantages of ATVs became apparent, White said, as four-wheelers can typically get where most trucks and SUVs cannot.

“In the ’70s, it seemed like everyone who came to hunt here brought a Willys Jeep with them,” he said. “They would drive to the track, then get out and walk.

“A four-wheeler can definitely get you further. But people have been using (the ATV) where they used to walk.”

Another downside is that the sound of offhighway vehicles passing through scares off animals, decreasing everyone’s chances for a successful hunt.

“Originally, they used them to get all over the place,” he said. “You don’t want to ride so close that you scare off the animals.”

In addition to the added noise, ATVs that go off the beaten path can damage trails.

White said hunters should never road hunt — not just for safety reasons, but in case they plan on getting a trophy animal.

“You have to watch the road, and you have to pay attention to where you are going,” he said. “When you are doing that, you’re not paying attention to the deer, and they can run right by.

“People get caught up in ‘road hunting.’ I would say, stay on trails, ride to where you 30 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

OHV REGULATIONS All off-highway vehicles operated in Colorado must be registered or permitted for use in the state. Out-ofstate hunters, for example, must purchase a $25 permit from Colorado State Parks. OHV registration from your home state is not valid in Colorado. The permits are available from any Colorado State Parks location and where most hunting and fishing licenses are sold. For more information, call Colorado State Parks at 303791-1920 or visit www.parks.state.co.us.

Any law enforcement officer in Colorado can write a ticket for illegal off-highway vehicle use. In particular, hunters must remember that no vehicles are permitted in any designated wilderness area, of which there are many throughout Northwest Colorado.

Fines for illegal OHV use in a closed area are $100.

Hunters also will be penalized 10 points on their hunting licenses. The fine for riding in federal wilderness areas is $200 and 15 points.

To be sure you’re riding in a legal area, contact the local land management agency and obtain the appropriate maps.

need to ride, then get off and hunt on foot.”

When a hunter needs to recover their prize, the ATV has become the last option, White said.

“We have three options,” he said. “We can use the pickup, the ATV or backpack.

“We only use the ATV if the animal was close to the road, or to bring it back to the truck.”

Different equipment for different game ben bulkeley/colorado hunter

For novice and experienced hunters alike, there is an assortment of options when it comes to bringing down your animal of choice.

From bows to barrels, hunters have only to choose their date and preferred method.

Joe Herod, owner of Craig Sports in Moffat County, said the type of rifle depends on the kind of game a hunter is seeking.

“The .243 (Winchester) is a good choice for beginning hunters out for big game,” he said. “The .25-06 is also a good choice.”

For the experienced hunter, Herod recommends a number of weapons.

“Anything from a seven millimeter to a .300 Winchester,” he said. “It really just depends on the game.”

Herod said the .300 is a popular choice.

“All around, it’s solid,” he said. “It’s good for anything from elk up to moose, caribou and bear.”

For deer and pronghorn, the .243 and .25-06 are both good choices, Herod said.

“They just shoot flat, and you can come across ammo easily,” he said. “They have both been around forever, and they’re good for deer and pronghorn because they don’t damage the meat.”

For hunters traveling through Steamboat, Elk River Guns on U.S. Highway 40 just west of downtown offers a selection of guns including Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Glock, Browning, Benelli and Savage.

Bows, like rifles, depend on the animal and the hunter, said Ben Rice of Rocky Mountain Bowstrings in Meeker.

“With a younger hunter who is just beginning, you’ll want to go with a low-end bow,” he said. “That way, you’re not paying a lot just to get them started.”

Rice also suggests that younger hunters use bows with shorter axle-to-axle lengths.

“That way, they aren’t getting them caught on trees or bushes,” he said. “They can use the longer axle-to-axle bows, but I usually suggest a shorter bow.”

For elk, Rice recommends the PSE Dream Season.

“You want something between 60 and 70 pounds that will be able to puncture the skin,” he said. “Between the PSE and the new Hoyt 35, you can create enough speed and kinetic energy to get the job done.”

For deer and pronghorn, Rice said the Hoyt Maxis 31 and 32 both work.

“Again, you want something that can bring down the animal,” he said.

2010 Colorado Hunter | 31

4

5 3Craig

5

214

441

13 22

31 24

23 30

22

30

41

40

31

42

40

41

Grand Junction

43

47

47 471

1

Lower Yampa Glenwood Springs 37

45

Upper Yampa North Park

45

Grand Mesa Eagle River Valley Middle Park

Roaring Fork

North Park

Eagle River Valley

White River

Middle Park

Glade Park

471

47 Upper Yampa

Grand Mesa

Roaring Fork

Middle Park

Glade Park

In this area, 9,700-foot Diamond Mountain is the highest point, dropping to 5,100 feet in elevation at the White River. Sage and sage-grassland dominate, with the typical vegetation groups as the elevation increases.

Weather is generally mild through the later seasons, though the higher elevations can have significant snow accumulations. Public land accounts for more than 85 percent of GMU 201. GMU 2 is a “checkerboard” of public and private land, and GMU 10 is mostly BLM land with a lot of scattered private land. Consult a map and be aware of where you are. GMU 1 has poor access into the rough, rocky terrain and into the wilderness area. You must draw a license to hunt the Green River units, and it takes many years of preference points. Hence, the hunting pressure is light.

DEER — Deer are scattered throughout GMUs 2,10 and 201. If there is winter range migration, it is usually during third season.

Deer in GMU 1 tend to stay at the south and north ends of Brown’s Park Refuge.

The average good buck in GMUs 2 and 201

Bookcliffs/ Piceance

Grand Mesa

White River

Lower Yampa

North Park

Upper Yampa

Bookcliffs/ Glenwood Springs Piceance Lower Yampa

GMU: 1, 2, 10, 201 CWD has been detected in GMU 10 Upper Yampa LOCAL DOW OFFICE Meeker 970-878-6090 Dinosaur National Park is closed to all hunting

Glenwood 37

37

Eagle River Valley

Green River

47

Bookcliffs/ Piceance Lower Yampa Glenwood Springs

Bookcliffs/ 37 Piceance 45 Yampa Lower Glenwood Springs

471

45

471

North Park

Green River

Upper Yampa

GREEN RIVER

36

43 Green River

44 444

Grand Junction 421

35

28

1

32

34 444

43

28 Green River 36

44

Green River 28 36

Grand Junction

42

421

34

1835

37

33

25 41

35

Grand 18 Junction 444 2742

421

44

26

25

26

44

Grand18444 Junction 43

421

36

1 37

21

171

17

1

32

27

1540 33

231

15

231

18

12

31

24

23

1

211 21

11

13

10

6

1216

30

32

35

444

43 28

421

Springs

26

24 6

23 16

1 18

14

27 15 42 231 Steamboat

25 Steamboat 41 4033 17 34171 Springs

13

211

11

301

14

161

4

10

13

3

22

32

34

25 17141

1 37

2

441

201

4

21 301

31

30 161

214

2 1Meeker

1

12

17

26

6

1 18

11

18

27 42 15 Steamboat 231

Springs

24

33 40

1

10

201

31

14 23 16

13

211

13

Meeker

22

441

21 301

214

1

3

30 161

1 37

Game management units 2

12

5

1 18

201

Grand Mesa

Roaring Fork

Eagle River North Park Valley measures 24 inches to 26 inches. There are Bookcliffs/ trophy bucks in GMU 10, however, they tend Piceance Park to have tall versus wide Middle antlers. Hunt the bush-covered areas, high elevations early in the season, lower elevations later. Fork Grand Mesa Roaring ELK — 300+ size bulls are common.

The elk tend to stay put over the seasons.

Movement is weather dependent. Overall, elk are scattered in GMUs 2, 10, 201 and the northern portion of GMU 1.

We recommend Blue Mountain and Moosehead Mountain in GMU 10, but be prepared for rough terrain. When hunting GMUs 2 or 201 — hold out for a good bull — the average size is around 305. In GMU 2, try the southwest corner. In GMU 1, try Hoy Draw and Chokecherry Draw.

LOWER YAMPA GMU: 3, 11, 211, 301 CWD has been detected in these units LOCAL DOW OFFICE Meeker 970-878-6090

The Lower Yampa units lie south of Wyoming, bordered by the White River and the Little Snake River. The lower elevations of 6,000 feet consist of sage and sage steepe. Pinyon and juniper cover the upper elevations up to 8,500 feet. Expect zero to light snow cover in first and second seasons. The later seasons may bring

32 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

White River moderate snow and a potential for near zero temperatures. If the weather is mild, Glade Park deer and elk will not be present in high numbers until the later seasons. Overall access is easy, and 4WD is not necessary in most areas. Hunting pressure is heavy.

Outside of GMU 301, 70 percent of the Lower Yampa is public land.

DEER — The buck-doe ration is increasing. The mid-range elevations with mountain shrub and pinyon-juniper breaks generally hold the most deer, especially during the regular rifle seasons. In GMUs 11 and 211, deer are generally found in the Danforth Hills during second rifle season, moving to lower elevations in Axial Basin (GMU 211), Bitterbrush SWA and adjacent BLM land (GMU 11), and Crooked Wash (GMU 11) by third and fourth rifle seasons. Several thousand acres are open for public hunting in Axial Basin through a coordinated resource management plan (call Meeker DOW office for more information).

ELK — The large elk herd occupies all available habitat. The later seasons are usually better, especially on public land, due to snow and hunting pressure pushing the elk out of the adjacent units.

The success rate is very good on late cow elk hunts. Axial Basin CRM is a hot spot for hunting, but crowding is significant.

The best bull hunting will be on private lands.

UPPER YAMPA GMU: 4, 5, 13, 14, 15, 131, 214, 441 CWD has been detected in these units LOCAL DOW OFFICE Meeker (GMUs 4 and 5) 970-878-6090 Steamboat Springs (others) 970-870-2197

From a low of 6,300 feet, the elevation soars to 12,000 feet along the Continental Divide. The Routt National Forest dominates the eastern 2/3 of the Upper Yampa units with coniferous forests and aspen. Most of the land outside of the national forest is private land. Mountain shrub and rolling sage cover the low country. Expect light to moderate snow in the first season, gradually increasing through the fourth season. 4WD is usually necessary on the secondary roads.

Hunting pressure is heavy. Hunters will have better success and enjoy more solitude by walking into remote areas. Hunting pressure may create refuge situations on the private lands in GMUs 13, 131, 214 and 441. Mt. Zirkel (GMU 14) and Sarvis Creek (GMU 15) Wilderness Areas access is restricted to nonvehicle methods. Public hunting in GMUs 13 and 131 is limited to a few small parcels of BLM land and some State Trust Land parcels.

DEER — The deer herd is doing well in the Upper Yampa units. Most of the deer will be found in the western section of these units. Movement also is to the west. Hot spots are located north of Hayden. Some good trophy bucks are seen in the southern portion. In GMUs 4 and 5, the buck hunting has shown steady improvement. This area is not managed for trophy bucks, but it does have a good number of adult males in the population. Hunt the aspen and brush areas. Doe licenses in these units are “list B” licenses.

ELK — Elk are plentiful throughout the Upper Yampa area. Licenses are also readily available, but hunters should not rely on leftover license availability as these herds approach population objective. The DOW has been working to minimize crop damage and significantly reduce the number of elk in these units. There are good numbers of bull elk; however, do not expect to see many large adult males. Large elk numbers occur on the Routt National Forest. The basic movement is from the higher to lower elevation in response to hunting pressure and weather. Hunt the timber and hunt the Routt National Forest early. In GMUs 4 and 5, private land access is only available on a fee hunting basis.

NORTH PARK GMU: 6, 16, 17, 161, 171 CWD has been detected in these units Moose in area, so be sure of your target LOCAL DOW OFFICE Steamboat Springs 970-870-2197

North Park borders Wyoming and lies between the Continental Divide and the Medicine Bow Mountains. The valley floor

at 7,880 feet supports agricultural lands and sagebrush. Extensive willow stands line the streams — a favorite moose habitat, so be sure of your target. The forest surrounding the basin varies from aspen/lodgepole to spruce/fir. The area is generally windy and colder than many places in western Colorado.

Prepare for snow during your hunt. 4WD is helpful, as are chains. More than 2/3 of North Park is public land. Mt. Zirkel (west) and Never Summer (southeast) are the wilderness areas. Access to all State Trust Lands and the wilderness areas is non-motorized. Big game can move onto private lands with no public access.

DEER — If you are a patient hunter, you could have success hunting trophy bucks. North Park has an early 9-day, deeronly season that begins the last week of September. This season provides additional hunter opportunities as many of the deer in North Park migrate early. Few deer are found in North Park during January classification flights. Small sample sizes lead to higher observed buck-to-doe ratios than can be expected during the hunting seasons. Use three-year average success rates for choosing a hunt.

ELK — Elk are distributed evenly throughout these units. During the day, the bulls will be in dark timber — glass in the early morning and evening. The herd tends to stay in the coniferous timbered areas until late in the season, moving to lower elevations with snow and hunting pressure. Computer models likely over-estimate the total North Park elk population due to biased January observed bull-to-cow ratios resulting from multiple bias factors, including state line issues, refuge areas and low public land hunter success rates.

BOOKCLIFFS/PICEANCE GMU: 21, 22, 30, 31, 32 CWD has been detected in these areas LOCAL DOW OFFICES Meeker (GMU 21, 22) 970-878-6090 Grand Junction(GMU 30, 31, 32) 970-255-6100

Intense energy development is occurring in these units. Pinyon-juniper woodlands with pockets of sagebrush cover most of this area.

The terrain varies from rolling sagebrush to steep-sided canyon country. Seventy-five percent of this area is BLM land. There are remote hunting areas accessible by foot, horseback or ATV. Get maps and study BLM access points. Some areas are steep and rugged, especially in the southern portion.

Weather is generally mild. Rains bring muddy roads. At high elevations, snow make roads impassible without chains.

DEER — The hunting ranges from fair to good in the Bookcliffs and Piceance units.

Deer are well-distributed in the northern portion from mid-October. Concentrate on higher elevations in early seasons. If the weather is dry, you’ll need to do a lot of walking and looking. Good snows will move

2010 Colorado Hunter | 33

the herds to the south. Hunt high early, low later. Cathedral Rim has some big bucks, but tough terrain. Little Hills and Dry Fork of Piceance is better late. GMUs 21 and 30 are managed as quality deer units, and licenses are separate from licenses that are valid in GMUs 22, 31 and 32.

ELK — Good cow hunting opportunities.

The best hunting is in remote areas, mostly at high elevations, where the elk tend to hold up in pockets of green timber and aspen.

Check out the Texas Mountain area and Ratt Hole Ridge. Hunting pressure will push some bulls into the large expanses of pinyonjuniper. If snow and hunting pressure are sufficient, some elk will move into the Little Hills and Dry Fork area of Piceance later in the seasons. Most of the GMU 32 elk move into GMU 22 to winter.

WHITE RIVER GMU: 12, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34 CWD has been detected in these units LOCAL DOW OFFICES Glenwood Springs (GMU 25, 26, 34) 970-947-2920 Meeker (GMU 12, 23, 24) 970-878-6090 Steamboat Springs (GMU 26) 970-870-2197 Grand Junction (GMU 33) 970-255-6100

White River offers variety and extremes.

Several peaks in the Flattop Wilderness are 12,200’ in elevation. Elevation drops to 5,300’ near Rifle. The lower elevation vegetation starts out with sage, progressing to oakbrush/ mountain brush, aspen, evergreens and alpine tundra. Expect mild weather with light snow in the first season, with roads becoming impassable in the upper half of the area by the third season. The high country in GMU 24 is prone to heavy snowstorms in late seasons. Heavy snowstorms can strand hunters on Flattops after first season. While there is a great deal of public land, hunting pressure is heavy especially in northern half of GMUs 23 and 24. 4WD is necessary on all but the few main paved roads. Half of the area is roadless — which makes for very good hunting if you can walk or pack in. You may encounter heavy ATV traffic in GMUs 12, 23 and 33. Hunters in GMU 25 and 26 can gain access using Forest Service Road 610 (Stump Park Rd) or USFS Road 613 (Crescent Lake Rd).

DEER — The deer are scattered and will move in response to hunting pressure and weather. On National Forest lands in GMUs 12, 23 and 24, deer hunting is generally better in early seasons. Good public land deer hunting can typically be found in GMU 12 on the Jensen and Indian Run State Wildlife Areas.Jensen SWA is north of Meeker, and Indian Run SWA is east of Hamilton. GMU 23 deer hunters can try Hay Flats and Miller Creek southwest of Meeker and the Jensen and Oak Creek State Wildlife Areas north and east of Meeker. Deer densities are lower across GMU 24, but hunters can find deer on the south-facing slopes above the White River.

Springs

4

1

6

5

5

22

31 24

23 30

22

30

40

31

40

41

Grand Junction

43

36

214

214

1

28 47

Lower Yampa Glenwood Springs 37

45

47 471

Upper Yampa North Park

Glenwood Spr 37

North Park Bookcliffs/ Piceance Grand Mesa Eagle River Valley Middle Park

37

Upper Yampa

Grand Mesa

Roaring Fork

North Park

Eagle River Valley

White River

Middle Park

Glade Park

471

47 Upper Yampa

Grand Mesa

Roaring Fork

North Park

Eagle River Valley

White River

Bookcliffs/ Glenwood Springs Piceance Lower Yampa

Middle Park

Glade Park

Grand Mesa

North Park

47

Bookcliffs/ Piceance Lower Yampa Glenwood Springs 45

45

471

Bookcliffs/ 37 Piceance 45 Yampa Lower Glenwood Springs

471

Green River

Upper Yampa

Green River

444

43 Green River

44 444

Grand Junction 421

1

35

41

42

34

1

32

36

Grand Junction

42

421

34

Green River 28

28 Green River 36

44

43

421

1835

37

33

25 41

35

44

Eagle River Valley

Roaring Fork

White River

Bookcliffs/ Glade Park and the larger wilderness areas Middle Park Lower Yampa dark timber ELK — Moose have been introduced Piceance will increase your chance of finding a big to this area. Elk hunters should be sure of The Eagle River Valley units are bordered bull on public lands. Large blocks of private their target to avoid accidental kill of moose.Grand by the Colorado River, the Gore Range, the Mesa Roaring Fork Upper Yampa land in GMUs 35 and 36 provide refuge Generally all of GMUs 12, 23 and 24 are Red Table Mountains and the Continental areas and can make hunting difficult. considered very good elk hunting. The elk Divide. Elevation climbs from 6,000 feet with are generally up at higher elevations in the sagebrush and pinyon to more than 14,000 eastern portions of GMUs 12 and 24 during feet with alpine vegetation starting at 10,500 MIDDLE PARK the early seasons, and then move west feet. Weather can vary tremendously with to lower elevations (and private lands) as high country snow exceeding several feet.

GMU: 18, 27, 28, 37, 181, 371 hunting pressure and snow depth increase.

Motorized travel restricted to designated CWD has been detected in these units Try the abundant public lands in eastern routes. GMUs 35 and 44 have the most LOCAL DOW OFFICE GMU 12 and 24 early on. The chance for a public access, however, the northern portion Hot Sulphur Springs 970-725-6200 trophy bull is low due to unlimited bull elk of GMU 44 between Edwards and Eagle is licenses. Because of access roads, hunting primarily private property with no hunting The Continental Divide and the Gore pressure is high on Sleepy Cat, Lost Park and allowed. Check your map and contact the Range Divide encircle Middle Park. Most Sand Peak. The Flat Tops Wilderness Area BLM/USFS office regarding off-road travel. of this terrain is steep to very steep. The offers good hunting, but travel is limited DEER — Deer hunting in these units weather can change rapidly with higher to walking or horseback, and the potential continues to improve. The herd will be elevations receiving more precipitation. for heavy snowfall means hunters must be scattered from 6,500’ to timberline and will Areas can become snowbound. 4WD is prepared. Successful hunters avoid the main move down to the lower elevation pinyonrecommended, along with chains. Sagebrush/ roads and hunt the dark timber and deeper juniper areas as heavy snow arrives. More shrubs are common on southern exposures canyons. Jensen State Wildlife Area is good than 18 inches of snow will move the deer. at lower elevations. The valley bottoms are during most seasons. Oak Ridge State Wildlife Try hunting the aspen, open parks and mostly private lands. The remaining 2/3 of Area is good during third and fourth rifle shrublands. GMUs 35 and 36 have the most this area is public land. GMU 27 has less seasons. Both properties are limited to foot or deer. After the first heavy snow, most GMU public land than the other GMUs. Check horseback travel.

45 deer will move into GMU 36. GMU 44 USFS maps for ATV closures/ restrictions. is managed for trophy deer with limited Hunters around Wolford Mountain (GMU number of licenses, but it is a good place to EAGLE RIVER VALLEY 181 and 27) should be aware that a travel take a big buck. management plan is in place — check with ELK — Elk are scattered from about the BLM Kremmling office for information.

GMU: 35, 36, 44, 45 7,000 feet to above timberline. As hunting Horses/pack animals are recommended for CWD has been detected in GMU 36 pressure increases, they seek the deeper remote tracts and for Wilderness Areas. The LOCAL DOW OFFICE canyons and dark timber areas away from better hunting will be at least 1/2 mile away Glenwood Springs 970-947-2920 roads. Concentrating on the large stands of

34 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

47

47

36

Grand18444 Junction 43

421

Grand 18 Junction 444 2742

44

26

25

26

35

1 37

21

1

32

27

1540 33

231

171

17

25 17141

Springs

26

24 6

23 16

15

231

18

12

32

31

24

23

1

211 21

11

13

10

13

214

441

13

6

1216

30

27 15 42 231 Steamboat

1 18

14

32

25 Steamboat 41 4033 17 34171 Springs

13

211

11

301

14

161

4

10

22

31

34

1 37

3

30 161

4

21 301

441

201 2

12

17

33 40

43 28

421

1 18

201

1

211

11

13

10

3Craig

441

13

Meeker

2 1Meeker

22

26

1 37

Game management units [continued] 21 301

24

14 23 16

from roads. There are pockets where hunters overconcentrate. Due to the proximity to Denver, there are many weekend hunters and recreationalists (bikers, hikers, ATVers). Pine beetles have affected more than 90 percent of the lodgepole pine stands in Grand and Summit counties. As a result, fire danger is increased, big game distribution is changing in some areas and logging operations are likely in some spots. Hunters might focus on some of the dead lodgepole areas as increased sunlight to the forest floor creates more forage, and these areas tend to hold deer and elk for longer periods of time.

DEER — All GMUs have good numbers of deer. The buck-to-doe ratios continue to increase as a result of limited buck hunting and mild winters. All units are managed for quality bucks. There are good numbers of mature bucks, but they rarely reach trophy status found in lower elevation mountain shrub and mild winter areas. Concentrate on transition zones that have aspen, shrub and coniferous cover in close proximity. Deer tend to move west and down in elevation over the seasons, snow will move them faster and farther. They typically migrate out of GMU 371 with average snowfall. A limited number of fourth season deer licenses available.

ELK — Elk are well distributed in all units.

Bull-to-cow ratios are good because the area is fairly steep and heavily timbered. Generally, trophy bulls are rare (a few are taken every year) because bulls are managed for hunter opportunity. With hunting pressure and snow, elk head for the inaccessible timber and private property. GMU 27 has a lot of private land. Hunt the rough terrain and heavy cover away from roads and trails to increase your success.

GLADE PARK GMU: 40 No hunting allowed in Colorado National Monument LOCAL DOW OFFICE Grand Junction 970-255-6100

This 750-square-mile unit consists of a relatively Flat summit leading to sloping mesas bisected by deep, rugged canyons.

The highest elevation range is approximately 9,800’. Roads provide access to the mesas, but many of the canyons are remote and accessible only by foot or horseback. Weather starts out mild but mud/snow accumulation is likely in later seasons. Early season hunters should favor higher elevations of the USFS land, while later season hunters will do better on the lower BLM lands. Hunters can find many water holes within the dark timber stands on north-facing slopes. Elk and deer frequent these areas during warm temperatures and heavy hunting pressure.

GMU 40 has a lot of private land, and public access to BLM is often difficult to reach by vehicle.

DEER — There are some good bucks in GMU 40, but they are difficult to locate. The upper end of the Little Dolores drainage is a

great place to find quality mule deer bucks, however, there is considerable private land.

Late-season hunters may have success north of Seiber Canyon to the Colorado River, but it is foot or horseback only in that area. Areas along the Utah border and north of Gateway can be good during the rifle seasons, however hunters need to be aware of public land boundaries and the state line.

ELK — Bulls will be bugling from mid-September through first rifle opening weekend. Elk are widely distributed. Most stay high until hunting pressure pushes them to lower elevations and less accessible drainages. Do not hunt areas that have previously received heavy hunting pressure — the elk will not be there. Successful hunters do a lot of walking and looking. You cannot hunt elk in GMU 40 with an unlimited bull elk license. GMU 40 is a limited unit. You must apply in the draw.

GRAND MESA GMU: 41, 42, 421 CWD has been detected in GMUs 42 and 421 LOCAL DOW OFFICE Grand Junction 970-255-6100

Grand Mesa terrain ranges from high elevation (11,000 feet) spruce/fir forests to low elevation (4,800 feet) pinyon-juniper woodlands. Weather can be rainy or snowy, then warm up and dry out the following day. Roads can become very muddy and 4WD is recommended. There is not a lot of road access in GMU 42. Hunters should be prepared to spend time on foot or horseback. Much of the area is public land.

Overall, the hunting pressure is heavy.

Intensive natural gas development activity is occurring in GMUs 42 and 421. This work includes a major drilling project and a pipeline project. Contact the USFS Grand Valley Ranger District, 970-242-8211, for more details on energy development in this area.

DEER — Deer hunting is good with the numbers increasing. Deer are found on forest lands and higher elevation private lands during October. The resident deer stay in lower agricultural areas year-round. The migrating deer herd begins to move off the forest in mid-November to lower elevations, often to BLM lands. The best deer hunting is at mid elevations (8,500 feet to 9,500 feet), with more buck opportunities in the later seasons. The number of trophy bucks continues to increase. The Battlements can be good in late seasons, but the terrain is rugged. The open country offers good opportunities for those who get out on foot or horseback.

ELK — The elk herd is well distributed with good hunting success expected. Elk are scattered throughout the forest and on private lands. Most elk stay at higher elevations (8,500 feet to 10,000 feet) in thick timber and oakbrush. There is no migration during the season, movement to the more remote areas is in response to hunting

2010 Colorado Hunter | 35

pressure. They will seek classic cover — the heavily wooded, north-facing slopes near water. You will need to get away from the roads. There are lots of legal bulls as the area is managed for quantity of bulls rather than trophy status. Hence, trophy bulls are present but relatively rare.

ROARING FORK GMU: 43, 47, 444, 471 LOCAL DOW OFFICE Glenwood Springs 970-947-2920

This area encompasses the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan and Crystal River drainages. The lower elevations (6,500 feet) are primarily developed or agricultural. Timberline is around 11,500 feet, and there are 14,000-foot peaks in the wilderness areas. Be prepared for daytime highs of 75 degrees dropping to 20 degrees at night. Snow can exceed several feet in the higher elevations, and moisture can make roads dangerous or impassible.

4WD is a necessity. About 40 percent of the area is wilderness (Hunter-Fryingpan, Maroon Bells, Raggeds, Collegiate Peaks), and vehicles are not allowed. These rugged areas offer increased hunting success, but require horseback/pack-in camps. Hunting pressure is moderate. There are large blocks of private lands in GMU 43 east of Highway 133 and in the western portion of GMU 444.

DEER — Deer populations were on the upswing for several years but did decline during the winter of 2007-08. Fawn-to-doe rations are low while buck-to-doe ratios are decent. This herd is concentrated in aspen and oakbrush habitats before the snow flies.

Hunting pressure does not generally cause herd movement, but they will move to lower elevation woodlands as snow accumulates.

Archery and muzzleloader hunters should head to timberline — Capitol Creek, Haystack Mountain, East Snowmass Creek and Thompson Creek. Later-season hunters could try “The Crown,” Holgate Mesa, Williams Hill and Light Hill, but expect to see other hunters in these areas. Some good bucks can be found if hunters focus in areas away from roads.

ELK — Early seasons find elk anywhere from 7,500 feet to above timberline. With increased hunting pressure and snow, herds tend to move to remote areas or private lands — away from roads and hunters.

The wilderness areas are a good bet for success, but hunters must hike or horseback in as motorized travel is prohibited. Try Snowmass Creek, Conundrum Creek, Capitol Creek, Avalanche Creek, Difficult Creek, McFarland Creek, Maroon Creek, Thompson Creek, Basalt Mountain, Fourmile, the Marble area and the upper Frying Pan drainages. Kobey Park and Sloans Peak are good, but deep snow and bad roads should be expected, especially later in the seasons. Some great opportunities for private land cow hunting exist in GMU 43, if you can get permission.

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36 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

Bull elk licenses Meeker

Craig

201

5 3

441

301

14

6

16

1 13

211

231

21

25

35

42

45

444 43

license holders may only hunt on Archery Restriction

Rifle hunters may hunt in these areas with an over-the-counter license, however archery over-the-counter license holders Hunters with on anprivate unlimited elk units. license (archery or rifle) may only hunt land bull in these

Archery Restriction

may hunt inmay these units.

Remember: must still have Rifle hunters hunt in these areas withYou an over-the-counter permission to hunt private land. license, however archery over-the-counter license holders

37

Limited Units - Draw only Limited Units — may only hunt on private land in these units.Draw only

You may NOT hunt in these areas with an over-the-counter license.

You may NOT hunt- Draw in theseonly areas Limited Units with an over-the-counter license.

You may NOT hunt in these areas with an over-the-counter license.

Unlimited Units

Hunters with an unlimited bull elk license (archery or rifle) may hunt in these units. Remember: You must still have Unlimited Units permission to hunt private land.

Hunters with an unlimited bull elk license (archery or rifle) may hunt in these units. Remember: You must still have permission to hunt private land.

47

Unlimited Units

Hunters with an unlimited bull elk license (archery or rifle) may hunt in these units. Remember, you must still have permission to hunt private land.

471

41

however, archery over-the-counter

You may NOT hunt in these areas with an over-the-counter license.

private land in these units.

Unlimited Units

36

44

421

40

28

1

30

Rifle hunters may hunt in these areas with an over-the-counter license, however archery over-the-counter license holders may only hunt on private land in these units.

Rifle hunters may hunt in these areas

34

32 31

Archery ArcheryRestriction Restriction

with an over-the-counter Limited Units - Draw license; only

37

33

18

26

24

23

22

27

15

1

12

18

11

171

17

13 10

Steamboat Springs

161

4

214

2

1

Glenwood Springs Grand Junction

After you bag your game, bring it to Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co. Clean Quality Workmanship • Quick , Friendly Ser vice

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2010 Colorado Hunter | 37

Oak Creek Welcomes Hayden

U.S. Highway 4 Yampa Valley Regional Airport

51

✈

51B

51C

29A

51D

29

About Oak Creek ★ Oak Creek was originally named Bell Town. ★ In 1912 when the county seat building burned at Hahns Peak, there was much debate about where to put the new county seat. Oak Creek wanted it in Oak Creek but seeing as many of the “business” men in Steamboat had ‘bootleg’ interests in the pool halls and bars in Oak Creek they felt ‘the law’ would then be too near their operations so the county seat became Steamboat.

★ In the ’30s and ’40s, the population in a 4-mile radius around Oak Creek was 5,000 to 6,000. There have been 10 operational coal mines in and around Oak Creek. The housing, stores, restaurants and bars were “company owned.”

★ The 12th cavalry came to O.C. in 1915 on horseback and stayed nearly two years to keep the peace over the town as immigrants wrestled with local coal mine business owners over whether they could start their own businesses. The camp and barracks for the cavalry were located on the 8 property that now houses the middle19 & high schools.

★ In 1915, there were two newspapers in Oak Creek — The O.C. Herald, primarily a socialist paper, and the OC Times, which leaned toward the Republican side.

38 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

★ There were two hospitals in Oak Creek until the late 1960s ... perhaps the existence of 17 bars and pool halls and other ‘sorted’ establishments was part of the need for the two hospitals? ★ The Tracks and Trails Museum of Oak Creek opened in 2007 on the 100th anniversary of the town’s establishment. The museum is on Main Street in the former town hall, a historic building built in 1927 as part of a campaign promise involving the Klu Klux Klan!

Want to learn more?

Spend a day in Oak Creek!

Dunkley Pass

Just 20 minutes from Steamboat. Happy Trails!

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Steamboat Springs

Milner

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Bonfiglio Drug and Liquor

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Fortunes Pizza and Subs on Main. “It’s all Good!”

22

Natural Preventative healthcare, gifts, cards and sundries. 970-7362377, 877-Bonfiglio, 118 Main St.

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★ 14E 14C 14B

★ Lake Catamount

Spiro’s/Oak Creek Liquor Licenses, supplies, cold

beer and friendly smiles. 970-736-2443, 107 Main St.

18

14D 14A

Mugshot Espresso, coffee, beer & wine, Wi-Fi, and the biggest buns in town! Join us on the deck for a cupa Joe! 970-736-8491, 116 Main St.

★

Brand Spankin’ Used Thrift Shop We’ve got what you forgot! A treasure hunter’s paradise. Books, clothing, & much more. Open Tue-Sat. 970-7368100, Main St.

Oak Creek

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212A 25

Select Super Market Your hometown grocery

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24

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hway 131 Hig

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Local Merchants

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South Routt Medical Center We are here to keep South Routt healthy, because we care! 970-7368118, 300 Main St.

Phippsburg 19

★

Chelsea’s Number 1 Chinese food in the Yampa Valley! 970-736-8538, 116 Main St.

★

Oak Creek Sinclair Dino’s Deli. 970-736-8319, 312 Meyers St.

51B 15 2010 Colorado Hunter | 39

The other game in town

Grouse, bear and pronghorn highlight alternative hunting options colorado hunter staff

Northwest Colorado is best known for its deer and elk hunting, but the buck doesn’t stop there.

From pronghorn to bear to grouse to rabbit, the region boasts world-class hunting for whatever suits your fancy.

Maybe it’s the short seasons and that much of their prime hunting lands fall in private property that keeps the grouse hunting in Northwest Colorado out of the spotlight.

But most likely, it’s because the serious bird hunters are content with the bigger game keeping attention and fall crowds away from their favorite mountain shrub knolls and ridge tops.

The greater sage grouse is the largest grouse in North America, with males often weighing between 4 and 5 pounds and hen clocking in at between 2 and 3 pounds. The birds thrive in Northwest Colorado, particularly North Park in Jackson County, Grand County and Moffat County.

The 2010 sage grouse season has been reduced to two days in the game management units 6, 16, 17, 161 and 171 in North Park. The season there begins Sept. 11 and ends Sept. 12.

The season is seven days in GMUs 3, 10, 11, 18, 27, 28, 37, 181, 201 and 211, running from

Sept. 11 to Sept. 17.

Another overlooked animal that’s prevalent in Northwest Colorado and makes for a quality harvest is the cottontail rabbit. The rabbit hunting is particularly good west of Craig to Maybell. This year’s cottontail season is Oct. 1, 2010, to Feb. 28, 2011.

But perhaps the area’s most sought-after game is the continent’s fastest land mammal, the pronghorn.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife advises that pronghorn hunts are often more successful on private land, and success rates vary by game management unit.

From there, the area’s bear hunting provides a big challenge (and reward), if not very big harvest numbers.

Ask any Steamboat Springs resident about the black bear population, and they’ll tell you it’s booming given the daily sightings within city limits.

But because bears are generally reclusive and the statewide population is a fraction of that of elk and deer, the annual bear harvest is fairly small.

Interested hunters should check with the DOW to determine which animals are available for hunting and which are not. There are certain permit and license requirements for certain animals, as well as bag and possession requirements.

40 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

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2010 Colorado Hunter | 41

Survival is about preparation joel reichenberger/colorado hunter

Colorado Division of Wildlife spokesman Randy Hampton often suggests that hunters on the prowl for game in the mountains and valleys of Northwest Colorado need to get away — away from the highway, the road and even the trail.

“Studies show animals are going to be at least one-quarter to one-half mile off a road, and when I say a road, I mean if you drove an ATV up it, you need to be one-half mile from it,” he said.

Finding the ideal spot to nab that trophy rack comes with inherent risks, however, and knowing basic survival techniques and packing appropriately for any of a multitude of potential disasters is essential.

Steamboat Springs resident Darrel Levingston has spent many a cold winter night trying to find lost hunters as one of the members of the Routt County Search and Rescue team. He said he’s seen all the mistakes.

He suggested hunters be equipped with modern technology to help them find their way, or to help rescuers find them, but not to rely on it.

“Technology has changed the way search and rescue works, but all electronics have limitations,” he said. “They don’t always work in every area, and even though it’s great to have out there, we highly recommend people also take such basic things as a map and a compass as backup.”

Weather can be a deciding factor in a Colorado hunt — cold weather can help bring animals down from the high country and into more accessible, lower terrain. But no matter what the forecast is for a particular trip, those venturing into the wild need to be ready for anything.

“It can change in an instant,” Levingston said. “People need to have clothing and equipment for all four seasons, regardless of what the day might look like when they leave in the morning.

“People can get in a lot of trouble when

they start out on their hunt in the morning and it’s a sunny, beautiful, blue sky day.

Within two hours, it can be snowing sideways.”

As far as Levingston is concerned, though, there’s one thing more than any other that can help lost or stranded hunters make it home safely and without extended stays in the backcountry.

“Tell someone where you’re going and when you’re going to return,” he said.

“Northwest Colorado is a big place to have to start looking for someone. Just knowing where people are going and when they expect to get back will cut search time down dramatically.”

As a basic checklist of what to take, Levingston cited and elaborated on the “Ten Essentials” from the Mountain Rescue Association’s General Backcountry Safety Workbook, with the ability to make fire, to stay dry and to orient oneself as the principal packing priorities: • U.S. Geological Survey topographic map, magnetic compass and other navigational aids such as cell phones, GPS systems or Personal Locator Beacons. “Keep the GPS and cell batteries warm in a pocket next to your body and keep the cell phone off until you need to use it,” Levingston said.

• Waterproof matches in a waterproof container, candle/fire starter. The ability to make fire is so critical that Levingston advises bringing a film canister with Vaseline-saturated cotton balls, weatherproofing matches by dipping the tips in molten wax or even a small bottle of (highly flammable) hand sanitizer gel, while one area outfitter added the in-a-pinch trick of using a multi-task tool’s pliers to pull off a bullet’s tip to access the casing’s black powder.

• Extra clothing including gloves, hat, jacket and raingear • Space blanket or two large heavy-duty trash bags • Whistle. “I’ve seen so many rescues where 42 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

SAFETY ADVICE Dr. Dan Smilkstein, a Steamboat Springs physician with plenty of experience in high-altitude recreation, offers the following advice for flatland hunters headed straight to the high-country hills: • Be aware of your elevation. Some people develop altitude sickness as low as 4,000 feet, while 8,000 feet will get the majority of people.

• Look out for the following symptoms: disrupted and irregular sleep, loss of appetite, mild nausea, low energy, drowsiness and mild headaches. If you’re experiencing any of these, do not go any higher. You don’t have to go back down, either; within 24 to 48 hours, your body will adjust. But if the symptoms are worse — breathing problems or a change in mental status with severe headaches — no question you need to descend to a lower altitude.

• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a carbohydrate-rich diet.

Avoid alcohol. Remember to eat regularly to keep a steady flow of calories and energy.

• The rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t sleep 1,000 feet higher than you did the night before. So if you’re just coming up to altitude, spend two to three days in the valley before heading up to camp.

• A high level of exertion as your body is acclimating can put you over the top. Avoid pushing yourself hard the first 24 hours.

• Tylenol and Ibuprofen (and hydration) are fine to treat headaches. Be careful with any sleep medications.

Diamox is the oldest and best-known medication that can significantly help sleep quality and ventilation.

Speak with your doctor before heading to altitude about potential medications and any underlying pulmonary and cardiac conditions.

athe missing person will say later, ‘I could hear your 4X4 and hear you yelling,’” Levingston said, advising a pea-less whistle that will not freeze up.

• Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb).

Levingston advises intentionally flipping over a single battery to avoid lighting the inside of your pack while hunting in the daylight.

• Extra food and water • Pocketknife • Sunglasses • First-aid kit

Winter in

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Spring &

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44 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

Summer in our Springs and Summers mak

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www.moffatcountytourism.com 2010 Colorado Hunter | 45

Fall in In it For The Hunt or just the Beauty of it all,

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www.moffatcountytourism.com 46 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

Why not try fly fishing? tom ross/colorado hunter

If you could find a way to pack two outdoor vacations into one this fall, wouldn’t you jump at the chance?

All you have to do to bag two Colorado adventures in one week is make certain you’re the first member of your hunting party to hang your elk in a tree. The sooner you accomplish that goal, the sooner you can begin hunting for predators like ornery brown trout.

Think about it: Once you bag an elk, your options are to drive game for your buddies, migrate to a bar and watch football, or go off in pursuit of a chunky 18-inch trout.

Better pack your spinning rod or fly-fishing equipment in the truck.

Resident Northwest Colorado hunters keep their rods in their rigs throughout hunting season and look for opportunities to find big fish whose metabolisms come alive in the cooler water of fall.

Brett Lee says there is no reason to go any farther from the hotels and restaurants of Steamboat Springs than Stagecoach Lake State Park, 15 miles south of Steamboat near Oak Creek. Lee is one of the owners of Straightline Sporting Goods in Steamboat and a veteran hunter.

Lee knows the Colorado Division of Wildlife has been stocking Stagecoach with bigger fish than normal to give them a chance to survive the giant northern pike that are cruising the lake. The strategy is succeeding, and October is the month the fish come out of the depths of the lake for a burst of feeding before winter sets in.

Stagecoach will look a little different this fall, with the lake drawn down so construction crews can add 4 feet of concrete to the top of the dam. Some boat ramps will be affected, but the fish are still there. Call the local state park office at 970-736-2436 in advance for the latest conditions.

Options abound The region’s enormous elk population means that with cooperation from the weather, the chances of success are as high as anywhere a hunter can journey. Hunters hope for a moderate snowstorm and overcast skies — enough foul weather to move the elk out of their high-elevation hideouts, but not enough to make four-wheel roads impassable.

The cooler temperatures of fall also bring rainbow trout back into shallower water in large impoundments like Stagecoach Reservoir

2010 Colorado Hunter | 47

2010 FEES & REGULATIONS License fees • Annual: $26 resident, $56 nonresident • Senior citizen annual: $1 (residents only) • Five-day: $21 nonresident • One-day: $9 resident and nonresident • Second rod stamp: $5 resident and nonresident *Annual licenses are good through March 31, 2001 Where to purchase: Anglers can purchase licenses on the Web at . www.wildlife.state.co.us or by calling 800-2445613. A temporary authorization number can substitute for a physical license for 14 days from the date of purchase. Anglers must have their temporary authorization number on hand while fishing.

Bag limits: Daily bag limit for trout: Four fish in aggregate.

Possession limit: eight fish in aggregate.

The town stretch of the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs has special regulations: flies and lures only and catch-and-release (no kill fishing) keep this fishery rewarding with large fish right in town.

and Steamboat Lake.

At Steamboat Lake, the trout are often looking for crayfish, an easy food source to imitate with lures. Fly patterns are no mystery at Stagecoach — the old standby woolly bugger in olive, black and brown will successfully imitate the minnows that trout gorge on in Stagecoach. Remember, as water temperatures drop, retrieval rates on streamers and lures should drop with them.

The cold water of fall dictates a slower retrieve than fishermen are accustomed to in summer, Lee said.

Hunters looking for deer and elk in game units west of Craig also have unusual opportunities to fish for smallmouth bass and northern pike in Elkhead Reservor and the Yampa River. The hard-fighting “smallies” are prone to chasing streamers and lures in white and chartreuse color combinations.

The reconstruction and expansion of Elkhead Reservoir east of Craig was completed in 2007 and the reservoir filled completely.

The new flood ground should be very fertile and support a rapidly growing fish population.

The public areas at the reservoir are managed

by Colorado State Parks.

However, federal wildlife officials have made considerable headway on removing the unwanted bass from the Moffat County stretch of the river to protect endangered native species, and local fishermen report having less success.

Another great autumn option in Moffat

DON’T DO IT! It doesn’t take a Crackshot to shoot poles, insulators or powerlines It happens, believe it or not. Every year some people decide to use our lines, poles or insulators instead of targets or game to shoot at.

• THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS ACT! We pay the cost to repair the equipment. Shot insulators, wires and poles result in electric service interruptions and inconvenience. The inconvenience could be critical if it interrupts a life support system.

• IT’S ALSO EXPENSIVE IF YOU GET CAUGHT! There are penalties for intentional damage to utility property.

• IT’S DANGEROUS! Live wires can burn or electrocute when they fall to the ground. An innocent person could become a victim - so could the shooter.

LOOK UP BEFORE YOU SHOOT! SAVE A LIFE! THANKS!

Yampa Valley Electric Association “The Power of Choice” Craig 824-6593 Steamboat Springs 879-1160

W H I T E RIVER ELECTRIC Serving You with Electricity For Over 60 Years Meeker, Colorado 970/878-5041

48 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

County is to drive west of Craig to Maybell and turn northwest (right) on Colorado Highway 318 to reach a section of the Green River in Browns Park that holds large brown trout. You won’t forget the undeveloped range country in this area where 19th century outlaws once hid out and wild horses still roam. Stop at any sporting goods shop in Craig to get precise directions.

On the other side of the Park Range from Steamboat, in Jackson County near Walden, anglers will find their best opportunity for a trophy brown out of North Delaney Lake. All three Delaney Buttes lakes are easy to locate on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest maps, which hunters will want to purchase anyway.

By the way, you can camp for free at this area.

Realistically, hunters who haven’t bagged their animals aren’t going to entirely divert their attention from elk and deer to trout. But Lee knows how to mix hunting and fishing pleasure.

“If the weather is right, you can hunt all day,” he said. “But if the weather is hot and sunny, why not take a break in the middle of the day and go fishing?”

Lee pointed out that hunters visiting Colorado often hunt in parties. It’s almost inevitable that one hunter will bag an elk on the first day, while the rest of the party hunts for several more days without getting a shot.

If the first lucky guy has had the presence of mind to pack his fishing tackle, he’s in for a second vacation.

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2010 Colorado Hunter | 49

Rangely, C

T

Welcome to Rangely a town that embraces the past, thrills in the present and welcomes the future.

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Colorado

Rangely Businesses

 A

Quality Carpet & Furnishings 801 E. Main St. 970-675-5170

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 B

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 C

Canyon Land Construction 970-270-9714 2674 Foxen Ct. Grand Junction, CO 81506

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Rangely Liquor Store

E

White River Drive Inn

 F

Fast Food….The Old Fashioned Way! 322 W. Main St. 970-675-2049 Open 11am – 7pm Tuesday thru Friday

Giovannis Italian Grill

 G

 G

855 East Main St. 970-675-2670 Dine In or Take Out!

➞   M

D B

Approx. 1 mile on 64 across from airport

H

Pinyon Tree Liquors

 I

 J

321 E. Main St. 970-675-2828 Lowest Prices in Northwest Colorado

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Town of Rangely Welcomes you!

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K Raven Realty, LLC

 C

thrill seeker or just want to relax Rangely is the place to be.

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Craig teen nabs first mountain lion brian smith/colorado hunter

Craig resident Taylor Duzik, 14, has been hunting with her father, Glenn, since she was a young girl.

The many hunting trips she took with Glenn helped her develop a passion for hunting and, after picking up the rifle, she was skilled enough to bag several elk, deer and antelope, she said.

“It is like a huge adrenaline rush,” said Taylor, a sophomore at Moffat County High School.

In the winter of 2008, however, Taylor set her sights on bagging a mountain lion.

After organizing a trip, tracking one and successfully treeing it, she found, much to her disappointment, the cat was a female with kittens, which she couldn’t legally kill, she said.

But Taylor’s spirits weren’t dampened for long.

On Dec. 29, 2009, about a year after her first trip, Taylor’s patience was rewarded with a 180-pound male mountain lion taken in the

Williams Fork area about 20 miles south of Craig.

“Lions are really hard to get, and I was pretty excited I got one on my second try,” Taylor said.

The morning she bagged the cat, Taylor, Glenn and her sister, Mattie Jo, started to look for tracks at about 4:30 a.m. They found a “hot track” by about 6 a.m., and released the dogs on to the scent by about 7:30 a.m., Taylor said.

“We had gone up clear to the top of our road, and there was nothing,” she said. “And it was the last day of our hunt ... so we were coming back down, and he had crossed over our truck tracks, so it was super fresh.”

The dogs soon caught the trail of the mountain lion, Taylor said, which was resting under a cliff until the dogs came. The cat fled, but was treed by the dogs about 400 yards from the cliff, Taylor said.

Taylor arrived at the tree, which was on a steep hill, she said, and shot the mountain lion with her .243 Browning rifle from about 30 feet away.

52 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

“She had a place figured out and a clean, clear shot,” Glenn said. “One shot, done with the hunt.”

Glenn, who also is an outfitter, said mountain lions are sometimes hard to hunt, having gone 10 seasons without bagging one himself.

“Lions aren’t something that you can hunt every day,” he said. “You can hunt them only maybe eight or nine days out of the year.”

Watching his daughter take her first mountain lion was rewarding, Glenn said.

“It was a good day,” he said. “Taylor did everything right, she worked hard to get him.

She got to the lion and made a great shot. It is hard to shoot straight up.”

Taylor said the family is in the process of having a rug mount made out of the lion.

She plans to keep hunting — in hopes of a bear and a bull elk — but also wants to bag another mountain lion.

“Maybe not for a while, because I got my one,” she said. “I want to shoot another one, but it has to be bigger than the one I got.”

Mountain Lions 101 • Colorado mountain lions, also referred to as cougars, pumas, panthers and catamount, are the largest catsc in the state — much larger than lynx.

Adults can reach 6 feet in length and weigh 130 pounds and up.

• Hunters are most likely to find mountain lions in canyons and mesa country. They’re less abundant there than in forests and open prairies.

• Most lions eat one deer a week. Mating is most common in spring, with females typically giving birth to two or three kittens.

• Hunting mountain lions requires a mountain lion education certificate from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, as well as a mountain lion license.

Hunters are required to call 888-940-LION (5466) for GMU closures before any hunting trip. Hunters must check daily to see whether the game management unit they want to hunt is open. Units close when harvest limits are reached.

• Hunters who successfully kill a mountain lion are required to contact the DOW within 48 hours of the kill and provide their name, Customer Identification Number, date, GMU of the kill, and sex of the lion. Within five days of the kill, hunters must present their lion to a DOW officer for inspection and seal. Inspections and seals are free, but mandatory.

• Mountain lion season dates and fees will be released in October. During the 2009-10 season, a mountain lion license costs $251 for out-ofstate hunters, and $41 for residents. The typical mountain lion season begins immediately after the last combined deer and elk rifle season and ends in March.

— Source: Colorado Division of Wildlife

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On the hunt: When patience is a virtue It took longer than expected, but veteran Fran Reinier finally got her mountain lion fran reinier/colorado hunter

Growing up, my parents and grandparents had a phase they’d use whenever I wanted something that just wasn’t realistic at the time.

“All things good come to those who wait,” they’d say.

I had no clue what it meant as a child, and I didn’t really figure it out until my late teens.

Over the years, I’ve learned that patience is often on my side, and it’s certainly a good friend to have when you’re a hunter.

My husband has always included me on his destination hunts, but there was one trip I never got to go on — mountain lion hunting.

The reason was simple: My bad knees were too limiting.

So, I waited. And hoped.

Christmas 2009 seemed no different than any other Christmas in our home until, out of the blue, my husband told me to take the Division of Wildlife-required mountain lion hunting test online. I can only imagine the shocked look on my face.

Things progressed quickly from there. On New Year’s weekend, I received a phone call from our friend Diana Yeagher to set up a meeting time and place for my first mountain lion hunt. It’s only fitting that Diana’s name just happens to be that of the Roman goddess of hunting. Yeagher can hunt and track with the best of them.

A short time later, we met up with Diana and her husband, Bill “Gimpy” Yeagher. With help from a few other friends, we went off searching for fresh lion tracks. What we found was the tracks of a young lion.

“It’s OK,” I thought, “patience is on my side.”

The next few weeks played out pretty much the same. I began to think the animal kingdom was going to be the victor this time.

But things turned around during the last weekend in January. Diana called on a Saturday morning to report fresh lion tracks in the snow, and off we went. The team included Diana and Bill Yeagher, Teddy and Karen Gilroy, Bud Blomquist, my husband, Bob, and the dogs.

Half of them took off on snow machines while the rest of us sat tight and awaited their return.

The news wasn’t good. The mountain lion they spotted had gone into a cave. They didn’t want to disturb the lion, plus they have a rule that they don’t send their dogs into caves. It’s just too dangerous for both the animals and the hunter. So we called it a day and made a plan for Sunday.

To say my excitement level was running high

54 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

that Sunday morning is an understatement. A light snow during the night helped the tracking that much more. We met at the same place, and this time, we spotted two sets of tracks from adult male lions. We decided to track a different lion than the one we had gone after the previous day.

We headed off on our snow machines and the 40-minute ride to the area where the tracks had been spotted. The dogs picked up the scent, too, and they went off and running up the hillside. But the mountain lion was smart and climbed into the rocks. The dogs lost the scent.

But Bud Blomquist was determined to track the lion. He climbed the rocks where the dogs couldn’t go and hiked in waist-deep snow for the next five hours. Back and forth, up and down, around and around the hillside he went. And we followed.

We stopped once at about 2:30 p.m. to regroup and rehydrate. As luck would have, Bud found where the lion had gone into the rocks and radioed up for Bill to bring the dogs. About 15 minutes later, we heard the dogs ahead of us. It sounded like they had the lion treed. But what we found wasn’t what we had hoped for — the dogs were jogging down the trail toward us and not sitting under a tree with a lion in it.

It was getting late in the afternoon, and we were all tired. We heard another voice, but this one was unfamiliar. It was Bud’s cousin Tom Kostur, who had been called in to help us. He hollered that he had found mountain lion tracks again and was going to follow them. Less than 10 minutes later he reported finding the lion holed up in some rocks with its tail sticking out.

Time was of the essence, so I took my rifle from its case and said, “Let’s do this.”

The hillside was thick with scrub oak, rocks and trees. The snow was thigh deep and deeper in spots. Up three of us went, crashing through the tree limbs and scrub oak, getting our boots caught in the branches every step of the way, and using the branches and the trunks of trees to pull our way up the hill. The last 6 feet up the hill was so steep that for every step forward we took, we slid back two. So Tom leaned over the ledge and grabbed Diana’s hand to pull her up. Bud grabbed my hand and pulled me up onto the ledge, as well.

There we stood, out of breath, sweating and wet from climbing through the tangle of trees and brush. And there was the lion and its twitching tail.

The ledge was big enough just for the four of us and one dog. There was no room for error, and a mistake there could have been fatal for any of us.

I lay in the snow and took aim at my target, but the glare from the snow into my scope was so bad that I couldn’t see anything but a bright light.

Tom took off his jacket and threw it over my head to help cut the glare. The hole with the lion was so dark that all I could see was the outline of its body. Tom is a veteran mountain lion hunter and asked a few questions about what I could see, and he gave me advice on how to line up my sight picture.

I held steady and pulled the trigger.

Bud and Tom agreed to crawl up to the hole and confirm whether the lion was dead. I was ready with my rifle just in case it wasn’t.

My first and only shot was all it took. They pulled out the lion, we posed for some pictures, loaded ourselves and my kill onto the snow machines and began the trip back to the trucks.

Back at the trucks, we celebrated with a beer and a phone call to my dad.

It was dark when we got home, and I was exhausted. My youngest son was home on leave from the Army, and he got to see my trophy before returning to base. He couldn’t wait to tell his buddies what his mom did.

Once again, patience won out.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Bill and Diana Yeagher are the former operators/ owners of Backcountry Outfitters. They currently run an operation out of Rio Blanco County and have permission to lead mountain lion hunts on a private ranch in Routt County.

2010 Colorado Hunter | 55

Former teacher calls hunting ‘priceless’ Craig Conrad builds lasting relationships using hunting as a foundation joshua gordon/colorado hunter

Craig Conrad, a former Moffat County High School teacher and a long-time hunter, said hunting is as much about memories made as the animals he brings home from successful trips.

When Conrad arrived in Craig in 1982, the area’s hunting business wasn’t as big as it is today.

“I had a lot of students who would invite me out to their parents’ land to hunt my first year in town,” said Conrad, who taught shop at MCHS and now works traveling the country as a motivational speaker. “It is something that doesn’t happen quite as often now.”

Twenty years later, students Conrad first went hunting with are now considered friends, and he has memories of their time in the outdoors that will last a lifetime, he said.

A particular memory stands out.

Conrad was hunting with Tim and Glen Duzik, who were his students at the time.

The group, including Conrad’s wife, Vicki, was out hunting jackrabbits one night, and Conrad said a thick fog blanketed the landscape.

“We put all the rabbits in the back of the Jeep, and my wife and I got in the vehicle,” he said. “Tim said that one of the rabbits was alive, and so we both go out to check.”

As soon as Conrad opened the back, he said Tim flung a dead jackrabbit and yelled.

The teacher had fallen prey to his students’ prank.

“My wife and I were both scared to death as the Duzik kids were dying laughing,” Conrad said. “It is something everyone involved will remember forever, especially since it was an eerie night.”

Sharing a common interest, Conrad said, is a good way to start a friendship, and hunting is a great way to bond with people.

“Anytime you can be outdoors with someone, I think you just get closer than you ever can in an office,” he said. “It’s God’s land, it just creates a special bond.”

But the relationship benefits hunting has provided to the former educator don’t end with just students and friends.

In the past few years, Conrad has been able to enjoy hunting with his son, Colton. Conrad was with Colton when he nabbed his first elk, deer and antelope. As a shared activity, Conrad said hunting beats anything the father and son have done before.

“I can’t put a price tag on the memories I have created with my son,” he said. “We have such a good time out hunting together. It’s

Craig resident Craig Conrad, a former Moffat County High School teacher and now a motivational speaker, poses with his son, Colton, on a friend’s property after Colton shot an antelope they followed for more than an hour. Conrad said by hunting with Colton and other friends, he has made memories that will last a lifetime. Photo courtesy of Craig Conrad.

priceless.”

On a hunt last year, Conrad said he and his son were on a friend’s private property and spotted an antelope.

Conrad and Colton dropped to the ground and stalked the antelope, keeping as quiet as possible, he said.

“If it would have been public land, someone would have scared that antelope way,” Conrad said. “Because our friends allowed us to hunt their land, I was able share in my son shooting that antelope.”

Through his son, Conrad said he has met even more people, including local resident Howdy Davis. Davis is now a fixture on Conrad and Colton’s hunts.

“My son would hunt with Howdy, and they became pretty close,” he said. “After awhile, Howdy and I became friends, and

56 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

now we hunt together, as well.”

Davis and Conrad also spend their winters ice fishing together, he added.

While he has had friends of all ages with him on hunts, Conrad said the beauty of hunting lies in one fact — age, quite simply, doesn’t matter.

“I’ve hunted with people 30 years younger than me and 20 years older than me,” he said.

“We have a common interest, so age doesn’t even play a factor.”

With all the friends and memories he has made through the years, Conrad said he is thankful for opportunities hunting has provided, and to be in an area that appreciates and embraces the tradition.

“I just want to say thanks,” he said. “I’ve went through things with people that I will never forget.”

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2010 Colorado Hunter | 57

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Glenn Pritchard, a third-generation Moffat County resident, has been hunting the area for decades and has kept a journal of his experiences. Those times have been compiled into his book, “Buckskin Trails: 50 years of Trophy Hunting in Northwest Colorado.” The book is in circulation in Craig. Photo by Hans Hallgren.

Tales from the trails

Moffat County resident’s book recalls half a century of area hunts joshua roberts/colorado hunter

In 1962, when Glenn Pritchard was young and not old, when hunting was pure and about something other than “money and politics,” the then 19-year-old Moffat County resident found himself waiting patiently in the predawn morning of his favorite place.

The wild.

He and the countryside stood still, he said, man and earth quietly bracing for the last day of hunting season.

The silence didn’t last long.

A buck, about a mile off, jumped a fence, shattering the early morning peace and starting a blurred, hectic few moments the hunter recounts more than four decades later, with clarity like it happened a minute ago.

He moved closer to the animal.

“I was shooting a lever 250/3000 I had inherited from my father,” Pritchard wrote.

“As the buck jumped the fence, up came the rifle. I only had time for one shot.”

The shot rang true. What Pritchard’s patience and precision netted: a 350-pound, 9-by-10 point trophy buck with a 35½ inch spread.

“What a wonderful day,” Pritchard, now 67, wrote. “I had finally gotten a trophy buck. …

It was one of the most exciting times of my life. A dream come true. It was hard to believe that I would have even more exciting hunts in the future, as the reader will discover.”

Those words are found in the first 10 pages of Pritchard’s book, “Buckskin Trails: 50 years of Trophy Hunting in Northwest Colorado,” a long-planned work he finished in 2008 and is now found at various locations in Craig and Moffat County.

The self-published book is described as part-biography about Pritchard, a thirdgeneration Moffat County resident, and his family. It’s also a year-by-year chronicle

58 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

of hunting deer, elk and antelope, almost entirely within the county’s limits, and includes photographs of kills and natural settings.

Pritchard, who lives with his wife, Audrey, on the couple’s 40-acre spread on Moffat County Road 7, said he doesn’t have any dreams of becoming rich off book sales.

“My wife’s been after me for years to do it,” he said. “It’s a lot of memories. It was just something to do, mostly.

“I didn’t write it to get rich. It was just kind of fun writing it.”

The book is dedicated to Audrey, and their two children, daughter Holli and son Cody.

Pritchard was born on the Two-Bar ranch 45 miles west of Craig on the Little Snake River, situated about halfway between Craig and Browns Park.

He calls the Browns Park area, the “edge of the wild country.”

“The wild country is in my blood,” he wrote. “The wilder the better.”

“I just love that country,” he said. “You can still almost feel Butch Cassidy running around there some days.”

And it’s there, out in the wild, that Pritchard fondly remembers happenings ranging from good hunts to awe-inspiring scenes of nature, and, depending on what you’re prone to believe, perhaps the supernatural.

The experiences are all described in the book.

There was the time when, while looking for shed horns with his border collie, Coco, at his side, he came across “another of those magical moments I have been blessed with experiencing over the years.”

A full-grown timberwolf.

“He was absolutely beautiful,” Pritchard wrote. “My mouth must have dropped to my knees. … He was black and silver with a six-inch black tip on his tail. … He knew exactly what I was. He stood broadside, looking at me, then slowly turned and trotted off into the cedars. He was not the least bit afraid of me.

“The powers that be will tell you we don’t have wolves in Colorado, but I heard (them) howling on Black Mountain at less than 100 yards 40 years ago. Take it for what it is worth, but I know what I saw and heard.”

In 1994, he and Cody were in Browns Park, again hunting for horns.

“The Browns Park area is a special place for us,” Pritchard wrote. “Sometimes a person can almost feel like you are being accompanied by kindred spirits, even though it is just you and your dog.”

Cody, on the other side of his father on a limestone ridge, radioed Pritchard and said he felt like he was “being watched.” Hair was standing up on the back of his neck.

Minutes later, Cody called again. He told his father what he’d found.

A grave.

It had no marker.

“We were miles from the nearest road,” Pritchard wrote. “What would a grave be doing here? I told (Cody) I would be right there.

The top of the ridge was bare, mostly rock with a few scattered cedars. Right between two of those cedars was a grave. It was old. It was domed rocks 6 feet long and 2 feet wide.

“I went back each year for five years to spend time with whomever was there and had no trouble finding the grave. One day I told Audrey I was going to take my metal detector to the grave and check it out for metal. We hiked for five hours to get there. … I had been to the site several times and had no problem finding the grave.

“However, on this day, I could not find it.

Something didn’t want me to check it out.

You make the call.”

Pritchard said he isn’t one to believe in farfetched tales, but the experience he had was absolutely real.

“The spirits are there,” he said. “It sounds silly, but there’s something to it.”

There are other tales, too, in the 80-page book Pritchard described as his running diary of hunting and outdoor life.

There are about 100 copies of “Buckskin Trails” available.

The book costs $39.95 and can be viewed or purchased at Craig Campground, the Museum of Northwest Colorado, Downtown Books in Craig, or through Pritchard.

He can be reached at 8246196.

He said the book represents half a century’s worth of Moffat County times, tales and adventures as he’s known them, and reaches back into a time when area hunting meant more than just big business.

In a way, the book is his love song to the only place he’s ever called home.

“My blood’s here, I guess,” he said. “If people can enjoy it, that’s what I’m in it for.”

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2010 Colorado Hunter | 59

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Bagging a moose is easier than ever colorado hunter

Want to bag the largest deer in the world? In Northwest Colorado, it’s entirely possible.

Since being reintroduced to the region — North Park, specifically — by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in 1978 and 1979, moose have thrived in an environment seemingly tailor-made for them. Valleys thick with willows, streams, ponds and marshes provide food and shelter for moose, considered by biologists to be the world’s largest deer.

The giant herbivores love Northwest Colorado so much that their numbers continue to rapidly grow.

Within the past year, the DOW transferred another group of moose to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area near Meeker. That followed a recent introduction of moose on Grand Mesa in 2005.

What it means for hunters is that a successful moose hunt is morel likely than ever. The North Park moose population is estimated at 480, and Middle Park boasts another 320 of the animals that can reach 6 feet at their shoulders and weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds. The Grand Mesa herd population is about 150, with an objective of 450.

The DOW also has begun a campaign reminding hunters to be very aware of their target, especially when it comes to moose. Illegally shooting a moose because you thought it was an elk carries a hefty fine. The bill starts at $1,350. How you’ll know it’s a moose: • Dark brown or black body • A bell, or flap of skin, hanging from its throat • White/gray inner legs • Overhanging snout and bulbous nose If you managed to score a moose license this year, prepare to be patient on your hunt, as moose are relatively solitary and can be difficult to find. Stick to forested areas, particularly those near marshes and swamps. Any area thick with willows is prime moose habitat, as that is their primary source of food. They’ll also eat pine needles and the leaves of deciduous trees as well as aquatic plants and aspen trees.

Game management units 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 28, 171, 181 and 191 are available for nonresident moose hunting this year.

You’re best chance of seeing moose is early in the morning or late afternoon. Be aware that the massive cervids can be aggressive, especially when startled.

They’ve been known to defend their home territory.

— Some information provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife

MOOSE INFO New for 2010, the moose rifle season has been extended to 14 days. This year’s season runs Oct. 1 to 14. Archery season is Sept. 11 to 26, and the muzzleloading rifle season is Sept. 11 to 19.

A moose license costs $254 for Colorado residents and $1,819 for nonresidents. All moose licenses are by drawing only.

60 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

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Healthy populations boost optimism terry carwile/sportsman information specialist moffat county visitor center

As we approach the 2010 big game hunting seasons, it is worth touching on a couple of issues that have emerged in recent years.

One of the most prominent, and one we hear about most often at the Craig Chamber of Commerce, is the weather.

Consistently, fair weather throughout the fall season has been typical. Other than the occasional snowstorm immediately followed by a return to warmer temperatures, conditions have been unfavorable for elk hunters in the combined rifle seasons.

The absence of cold weather and sufficient snow accumulation has meant that there has been nothing to stimulate elk herd migration to winter range at lower elevations until very late in the year.

Flyovers by the Colorado Division of Wildlife to locate GPS-collared elk show that the animals have stayed in the higher terrain well into December.

On-the-ground reports by hunters of herd

migration and successful hunts have not come until after Christmas, for the most part. It should be noted that these are reports from late-season cow elk hunters who are seeing animals in the areas of Godiva Rim in Game Management Unit 3 and in the “Triangle” area of GMU 211.

For a map and description of the GMUs in Northwest Colorado, turn to pages 32 to 37.

Both of these areas are traditional winter range for elk.

Generally speaking, the early elk hunting seasons have been productive, but success has fallen off sharply during the second and third combined rifle seasons.

Hunting pressure in the high country pushes game animals into more remote, inaccessible areas. As long as the weather is fair and there are not enough hunters willing to take on the task of a more difficult hunt in tougher country, game animals get scarce.

The lack of migratory movement has made hunts at lower elevations less productive, as well.

Mild winters have made for a healthy deer population, and deer hunters have reported consistent success in all of the seasons at high and low elevations in Northwest Colorado.

GMUs 3, 301, 11, 211 and units in higher areas such as 4, 441 and 5 have been productive for deer.

Mild winters are among the elements that have aggravated the pine beetle epidemic. It is important to factor changes in high-country forest conditions because of the beetle infestation into hunting plans.

Of paramount importance is safety while driving, hiking or camping in forested areas.

Reports from the U.S. Forest Service indicate that thousands of dead trees are expected to fall daily for the next decade or so in Routt National Forest. The Forest Service also reported that the average lodgepole pine weighs 1,000 pounds, and the dead ones can fall without warning.

The Forest Service advises that forest users avoid activities near stands of dead trees and to use extreme caution in choosing a place to camp or park a vehicle. Forest Service officials also advise that hunters carry a chainsaw or an axe in case a road or trail is blocked by a fallen tree. Efforts to remove hazardous trees are ongoing.

Be sure to check with the Routt National Forest office for updates on campground, trail and road closures because of tree removal operations. The hotline number is 970-8702140.

For the long-term, hunters should expect enormous changes in high-country big game habitat because of the beetle epidemic.

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As the trees lose their needles and subsequently fall, the lodgepole forest canopy opens up and exposes the ground to more sunlight. The resulting vegetation growth will probably create much better conditions for both small- and big-game animals.

Although there are no current studies under way specific to the pine beetle epidemic and habitat impact, local DOW biologists think there will be benefits to the big-game population in the long run.

In this case, however, better habitat conditions may equate to more challenging hunting conditions. Access to hunting areas may change, and retrieval of harvested biggame animals may be more complicated.

For those who enjoy the high-country hunts, now is the time to begin formulating a new strategy. In the areas where pine beetles have taken their toll, a new long-term plan is in order.

Knowledgeable hunters know that taking a few seasons to get acquainted with an area greatly enhance chances of success. Even if a sportsman is familiar with an area impacted by beetle-kill, approaching the hunt as if it were in new territory is a good idea.

It should be remembered that, even though the landscape is changing in the high country, Northwest Colorado is still home to the nation’s two largest elk herds. And healthy populations of elk, deer and antelope are reasons for optimism in the upcoming hunting seasons.

CUSTOM QUALITY

MEAT

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WILD GAME PROCESSING

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Don’t Drink and Drive, WE’LL DRIVE the Drink TO YOU. 2010 Colorado Hunter | 65

391 Lincoln St, Craig

Call for details

970-824-6632

POWER

FOR THE

LONG HAUL

Don’t delay getting to camp!

If you get in late or super early stop in to the General Store for your hunting licenses— we offer after hours service!

• 24 hr fueling— 6¢/gal cash discount • Gas & Diesel - Propane - Ice - Beer & Liquor • Hunting and Fishing Licenses • Cold Storage & Game Processing and Shipping • Groceries & Gift Shop, ATM

1-800-CRANK-IT www.interstatebatteries.com for the closest dealer

Open 6:30-9:00 Daily

Toponas County General Store | 970-638-4483 10000 Hwy 131 Toponas, CO 80479

Don’t Leave a trace of your hunting fun!

24 hours Auto Wash Self Service Wash Vacuums

Self Serve & Automatic Car Washes accept all major credit cards

1635 W. Victor y Way • Craig • 826. 0 7 3 1

66 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

Photos from the hunt

CLOCKWISE, from top: Jerry Zeman tracked and scored this elk in 2007 west of Craig. Chris Jurney is shown with a bobcat he killed in the winter of 2009 south of Craig. A mule deer fell to Kayla Jurney in 2007 west of Craig. Photos provided by Chris Jurney.

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS! Want to see your photos in next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Colorado Hunter magazine?

E-mail them to share@steamboattoday.com today!

2010 Colorado Hunter | 67

PHOTOS FROM THE HUNT

Chance Peters snagged this mountain lion in 2007 west of Craig. Photo provided by Chris Jurney.

Tom Leeson got this bull elk. Photo provided by Cedar Beauregard.

Mike Huffstutter scored a mule deer in 2009 south of Craig. Photo provided by Chris Jurney.

HORSES FOR RENT Hunting and Pack Horses

Hahns Peak Inn Meeker

Craig

Dotsero

970-878-4382

970-824-3468

970-524-9742

12900 County Road 8 Meeker CO 81641

781 County Road 15, Craig, CO 81639

13721Colorado River Rd Gypsum, CO 801637

Steamboat

Business Office

Williams Fork 970-276-2048

970-879-2306

781 County Road 6, Hayden, CO 81639

835 River Road Steamboat, CO 80477

303-442-0258 911 Kimbark Street Longmont, CO 80501

Available Archery, Muzzleloading & Rifle Seasons Summer Horses Available â&#x20AC;˘ Guided & Unguided Rides

www.sombrero.com

Permitted on White River, Routt and Arapahoe- Roosevelt National Forests License #217 E.O.E.

Hahns Peak is located in Hahns Peak Village on Routt County Road 129. Come let our pleasant and friendly staff fill you with a gourmet breakfast and send you out into the 2.5 million acres of National Forest on your hunt of a lifetime. Then return to the Inn from a successful day in the woods to relax in our hot tub to end your beautiful day in North Routt County with an unforgettable sunset in the high country of Northwestern Colorado.

Packed lunches available.

We will be happy to help arrange your hunt with local outfitters.

Jeff Dolan, 970-871-6221 the Hahns Peak Inn P.O. Box 899 61066 RCR 129 Clark, CO 80428 www.hahnspeakinn.net

68 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

Cedar Beauregard shot this elk during bow season last fall. He took down another the same day. Photo provided

by Cedar Beauregard.

2010 Colorado Hunter | 69

PHOTOS FROM THE HUNT

LEFT: Bill Van Ness got his archery bull elk on Sept. 16, 2009, near Buffalo Pass.

He called it an “incredible experience.”

ABOVE: Bill’s 8-year-old daughter, Lily, found this moose shed in July 2010 while fishing in upper Soda Creek with her sister Allison, 6.

A Hunters Hideaway, A Hunters Dream

YAMPA VALLEY FEEDS

SteamboatLake AgnesRetreat.com

970-879-7033 STEAMBOAT LOG CABINS Rustic Log Cabins Fully Equipped Kitchens Classic Wood Stoves 76 Wooded Acres Close to Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs Pets Allowed With Additional Deposit

Call 879-1060 for rental rates and reservations.

LIAM WITH HIS FIRST DEER.

• Tack m So feeore muc • Feed d s tha h to n a • Propane re • Horse Supplies …

• Livestock Supplies 198 E. Lincoln St. Hayden, CO 81639

70 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

J.P. Huffstutter poses with his cow elk in 2009 south of Craig. Photo provided by Chris Jurney.

Diana Eubank stands with her cow elk, taken at 300 yards with her .30-06, on the next to last day of late season 2009.

2010 Colorado Hunter | 71

Samantha Young got her first elk during the second season of 2008 near Emerald Mountain.

PHOTOS FROM THE HUNT

LEFT: Rick LeBlanc killed this elk in unit 10 in 2009 west of Craig. ABOVE: Casey Nations poses with a bobcat nabbed in 2008 west of Craig. Photos provided

by Chris Jurney.

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Boot, Saddle and Tack Repair Custom Handmade Boots and Leather Items, including Chaps and Chinks.

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HUNTING HOTLINE 888-711-5913

Guided & Unguided Drop Camp Hunts • Private Land & Wilderness Hunts • Pack Trips & Horse Back Rides Cabins, General Store, Gas • Wild Game Processing ATV Tours • Bar & Grill

steamboatlakeoutfitters.com

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Drop your repairs off at Murdoch’s or call us at (970) 824-9536 for custom items.

Anderson’s Saddlery, since 1993

72 | 2010 Colorado Hunter



Chris Jurney took these photos of wildlife near Craig.

MEMBER ROCKY MOUNTAINS

Hunting for Great Service?

You can depend on Cook Chevrolet for all your vehicle needs.

Elkhead Mountain Lodge

Full Service, Parts & Body Shop.

4 Wheel Drive Rentals

Cabin Rental Craig, Colorado

Elkhead Mountain Lodge is available for Do-itYourself Archery and Rifle HUNTING. With direct access to more than a million acres of public land including the Routt National Forest and Bureau of Land Management, your stay at Elkhead Mountain Lodge puts you where the game is! www.elkheadmountainlodge.com info@elkheadmountainlodge.com

After Hours Wrecker Service: (970) 824-8418

Pager 1-800-812-3609 • Mobile 1-326-8876 Service Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat 8 a.m. - 12 Noon Service Manager Joe Bird jbird@cookchevrolet.com

824-2100

1776 W. VICTORY WAY CRAIG

2010 Colorado Hunter | 73

Celebrating 45 Years!

879-3900 W. U.S. HWY 40

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Hunting business directory GUIDES & OUTFITTERS • 4+2T Ranch Guided archery, muzzle-loading and rifle hunts for deer and elk from Horse Mountain in the Flat Tops area or for antelope from a desert ranch north of Craig (GMUs 12, 3).

P.O. Box 896, Hayden, 970-276-4283, www.huntco4plus2tranch.com.

• Adams Lodge Outfitters Primarily elk and deer (archery, muzzle-loader and rifle) guided, lodge-based and unguided drop-camp hunts in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, wilderness camp at Marvine Lakes available (GMU 24).

200 Rio Blanco Road 43, Meeker, 970-878-4312, www.adamslodge.com.

• B.S. Outfitters Primarily elk, deer and antelope trespass-free hunts on close to 20,000 acres of private and public lands (GMU 3, 301, 4 and 13) with some rustic and improved campsites.

506 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-6768.

• Badger Creek Outfitter Full-service guided (some trespass for archery) elk and deer hunts on public and private lands (GMUs 11, 211) north of Meeker, archery, muzzle-loader and rifle seasons with some archery trespass hunts.

7072 Moffat County Road 51, Craig, 970-824-0227, www.badgercreekoutfitter.com.

• Bar-H Outfitters Offers elk and deer hunts, fully-guided from tents or cabins, or drop camps, on public forest service lands (GMUs 12 and 24).

P.O. Box 2409, Meeker, 800-230-HUNT, www.barhoutfitters.com.

• Bear Mountain Ranch Lodge-based, free-range rifle hunts on private 10,000-acre ranch for elk, deer, antelope, bison and bear (GMUs 17 and 181).

7401 U.S. Hwy 40, Kremmling, 970-724-9651, www. bearmountainranch.net.

• Bearcat Outfitters Fully guided or drop camp elk rifle and archery hunts on public and private lands (GMU 12).

P.O. Box 110, Craig (28 miles south of Craig), 970-8247958, www.coloradoelkhunts.net.

• Beaver Creek Outfitters Craig-based outfitter with full-service guided elk and deer hunts (archery, muzzle-loader and rifle) and drop camps into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area (GMU 12) and other public private lands (GMUs 4, 441 and 214). Also offers wilderness pack trips.

54432 Sandy River Dr., Leonard, Minn., 218-368-3679, www.huntbeavercreek.com.

• Beaver Springs Self-guided, trespass-fee deer and elk hunts 20 miles south of Craig on 80 acres of private land bordering the White River National Forest (GMU 12) with private campground and fishing lake.

908 Ridge Road, Craig, 970-824-2007, http://beaversprings.tripod.com.

• Behrman Outfitting P.O. Box 172, Maybell, 970-272-3284.

• Big Gulch Ranching for Wildlife Full-service and trespass-fee hunts (archery or rifle) during 90-day season for elk, deer and antelope on 90,000 acres of private ranch lands.

P.O. Box 1342, Craig, 970-824-6933, www.bgwildlife.com.

• Big Rack Outfitters & Horseback Adventures Fair chase guided hunts including deer, elk, antelope, bear and predators on over 30,000 acres with minimal hunting pressure (GMUs 3, 4, 301, 211 and 65). Summer horseback day trips, two- to three-night adventure packages, wagon rides and cattle drives on a working guest ranch.

42755 Routt County Road 86 (35 miles west of Steamboat), 970-826-4468, www.bigrack.com.

• Buck Mountain Outfitters Fully guided deer, elk and antelope hunts on 8,000 private acres around the Deep Creek and Buck Mountain region.

Cabins for hunters on five- to six-day hunts from archery season through late big game rifle seasons.

22990 Routt County Road 54 (15 minutes northwest of Steamboat), 970-870-9665, www.buckmountainoutfitters. net.

• Buffalo Creek Outfitters Fully guided, luxury lodge-based rifle hunts for elk, deer and moose on 16,000 acres of private land.

P.O. Box 2, Rand, 723-8311, www.buffalocreek.com.

74 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

• Buford Guide Service Fully guided, lodge-based elk and deer hunts on national forest and private lands for (GMUs 23 and 24).

20474 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker (20 miles east of Meeker), 970-878-4745, www.bufordstoreandlodge.com.

• Bull Basin Guides and Outfitters Elk, mule deer, black bear, antelope and mountain lion during archery, muzzle loading and rifle hunting seasons, August through January on national forest and private lands. Also offers private fly-fishing program with two options on the prestigious Troublesome Creek and Black Mountain Pond.

P.O. Box 1566, Kremmling, 970-724-0417, www.bullbasin. com and www.troublesomeflyfishing.com.

• Charles Mead Outfitters Fully guided deer, elk and antelope archery, muzzle-loading and rifle hunts on mostly public lands around Craig and Maybell.

1326 Sequoia Ave., Craig, 970-824-7046.

• Chris Jurney Outfitting Trespass-fee, semi-guided and fully guided elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion and prairie dog hunts on private ranches around Craig.

574 Legion St., Craig, 970-824-5505, www.cjoutfitters.com.

• Colorado’s High Lonesome Outfitter and Guides Old fashioned, pack-in style adventure located in the backcountry of GMU 15. Guided and semi-guided elk, deer and mountain lion hunts among 52,000 acres of vast and unspoiled forested terrain in the Flat Tops.

P.O. Box 312, Yampa (45 minutes south of Steamboat), 970846-1449, www.cohighlonesome.com.

• Colorado Hunter Services Trespass-fee elk, deer and antelope hunts (archery, muzzle-loader and rifle) and cabin rental on private land at lower elevation or public land minutes from cabin accommodations (GMUs 4, 12 and 301).

25 Canvasback Rd., S.C., 866-210-2445 or 866-210-5445, www.coloradohunterservices.com.

• Colorado’s Mountain West Outfitting Co. Trespass-fee elk and deer hunts on 8,000 acres of private lands.

P.O. Box 1380, Craig, 970-824-7257, www.primehunts.com.

• Colorado Outfitters Services Trespass-fee and semi-guided hunts for elk, deer and antelope (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) on private lands near Cedar Mountain and around Craig (GMUs 3 and 301) with some lodging.

501 Cedar Mountain Ave., Craig, 303-726-5975.

• Colorado Private Ranches Elk and deer non-guided hunts on 15 private ranches, archery through rifle seasons (GMUs 15, 42, 52, 53, 65 and 741).

P.O. Box 1244, Winnsboro, La., 71295, 318-435-5029 or 318-435-5592, www.coloradoprivateranches.com.

• Coyote Creek Outfitters Elk, deer, moose and bear hunts (archery, muzzleloader and rifle) by horseback out of Routt National Forest base camp cabin 25 miles southwest of Walden (GMU 17).

5103 Jackson County Road 11, Walden, 970-723-8666 or 970-723-4648, www.coyotecreekoutfittersllc.com.

• Craig Wild Bunch Guides and Outfitters Trespass-fee with tent and guided elk and deer hunts (archery, muzzle-loader and rifle) to 3,800 acres of private land north of Craig (GMU 4) adjacent to the Routt National Forest.

3386 Moffat County Road 7, Craig, 970-824-9334, www.elk-craigwildbunch.com.

• Cross Mountain Adventures Offers fully guided elk, deer and antelope hunts on 60,000 private deeded acres on two ranches. Bird, prairie dog and predator hunting, horseback and fishing day trips also available.

1280 Industrial Ave., Craig, 970-824-2803, www.crossmountainranch.com.

• Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch Del’s has been in continuous operation in North Routt County since 1962, offering both full-service, five-day hunts as well as drop camps deep into the wilderness of the Routt National Forest. Elk, deer and bear hunts in GMUs 5, 14, 161 and 214.

55675 Routt County Road 62, Clark (18 miles north of Steamboat), 970-879-3495, www.steamboathorses.com.

• Dunckley Peak Outfitters and Pack Service Full-service guided archery, muzzle-loader and rifle bull elk hunts, including drop camps in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area (GMU 231). Horseback riding and fishing trips also available.

P.O. Box 935, Craig (30 miles south of Hayden), 970-8248257, www.billscabin.com • Eagle’s Nest Outfitting Deluxe drop camps and semi-guided hunts in the Flat Tops Wilderness area (GMU 24) during archery, muzzle-loading and all four elk and deer rifle seasons.

P.O. Box 1168, Craig (20 miles east of Meeker), 970-8264383, www.eaglesnestoutfitting.com.

• Dave Parri’s Outfitting and Guide Service Full-service, base camp and drop camp elk and deer hunts and pack service offered for the archery, muzzleloading and rifle big game seasons into the heart of Troublesome Basin (GMU 18). Guided fly-fishing trips also available.

P.O. Box 254, Hot Sulphur Springs, 970-725-3531, www.traditionalelkhunt.com.

• Eagle Spirit Outfitters Specializing in premier, lodge-based guided archery hunts, averaging close to 80 percent opportunity on 23,000 acres of private land around town of Oak Creek with limited pressure. Guided elk and deer trips run through big-game archery, muzzle-loading and rifle seasons.

P.O. Box 775792 (base of Rabbit Ears Pass), 888-416-8102, www.eaglespiritoutfitters.com.

• David R. Seely Outfitting Fully guided five-day rifle hunts for elk (some deer) on private property bordering national forest lands (GMUs 12 and 13).

1826 Colo. Hwy 394, Craig, 970-824-4288.

• Elk River Guest Ranch Customized unguided hunting packages to vast public lands in the Routt National Forest, archery through second elk and deer rifle season.

29840 Routt County Road 64, Clark (20 miles north of Steamboat), 800-750-6220, www.elkriverguestranch.com.

Welcome to Americas Best Value Inn.

Our Friendly staff awaits your arrival.

Our hotel is equipped with cozy, clean comfortable rooms.

Come relax and enjoy your stay at Americas BestValue Inn Located in Northwest Colorado 970-824-3471 PHONE 970-824-2787 FAX ABVICRAIG.COM 200 HIGHWAY 13 SOUTH CRAIG CO 81625

Affordable Daily & Weekly Rates Available

2010 Colorado Hunter | 75

• Elkhorn Outfitters Access to over 120,000 private-leased acres to hunt a 90day bull season as a DOW Ranching for Wildlife partner.

Archery, rifle and muzzle-loading guided hunts offered for mule deer, elk and antelope. Horseback riding, cattle drives, sporting clays, wildlife viewing and photography rodes also available.

37399 N. Colo. Hwy 13, Craig, 824-7392, www.elkhornoutfitters.com.

• Fish & Cross Ranch/Pack Country Outfitters In Yampa at the base of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, this historic working cattle ranch offers full-service guided backcountry hunting trips and some limited drop-camp/ self-guided hunts, archery through rifle seasons on national forest and private lands. Horseback rides, guided fishing trips, guided wilderness/wildlife photo hikes and cattle drives also available.

24300 Routt County Road 11, Yampa (45 minutes south of Steamboat), 970-638-1064, www.packcountryoutfitters.com.

• Five Springs Ranch Guide and Outfitters Fully guided hunts for deer, elk, antelope and bear, starting in August archery season and running through rifle seasons in December on 7,000 acres of leased private land.

29550 Colo. Hwy 131 Steamboat (10 miles south of intersection with U.S. Hwy 40), 970-879-0868, www.5springsranch.com.

• Frosty Acres Ranch Mostly trespass-fee elk, deer and antelope hunts (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) on 15,000 private acres of GMUs 4 and 301, with private lodging.

41380 N. Colo. Hwy 13, Craig, 970-824-8935.

• Great Divide Elk Hunts Elk hunting preserve with guaranteed trophy bull success offers rifle, muzzle-loading, pistol and limited archery hunts.

7473 Moffat County Road 15, Craig, 970-824-3731, www. greatdivideelkdhunts.com.

• H & H Processing and Outfitting “Guided gourmet hunts,” for deer, elk, antelope and mountain lion (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) on private land in GMUs 22 and 23.

68656 Colo. Hwy 64, Meeker (7 miles west of Meeker), 970-878-5126 or 970-878-5151.

• Hester Hunting Company Deer, elk, moose antelope, bear, sheep, goat and mountain lion hunts during archery, muzzle loading and rifle seasons. All hunts lodge-based and fully guided, with some overnight spike camps.

1367 Eagle Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-9746.

• Homestead Hunts Offers semi-guided and trespass-fee elk, deer and antelope hunts on private property near the Great Divide area.

2050 Chapman Lane, Craig, 970-824-8549,. www.homesteadhunts.net.

• J-T Ute Outfitters Fully guided, camp-based hunts for elk, deer and bear to eight camps in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area (GMU 24) as well as pack services, drop camps, horse rentals and guided horseback rides.

960 Rio Blanco County Road 12, Meeker, 970-878-3448, www.jaybarteute.com.

• J.C. Trujillo Guide & Outfitter Fully guided horseback elk and some deer hunts on public land in Bunker Basin (GMU 12).

54768 Rio Blanco County Road 8 (28 miles south of Hayden), 970-276-3300 or 928-717-9360.

• JML Outfitters Year-round outfitting business offers elk, deer, bear packin, drop camp hunts on public forest service lands camps during archery, muzzle-loading and rifle seasons (GMU 24).

Pack trips, fishing and trail rides also available.

300 Rio Blanco County Road 75, Meeker (30 miles east of Meeker), 970-878-4749, www.jmloutfitters.com.

COLORADO P R I VAT E R A N C H E S

DO IT YOURSELF, NONGUIDED HUNTS

Choose from 15 Colorado Ranches for lease .

One group per lease maximum of six hunters per lease.

Leases border the Routt, White River, San Isabel and Uncompahgre forests. Leases are in hunting units 15, 42, 62, 65, 421, 521, 741.

98% of leases have cabins or a lodge. email: coloradopr@bellsouth.net website and video: www.coloradoprivateranches.com Call Allen Butler at (318) 435-5029

76 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

• James Creek Outfitters Elk, deer and mountain lion fully guided hunts (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle seasons) on public BLM and private land at the historic Durham Ranch (GMUs 12 and 13).

396 Colo. Hwy 13, Meeker, 870-824-6939, www.jamescreekoutfitters.com.

• Jeffcoat Ranch & Outfitters Trespass-fee elk and deer hunts on private lands.

P.O. Box 97, Hamilton, 970-824-3757.

• Kawcak Farms Elk, deer and antelope trespass-fee hunts in GMU 4.

3699 Moffat County Road 13, Craig, 970-824-7161.

• Last Chance Ranch Cabin-based, self-guided and drop-camp elk and deer hunts on private land, along with access to public lands of GMUs 131 and 231 in the Routt National Forest.

17825 Routt County Road 29, Oak Creek, 970-736-8564, www.colastchanceranch.com.

• Lone Tom Outfitting Elk, deer, mountain lion and antelope lodge-based hunts (archery, muzzle-loader and rifle) and drop camps on public and private lands. Also offers fishing and pack trips and horse rentals.

12888 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker, 97-878-5122, www.lonetom.com.

• Longshot Ranch Trespass-fee hunts during big game seasons on 45 acres of private land bordering public BLM land.

28925 Routt County Road 14, Steamboat Springs, 970879-4026.

• Lost Solar Outfitters Drop camps and full-service guided hunts, archery through big game rifle seasons (GMU 24) into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area.

P.O. Box 513, Meeker, 970-942-3000 or 970-878-4220, www.meekercolorado.com/lostsolar.

• Louisiana Purchase Ranch Outfitters Elk, mule deer and bear fully and semi-guided hunts on over 20,000 acres of public and private lands 43 miles southwest of Craig (GMUs 11, 211).

P.O. Box 206, Meeker, 970-272-3006, www.louisianapurchaseranch.com.

• Luark Ranch & Outfitters Rents cabins and horses, drop-camps and packing services to 2,400 acres of private and adjacent, non-motorized public BLM land (GMU 26) during archery, muzzle-loading and rifle big-game seasons. Also offers trail rides and wild game meat processing.

2834 Luard Road, Burns, 970-653-4324, www.luarkranch.com.

• Middle Creek Ranch/Middle Creek Ranch Outfitters Provides housing, first-class cooking, meals and guides for hunting guests. Open for all big game and archery and rifle seasons on 8,000 private acres of mountainous and openmeadow combined terrain.

28310 Routt County Road 31, Oak Creek (25 miles south of Steamboat), 970-879-7353.

• Myers Hunting Services Guided elk and mule deer hunts on public land and the private Gulmar Ranch, 14 miles south of Craig on the Williams Fork River and other adjacent private ranch lands (GMUs 12, 13 and 231).

6148 Colo. Hwy 317, Hamilton, 970-824-9317, www.lazy-v-box.com.

• Nine Mile Guest Ranch Bull and cow elk, mule deer and combination hunts, archery or rifle available on private lands. Now offering a fourth season one-on-one trophy mule deer hunt for Unit 22.

50735 Colo. Hwy 13, Meeker, 970-878-4656, www.ninemileguestranch.com.

• M&M Outfitters Fully guided, lodge-based elk and deer hunts on private lands near Hamilton as well as mountain lion hunts on public and private lands (GMUs 12, 13, 2, 201 and 211).

P.O. Box 1020, Craig, 970-824-5812.

• Oak Ridge Outfitters Guided and non-guided elk and deer hunting (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) on private lands (GMU 23).

P.O. Box 631, Meeker, 970-878-5822, www.meekercolorado.com/oakridge.

• Majestic Trophy Outfitters Fully guided and semi-guided archery, muzzle-loading and rifle hunts for deer, elk, antelope and predators on 2,500 private acres of scrub oak and mixed terrain 20 miles south of Craig (GMU 12, antelope in 3 and 301).

Also offers interpretive ATV tours and survival classes for all ages.

215 Bilsing St., Craig 970-826-4311, www.trophy-outfitters.com.

• Pinnacle Peak Adventures Offers guided elk, deer and antelope hunts on 6,000 acres of private lands (GMU 4).

2951 Moffat County Road 18N, Craig, 970-824-9269, www.huntpinnacle.com.

• PT Outfitters Private land hunts for elk, antelope, deer and bear (GMUs 27, 18, 181).

129 Grand County Road 12, Kremmling, 866-724-3616.

• R&R Ranch of Colorado Maybell lodge-based elk, mule deer and antelope guided and semi-guided rifle hunts on private 27,000-acre ranch (GMUs 11 and 211).

10202 SW 138 St., Archer, Fla., 352-538-7094, www.rrranchco.com.

• Raftopoulos Ranches Guided archery, muzzle-loading and rifle hunts offered in the premier GMUs 2 and 201 for trophy bull elk, mule deer and antelope based out of historic lodge at base of Diamond Peak.

2991 Pine Ridge Dr. Craig, 970-326-8620, www.trophy-elk-hunting.com.

• Red Feather Guides & Outfitters Gould-based outfitter offers deluxe horseback-guided wilderness hunts, archery through second rifle season for deer, elk and moose. Fishing, horseback riding and camping trips available.

49794 Colo. Hwy 14, Walden, 970-723-4204 (summer and fall) or 970-524-5054 (winter and spring), www.redfeatherguides.com.

• Reeder Creek Ranch Offers some fully guided archery, muzzle-loading and rifle hunts for elk and mule deer (GMU 28) from familyoperated working ranch focusing on private fly-fishing trips.

137 Grand County Road 39, Kremmling, 970-531-2008, www.reedercreek.com.

• Rim Rock Outfitters Guided elk, deer, mountain lion, bobcat, antelope and prairie dog hunts and drop camps in GMUs 10, 11, 12, 21, 22 and 30 and eastern Utah.

P.O. Box 223, Rangely, 970-675-2619 or 800-465-7501, www.coloradorimrockoutfitters.com.

Fishing & Diving at its Finest in the Bahamas!

“Bewitched”

52’ Hatteras Sport Fisherman Great rate includes living aboard, meals, tackle and equipment

Call Lou

879-0868 email: lourabin@cmn.net Local References provided

www.charterboatbewitched.com Now Booking for Spring & Summer 2011!

2010 Colorado Hunter | 77

• Rocky Mountain Ranches

Specializing in trespass-fee, non-guided big game hunts and drop camps for deer, elk and antelope on private ranch lands.

466 S. 16th Ave., Brighton, 970-846-1147, www.rockymountainhunting.com.

• Sarvis Creek Outfitters Guided archery, muzzle-loading and rifle elk and deer hunts and drop camps with exclusive outfitter rights to 90 square miles of the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area (GMU 15). Flyfishing trips also available.

1625 Mid-Valley Drive No. 1, Box 95, Steamboat Springs, 970-819-5636, www.sarviscreekoutfitters.com.

• S&K Outfitting Trespass-fee and fully-guided elk, deer and antelope hunts on private lands (GMUs 13, 211) during archery, muzzleloading and rifle seasons.

P.O. Box 731 Craig, 970-824-4932, www.s-koutfitting.com.

• Saddleback Ranch Deluxe accommodations at the Double Dollar Lodge for elk and mule deer guided hunts on 8,000-acres of private land on family-owned working cattle ranch, August through fall rifle seasons.

37350 Routt County Road 179 (15 miles west of Steamboat), 970-879-3711, www.saddlebackranch.net.

• Sable Mountain Outfitters Elk, deer and bear hunts (wilderness drop camps and guided) on public lands in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area (GMUs 23, 24 and 33). Also offers horseback, pack and fishing trips.

5100 Rio Blanco County Road 4, Meeker, 970-878-4765, www.sablemountainoutfitters.com.

• Sage Brush Hunting Adventure Elk and deer hunts (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) on three private ranches (GMUs 11 and 211) including the 1,255-acre Golden Derrick Ranch, which borders a 30,000acre BLM wilderness study area.

5455 Rio Blanco County Road 7, Meeker, 888-336-4965 or 970-878-5534, www.coloradobiggame.com.

• Seely Hunting Services Fully guided elk and deer rifle hunts on limited-access private property along the South Fork of the Williams Fork River, in business since 1969 (GMU 12).

P.O. Box 1040, Craig, 970-824-5539 or 970-824-9474, http://seelyhunting.com.

Welcome Hunters Front & Rear Bumpers Livestock Racks Headache Racks Tailgates Aluminum Bumpers Flatbed Installation Receiver Hitch Installation Winch Installation Custom Welding Spray In Bed Liner 350 Russell Street Craig, CO 81625 970-824-2423 jacksbumpers.com

• Sweet Tea • Iced Tea • Coffee • Mocha • Latte • Cappuccino • Real Fruit Smoothies • Frescante • Chai Tea

Drive - Thru Espresso Centennial Mall, Behind Checker Auto Craig, Colorado

78 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

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• Sheep Creek Ranch Outfitters Guided elk, deer and bear hunts (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) on 11,000 acres of public and private lands in GMU 22.

P.O. Box 2463, Meeker, 970-878-4757, www.huntsheepcreekranch.com.

• Shelton Ranch Lodge-based, full service elk and deer hunts (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) on 7,000 private acres (GMUs 11 and 211) 15 miles south of Maybell with access to public land.

10955 Moffat County Road 57, Maybell, 970-272-3553, www.sheltonranch.com.

• Silver Creek Outfitters Full and semi-guided hunts and drop-camps offered primarily for elk, deer and mountain lion on rugged national forest service public lands.

33710 Lariat Trail (25 miles south of Steamboat), 970-8465877, www.silvercreek-outfitters.com.

• Skiles Guest & Hunting Ranch Elk and deer trespass-fee hunts offered on 800 private acres and adjacent public lands in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area from the base of Dome Peak. Horse rental and packing services available.

P.O. Box 12, Burns, 970-653-4329, www.skilesranch.com.

• Sombero Ranches Rents horses for all seasons, including tack and delivery/ pick-ip within a 50-mile radius of one of the Sombero camps. Guided deer and elk hunts from the Williams Fork Hunt Camp for archery through rifle seasons in addition to four drop camps in the Routt National Forest (GMU 12).

Craig Ranch — 781 Moffat County Road 15, Craig, 970824-3468; Steamboat Stables — 835 Howelson Parkway, Steamboat (base of Howelson Hill, behind the rodeo grounds), 970-879-2306; Meeker White River Horse Camp — 12900 Rio Blanco County Road 8, Meeker, 970-8784382 or 303-442-0258, www.sombrero.com.

• Steamboat Lake Outfitters Fully guided, cabin- and tent-based elk and deer hunts as well as drop camps (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) to both private lands and deep into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area (GMUs 14, 214 and 131). Also offers horseback riding, pack trips and guided fishing and ATV tours. Fuel, lodging, convenience store, bar and restaurant all located on site.

60880 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-4404 or 800-342-1889, www.steamboatlakeoutfitters.com.

• Topgun Outfitters Archery, muzzle-loading and rifle elk and bear hunts on private lands (GMU 211).

108 Reigel School Road, Rimesburg, Pa., 814-229-4514, www.topgunoutfitters.com.

• Sunset Ranch Offers big game hunting trips and drop camps to the Swamp Park region, Mad Creek Lakes and Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area in the Routt National Forest. Multi-day fishing and sightseeing wilderness pack trips also available.

29420 Elk Horn Lane (three miles north of Steamboat) 970879-0954, www.sunsetranchinc.com.

• Superior Guide Service Offers elk and deer archery, muzzle-loading and rifle hunts on over 13,000 acres of private ranch land (GMU 12 and 211) from two lodges as well as multi-day pack trips and horse rentals.

5801 Colo. Hwy 394, Craig, 970-824-4767, www.wehuntcolorado.com.

• T&D Outfitters Fully guided deer and elk rifle hunts on over 1,650 private acres in the Isles Mountain area outside of Craig (GMU 211).

P.O. Box 443, Pine, 303-618-2329 or 720-217-9500, www.tanddoutfitters.com.

• Three Forks Ranch All-inclusive deer, elk and antelope hunts on 50,000 private acres surrounded on three sides by national forest offered

by Ranching for Wildlife program partner (GMU 5).

P.O. Box 69, Savery, Wyo., 970-583-7396, www.threeforksranch.com.

Quality Deer, Elk and Antelope Hunts on Private Property Physically Challenged Hunters Welcome

Lou Rabin, License No.1513 P.O. Box 771582 Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

(970) 879-0868 • www.5springsranch.com

• Triple Track Hunting Elk, deer, antelope and predator hunts, private land trophy and management hunts, guided and unguided drop camp hunts as well as trespass-fee hunts on private lands.

P.O. Box 91, Hamilton (20 miles north of Meeker), 970-7565000, www.tripletrackllc.com.

• Triple-O Outfitters Archery, muzzle-loading and rifle hunts for elk, deer and antelope (guided in elevated stands or unguided) on public BLM and private lands (GMU 12, 13, 2, 201 and 211). Also offers fishing, nature photography trips and cabin rentals.

448 Moffat County Road 41, Hamilton, 970-824-6758, www.coloradooutdoors.com.

• Trophy Mountain Elk Ranch Private game hunting preserve with over 3,000 acres for guided trophy bull elk hunting. Bison, turkey and deer hunts also available.

4000 Jackson County Road 4, Cowdrey (22 miles north of Walden), 723-4000, www.trophymtn.com.

• Vanatta Outfitters Ranching for Wildlife program partner features September through December hunt dates for elk and deer along with August through November hunt dates for antelope including 17,000 prime acres of public and private land at 4 Mile Ranch.

P.O. Box 77170, Steamboat, 879-6164, www.vanattaoutfitters.com.

While your hunting here send flowers back to your Dear!

Antler Arrangements Humorous Hunting Signs Cowboy Décor Colorado Souvenirs & so much more!

Under New Ownership

Golden Cavvy

Flower Mine & Gift Shop

Restaurant 538 Yampa • Craig 970-824-6038

The Fun place to Shop!

Great new menu with great old flavors.

970-824-7441 • 1-800-293-7441

Now serving Breakfast All Day and Steaks Cut to Order!

2010 Colorado Hunter | 79

410 W Victor y Way • Craig, CO www.theflowermine.com All Major credit cards accepted

• Walz Guide Service Fully guided elk, deer and antelope hunts on Deakins Ranch with 26,000 acres of private land in GMU 301 and 50,000 acres in GMU 2 of this DOW Ranching for Wildlife partner.

P.O. Box 1118, Craig, 970-826-9814, www.walzguideservice.com.

• Williams Peak Ranch Guided deluxe lodge-based hunts (archery, muzzle-loading and rifle) for elk, deer and antelope on 7,500 acres of private land.

1330 Grand County Road 315, Parshall, 970-725-3282, www.williamspeakranch.com.

• Bucking Rainbow Outfitters Steamboat’s only Orvis-endorsed outfitter with full-service fly shop specializes in guided fishing trips and sells some maps, knives, outfitting packs and boots.

730 Lincoln Ave., 879-8747 or 888-810-8747, www.buckingrainbow.com.

• Welder Outfitting Services Family-owned outfitter offering full-service guided elk and deer hunts in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area as well as drop and setup camps. Pack and fishing trips also available.

P.O. Box 823, Meeker, 970-878-4559, www.flattops.com.

• Yampa Valley Outfitters Fully guided elk, deer and antelope rifle hunts on 1,040 acres of private land and 3,000 permitted acres on public BLM land (GMU 3) with seven handicap-accessible twostoried shooting houses.

P.O. Box 910, Craig (nine miles north of Maybell), 970-8242102 or 706-595-1044.

• Craig Sports For nearly 50 years Craig Sports has sold guns and ammunition, archery, muzzle-loading and reloading equipment and supplies, with some camping and fishing equipment.

504 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-4044, www.craigsports.net.

• Whispering Pines Outfitters Fully guided hunts and drop camps for elk, deer, antelope hunts on over 50,000 private acres for this Ranching for Wildlife program partner.

P.O. Box 472, Craig, 824-9450, www.whisperingpineoutfitters.com.

• Wilderness Tracks Fully guided hunts and drop camps for elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion and small game on public and private lands in GMU 4.

1192 N. Johnson Road, Craig, 970-824-7874.

• Wild Skies Four Season Cabin Rentals Cabin accommodations for up to 32 hunters where the largest elk herd is located at 38,000+ elk, lots of Mule Deer and Bear. Accommodations are a deluxe, secluded mountain cabin in GMU 12 (Flat Tops) surrounded on three sides by the Routt National Forest with 1/2 mile of river frontage; or in Craig, CO with four individual cabins with kitchenettes and a 4800 SF duplex with full kitchen and washer/dryer. (GMUs 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 23, 24, 211, 231, 301).

(970) 926-0216, www.wildskies.com.

GEAR, GOODS & SUPPLIES • Aspen Sporting Goods & Video Rentals Hunting, fishing and camping equipment and some apparel, knives and maps.

417 Byers Ave., Hot Sulphur Springs, 970-725-0097.

• Backdoor Sports Backpacking gear and offers rentals for tents, stoves and backpacks.

841 Yampa St., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-6249, www. backdoorsports.com.

• BAP! Outdoor retail shop and outlet store for BAP! (fleece apparel), Big Agnes (sleeping pads, bags and tents) and Honey Stinger (energy bars and gels) also sells other gear and clothing from manufacturers like Smith Optics and Smartwool.

735 Oak St., Steamboat, 879-7507, www.bwear.com.

• Bear River Valley Co-op Offers some hunting apparel.

193 E. Jefferson Ave., Hayden, 970-276-3313.

Craig’s Only Full-Service Hotel

• Elk River Guns Full-service shooting sports center with firearms, gunsmithing, ammunition, spotting scopes and binoculars, rangefinders and hunting accessories.

1320 Dream Island Plaza, Steamboat, 970-879-7565.

• Fishin’ Hole Sporting Goods Fly shop with ammunition, archery and muzzle-loading equipment and camping equipment.

111 W. Park Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-9407.

• High Country Sports Basic hunting equipment including ammunition, camping and fishing supplies and Routt National Forest maps.

491 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4648.

• Kremmling Mercantile Groceries, blaze-orange apparel and some camping supplies.

101 Martin Way, Kremmling, 970-724-8979 • MJK Sales & Feed Ammunition, binoculars and scopes, camping equipment and cookware with some camouflage apparel, boots and clothing as well as certified hay.

290 Ranney St., Craig, 970-824-6581.

Complete Processing - Deer, Elk, Antelope

SPECIAL HUNTING PACKAGES AVAILABLE! Group Rates

• Castle Ranch Steakhouse and Sports Page Bar Indoor Heated Pool/ Indoor Hot Tub

300 South Highway 13 | Craig, Colorado | 81625 Hotel 970.824.4000 | Fax 970.824.3950

80 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

KREMMLING WILD GAME PROCESSING LLC 5 Miles North on Co. Rd. 22 5240 Co. Rd. 22 - Box 615 Kremmling, Colorado 80459 TED SCOTT 970-724-3759 email: tpmscott@mtnparks.com

• Master Bait & Tackle Maps for GMUs 28, 37 and 18, some camping essentials, fishing lures, gasoline, liquor, hats and T-shirts.

6875 Summit County Road 30, Heeney, 970-724-3677.

• Northwest Pawn Shop One of the largest selections of firearms in Northwest Colorado with a huge selection of ammunition, archery equipment, knives, cleaning and reloading supplies and camouflage apparel.

801 E. Victory Way, Craig, 824-2962.

• Maybell Store “Conveniently located in middle of nowhere,” this general store has basic game bags, calls, camping, hunting and fishing equipment and supplies with some ammunition, gasoline, propane, blocked and crushed ice, meats produce and dairy.

60311 U.S. Hwy 40, Maybell, 970-272-3262.

• Outdoor Connections Sporting goods store with archery pro shop, muzzle-loading firearms, rifles, amps, camping and fishing equipment, ammunition, live bait and predator calls.

34 E. Victory Way, Craig, 824-5510.

• Planet Powersports Rents ATVs on daily and weekly basis as well as HarleyDavidson motorcycles. Maps and riding information as well as helmet rentals and on-site delivery available.

2989 Riverside Plaza, Steamboat, 879-5138, www.planetpowersports07.com.

• Montgomery’s General Merchandise Groceries, ammunition, licenses, maps and sporting goods.

24 Main St., Yampa, 970-638-4531, www.montgomerysstore.com.

• Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Ammunition, fishing and hunting licenses, cookware, coolers, deer carts, sleds, camping gear, knives, saws and a full line of Carhartt and Murdoch’s hunting clothes. Pack saddles and bridles, blaze-orange halters, blankets, tire chains and shovels.

2355 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-4100, www.murdochs.com.

• Powderhorn Cabins Lodging general store with ice and some fishing and hunting supplies.

35336 Jackson County Road 21, Walden, 970-723-4359.

• North Park Anglers North Park’s only full-service fly shop sells maps of the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests with a selection of shirts, hats and jackets.

524 Main St., Walden, 723-4215, www.northparkanglers.com.

• North Park Super Grocery store with sporting goods section including a variety of camping equipment.

33482 Hwy 125, Walden, 970-723-8211.

• Spiro’s Tradin’ Post Liquor, movies and quality fishing, camping and hunting supplies including knives, arrows, ammunition and maps.

107 Main St., Oak Creek, 970-736-2443.

• Rocky Mountain Bowstrings Full line of high-end archery equipment, camouflage and traditional bows with a selection of clothing and some camping supplies, optics and cutlery. The full-service shop features a 20-yard, eight-lane indoor archery range on site.

696 Main St., Meeker, 970-878-4300, www.rockymountainbowstrings.com.

• Ski Haus International Camping, hiking and backpacking gear and boots with sleeping bag, pack and tent rentals. Broad selection of maps and guidebooks including USGS quad maps.

1457 Pine Grove Road, 970-879-0385 or 800-932-3019, www.skihaussteamboat.com.

• Sports Authority Rifles, shotguns and ammunition, knives, hunting gear and clothes as well as camping equipment.

705 Martketplace Plaza S. Steamboat, 970-871-4570, www.sportsauthority.com.

• Steamboat Flyfisher Quick-dry apparel, boots and socks and maps along with the shops comprehensive selection of fly-tying equipment and materials.

Fifth & Yampa streets, Steamboat, 879-6552, www. steamboatflyfisher.com.

• Straightline Sports The oldest fly-fishing guide service and shop in Steamboat also has boots, shoes, maps, knives and some camping equipment.

744 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat, 879-7568 or 800-354-5463, www.straightlinesports.com.

• Timberline Builders Supply Some camping equipment and ammunition.

209 N. Main St., Walden, 970-723-4422.

• Toponas Country General Store Game processing, cold storage, dry ice, some ammunition, blaze-orange vests and some camping and fishing equipment. Also sells ice, gasoline, diesel fuel, propane and liquor, with ATM on site.

10000 Colo. Hwy 131 Toponas, 970-638-4438.

• Tri-River Ace Ammunition, knives, camping supplies, propane and a full line of Carhartt clothing including jackets and boots.

720 Tyler Ave., Kremmling (right on Colo. Hwy 9), 970-7249325, www.tri-river.com.

MONTGOMERY’S

your community, your magazine

GENERal MERCHaNDISE

ENJOY DINNER IN A RELAXED WESTERN

Groceries • Ammunition Licenses • HArdwAre • mAps

ATMOSPHERE

Variety of Elk and Buffalo selections • Steaks • Lobster • Prime Rib • Crab • Filets • Shrimp • Chicken • “Catch of the Day” • Rocky Mountain Oysters

Gifts • sportinG Goods

24 MaIN STREET P.O. bOx 6 YaMPa, CO 80483

970.638.4531

established 1890

www.montgomerystore.com

Where your hides get a close shave & great tan

Nightly Happy Hour 879-1441 Walk ins Welcome Reservations Accepted Entrance on 11th Street Old West Building, corner of 11th and Lincoln Steamboat Springs, CO

Experienced & Certified

2010 Colorado Hunter | 81

1480 N.Yampa Ave, Craig Co. 970.824.6063 www. crazythreetannery.com

ry ne

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(970) 879-1502

Three Ta y z ra n

3

Contact one of our representatives to reserve your advertising space in a future edition:

Family Owned & Operated

• Wyatt’s Sports Center Ammunition, scopes and binoculars, slings, knives, hatchets, clothing, maps, camping equipment, stoves and boots.

223 Eighth St., Meeker, 970-878-4428.

MEAT PROCESSING & TAXIDERMY • All Seasons Taxidermy 2354 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat, 970-870-8520.

• American West Taxidermy 45 Grand Country Road 12, Kremmling, 970-724-9321.

• Antler Taxidermy 369 Market St., Meeker, 970-878-3365, www.professionalsofafrica.com.

• Axis Leather Works 802 E. Second Place, Craig, 970-824-3256, www.axisleather.qpg.com.

• B & L Quality Taxidermy 1744 Lincoln Ave., Taylor Building Np. 2, Steamboat, 970879-1316.

• Big Cat Taxidermy 37 E. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-9624, www.bigcattaxidermy.com.

• Brothers Custom Processing 383 E. First St., Craig, 970-824-3855.

• Bullseye Taxidermy 1445 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-826-2997, www. bullseyetaxidermy.com.

• Crazy 3 Tannery 1480 N. Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-6063, www. crazythreetannery.com.

• Colorado Division of Wildlife Northwest Region Service Center 711 Independent Ave., Grand Junction, 970-255-6100.

• Custom Quality Meats 1430 N. Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-4668.

• CDOW Glenwood Springs office Colo. Hwys 6 and 24, Glenwood Springs, 970-947-2920.

• Kremmling Wild Game Processing 5240 Grand County Road 22, Kremmling, 970-724-3759, www.kremmlingwildgames.com.

• CDOW Meeker office/service center P.O. Box 1181, Meeker, 970-878-6090.

• Laura’s Corner 637 E. Main St., Rangely, 970-629-5607 or 970-675-2800.

• Mountain Man Taxidermy 1176 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-4910, www. mtnmantaxidermy.com.

• CDOW Steamboat Springs office/service center 925 Weiss Dr., Steamboat, 970-870-2197.

• CDOW Hot Sulphur Springs office/service center 346 Grand County Road 362, Hot Sulphur Springs, 970725-6200.

• Corkies Mini Mart 597 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4733.

• Mountain Meat Packing 291 Lincoln St., Craig, 824-4878.

• Frederickson Contracting 80 E. Fourth St., Craig, 970-824-6401.

• Purkey Packing Plant 73215 Colo. Hwy 64, Meeker, 970-878-5501.

• Steamboat Meat & Seafood 1030 Yampa St., Steamboat, 970-879-3504, www. steamboatseafood.com.

OTHER LICENSING AGENTS

• Hayden Mercantile 111 N. Sixth St., Hayden, 970-276-3922.

• Kmart 1198 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-2966.

• Lake John Resort 2521 Jackson County Road 7A, Walden, 970-723-3226.

• City Market 505 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-6515.

1825 Central Park Plaza, Steamboat, 970-879-3290.

• Loaf ‘N Jug Store 101 W. Brontosaurus Blvd., Dinosaur, 970-374-2461.

• Clark Store 54175 Routt County Road 129, Clark, 970-879-3849.

• North Park/Gould/Walden KOA 53337 Colo. Hwy 14, Walden, 970-723-4310, www.koa.com/where/co/06117/.

HigH SucceSS Rate Providing quality, guided, big game hunts.

Archery, Muzzleloader, Rifle Antelope • Moose • Mountain Lion • Elk • Deer

A well done experience for the whole family!

Affordable Steaks & Seafood Starting at $13.95

Includes 20 Item Salad Bar Alaskan King Crab Legs Australian Lobster Tail Hand-crafted USDA Prime and Choice Cuts Baby Back Ribs Buffalo Ribeye Angus Bone - In Ribeye

Hester Hunting Co.

Forrest Hester • Lic #239 970.724.9746 Kremmling, Colorado hesterhuntingco@outdoors.net

Best Family Steakhouse in Steamboat Saddle Seats For Kids Children’s Menu Available Free Smores Desserts For Kids

Large Parties Welcome Two 42” TVs in the Bar Bar Opens at 3pm Extensive Wine List Dinner Nightly at 5pm

50 Eighth St. ~ Downtown Steamboat Springs Reservations Recommended 970-879-3131

82 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

• Shop & Hop Food Stop 35775 E. U.S. Hwy 40, Steamboat, 970-879-2489.

• State Forest State Park 56750 Colo. Hwy 14, Walden, 970-723-8366.

• Stagecoach Lake State Park (marina) 25500 RCR 14, Oak Creek, 970-736-8342.

• Steamboat Lake State Park 61105 RCR 129, Clark, 970-879-7019.

• Valley Ace Hardware 401 E. Market St., Meeker, 970-878-4608.

• Wal-Mart 1805 Central Park Dr., Steamboat, 970-879-8115.

• Wal-Mart Supercenter 2000 W. Victory Way, Craig, 824-0340 • Walden Conoco 609 Main St., Walden, 970-723-4246.

• Yampa River State Park 6185 W. U.S. Hwy 40, Hayden, 970-276-2061.

SHOOTING RANGES • Rangely Exchange (The Flowersmith Exchange) 513 E. Main St., Rangely, 970-675-8842.

• Samuelson True Value Hardware & Lumber 43900 Colo. Hwy 13, Meeker, 970-878-3528.

• Rangely True Value Hardware 105 W. Main St., Rangely, 970-675-2454.

• Samuelson True Value Hardware 456 Breeze St., Craig, 970-824-6683.

• Safeway Food & Drug 1295 W. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-9496.

37500 E. U.S. Hwy 40, Steamboat, 970-879-3766.

• Seven Lakes Lodge 36843 Rio Blanco County Road 17, Meeker, 970-878-3249, www.sevenlakeslodge.com.

NEED MORE FREEZER SPACE? AFTER THE GREAT HUNT? 970.824.9380 • 211 W. 4th St. Craig

2010 Colorado Hunter | 83

• Bears Ears Sportsman Club’s Cedar Mountain Range 300-yard outdoor rifle and 50-yard outdoor pistol range for members, but open to the public the first Sunday and Monday of each month. Also open during daylight hours, Thursday and Friday prior to each big game season for rifle sight-in.

P.O. Box 622, Craig (4.5 miles northwest of Craig on Moffat County Road 7), 970-824-8376, www.bearsears.com.

• Byers Canyon Rifle Range Unsupervised, public Colorado Division of Wildlifemanaged range open during daylight hours (closed during winter months). Five centerfire 100-, 200- and 300-yard rifle ranges, one 25-yard (.22 cal) rifle range, shotgun (hand traps only — not provided) and pistol range as well as straw bales for archery. Portable toilet and trash dumpster on site.

A Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp is required to use this range.

P.O. Box 216, Hot Sulphur Springs (12 miles east of Kremmling on the north side of U.S. Hwy 40), 970725-6200 (CDOW Hot Sulphur Springs office).

• Glenwood Springs Gun Club Public welcome to shoot when range is open.

Sporting clays, trap, black powder, rifle and pistol ranges up to 200 yards. Hunter education courses also available.

P.O. Box 2362, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-7401.

• Hayden Shooting Range Colorado Division of Wildlife managed 100-, 200- and 300-yard rifle and pistol range, open to the public, from dawn until dusk year-round. A Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp is required to use this range.

Two miles south of Hayden on Routt County Road 37, 970-870-2197 (CDOW Steamboat Springs office).

• Meeker Sportman’s Club, Inc. Hunter sight-in Thursdays and Fridays prior to each big game season (Tuesday for fourth rifle season).

Sight-in is $5 per gun, or member shoot for $10. New memberships cost $20 per person and include full use of archery, trap, rifle and pistol ranges.

P.O. Box 1325, Meeker (4.5 miles southwest of Meeker on Colo. Hwy 13), 970-878-4636, www. meekercolorado.com/sportsmen/index.htm.

Craig Campground

• Routt County Rifle Club Facilities include clubhouse and trap, skeet, sporting clays, heated indoor .22, outdoor pistol, 25-, 50-, 75-, 100- and 200-yard rifle ranges. Public sight-in days prior to the first three big game rifle seasons (check online club calendar). Annual membership dues cost $75 with one-time, new-member applications fee of $25.

P.O. Box 773116, Steamboat (two miles west of town on U.S. Hwy 40), 970-870-0298, www. routtcountyrifleclub.com.

• Three Quarter Circles Sporting Clays and Driving Range Public twelve-station, two-tower sporting clays course by appointment.

26185 U.S. Hwy 40 (six miles west of Steamboat), 879-5649 or 846-5647, www.3qc.com.

• Vail Rod & Gun Club Open to the public for sporting clays (five stand and 10-station course available) during the summer.

001 Sporting Clay Way, Wolcott (just south of I-70), 970-926-3472, www.lazyjranch.net.

• Walden Public Shooting Area Public Bureau of Land Management range, open year-round, has three benches with range distances of 50, 100, 200 and 300 yards. No trash service.

Four miles east of Walden on Jackson County Road 12E, 970-723-4625.

• White River Bowmen Bow-hunting club with indoor and outdoor targets and a clubhouse. Memberships cost $35 per year.

970-675-8559.

Rack-em at the

(970) 824-5105 • Cabins • Propane • Pool room • Game room • Skinning Area • Gift Store

Good Drinks • Fine Folks &

The Best Pool Tables in Town

Hunters Welcome

Store Hours 8:00 am to 7 pm 2800 East U.S. Highway 40 Craig, CO 81625 970-824-5105

24 West Vistory Way Craig, Colorado 970-824-9938

84 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

VISITOR INFORMATION • Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office — 455 Emerson Street, Craig, 970-826-5000; Kremmling Field Office — 2103 E. Park Ave., Kremmling, 970-724-3000; Glenwood Springs Field Office — 50629 Colo. Hwys 6 and 24, Glenwood Springs, 970-947-2800; White River Field Office, 220 E. Market St., Meeker, 970-878-3800; Grand Junction — 2815 H Road, 970-244-3000, www.co.blm.gov, Lakewood Stat Office — 303-239-3600.

• Colorado Dept. of Transportation 877-315-ROAD, www.cotrip.org • Colorado Division of Wildlife Grand Junction Regional and Area Office — 711 Independent Ave., 970-255-6100 Steamboat Springs — 925 Weiss Dr., 970-870-2197 Hot Sulphur Springs — 346 Grand County Road 362 (west of Byers Canyon), 970-725-6200 Meeker — 73485 Hwy 64, 970-878-6090 Glenwood Springs — 50633 Colo. Hwy 6 and 24, 970-9472920 • Colorado Outfitters Association P.O. Box 849, Craig, 970-824-2568, www.coloradooutfitters.org • Colorado State Parks Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake State Parks — 61105 RCR 129, Clark, 970-879-3922 or 970-879-7019; Stagecoach Stage Park — 25500 RCR 14, Oak Creek, 970-736-2436 or 970-736-8342; State Forest State Park — 56750 Colo.

Hwy 14, Walden, 970-723-8366; Yampa River State Park — 6185 W. U.S. Hwy 40, Hayden, 970-276-2061, www. parks.state.co.us. Info — 970-434-6862; reservations — 800-678-2267.

• Craig Daily Press newspaper 466 Yampa Ave., Craig, 970-824-7031, www.craigdailypress.com, explorecraig.com

• Steamboat Pilot & Today newspaper 1901 Curve Plaza, Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1502 www.steamboatpilot.com, exploresteamboat.com

• Craig Sportsman Information Center (Moffat County Visitor’s Center/Craig Chamber of Commerce) 360 E. Victory Way, Craig, 970-824-5689; 800864-4405, www.craig-chamber.com/hunting_info.html

• Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association 125 Anglers Dr., www.steamboat-chamber.com • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service P.O. Box 25486, Lakewood, (303) 236-4216, www.fws.gov

• Dinosaur National Monument 4545 U.S. Hwy 40, Dinosaur, 970-374-3000, Canyon Area Visitor Center, www.nps.gov/dino/ • Hayden Chamber of Commerce 252 West Jefferson, Hayden, 970-276-2502, www.yampavalley.info/haydenchamber.asp • Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce 203 Park Ave., 877-573-6654, www.kremmlingchamber.com • Meeker Chamber of Commerce 710 Market St., Meeker, 970-878-5510, www.meekerchamber.com, www.huntmeeker.com • NOAA’s National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office 2844 Aviators Way, Grand Junction, 970-243-7007, www. nws.noaa.gov

• U.S. Forest Service Maps 303-275-5350, www.nationalforeststore.com

• North Park Chamber of Commerce 416 Fourth St., Walden, 970-723-4600, www.northparkchamber.com • Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce 209 East Main St., Rangely, 970-675-5290, www.rangely.com • Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce 200 Lions Park Circle, Rifle, 970-625-2085 or 800-8422085, www.riflechamber.com

• U.S. Forest Service Hahn’s Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District — 925 Weiss Dr., Steamboat Springs, 970-879-1870 Parks Ranger District —2103 E. Park Ave., Kremmling, 970724-3000 or 100 Main St., Walden, 970-723-8204 Rio Blanco Ranger District — 220 E. Market St., Meeker, 970-878-4039 Rifle Ranger District — 0094 Garfield County Road 244, Rifle, 970-625-2371 Sulphur Ranger District — 9 Ten Mile Dr., Granby, 970877-4100 White River National Forest — 900 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, 970-945-2521 Yampa Ranger District — 300 Roselawn Ave., Yampa, 970638-4516

• U.S. Geological Survey (topographical maps) Central Region Offices, Denver Federal Center, W. Sixth Ave., and Kipling St., DFC Building 810, Lakewood, 303-202-4700 or 888-275-8747, www.topomaps.usgs.gov

Bring your business here!

Craig and Moffat County – a vibrant, growing economy!

Unsurpassed outdoor recreation, wide-open spaces, the simplicity of rural living, and the services your business needs to succeed.

New! Hospital!

New! Middle School!

New Commercial & Residential Construction!

New College Academic Building and Residence Hall—2010-2011!

826-0071

•

539 E. Victory Way, Craig 20616594

Coming Soon—Your Business Expansion or Relocation! Join us!!

Craig and Moffat County— a great place to do business!

Excellent Air Transportation *General Aviation – Craig-Moffat Airport *Commercial Jet Service – Yampa Valley Regional Airport Wired for Worldwide Work Unsurpassed Outdoor Recreation Skilled Workforce Colorado Northwest Community College Craig Campus *Business *Computer Science *Power Plant Technology *Mine Safety *Cosmetology *Industrial Electrician *Massage Therapy *Nursing Potential workforce of over 8,400

in Craig/Moffat area Craig / Moffat County Economic Development Partnership 970.826.2039 | 300 West 4th St., Craig , CO cmedp.com | director@cmedp.com

2010 Colorado Hunter | 85

TWO TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION

Mountain Meat Processing • 5 Generations of Quality Service • Award Winning Taxidermist on Duty • We Ship Anywhere in the U.S.A. • 24 Hour Turn Around Service • Complete Line of Award Winning Sausages

TIN CUP GRILL 10:00 AM TO CLOSE * 7 DAYS A WEEK •

Get out of the woods and come to paradise at the Tin Cup Grill!!!

• Try our signature 30 oz. Porter House Steak or the wide variety of exotic to domestic cuts.

• We have a full service bar, with the best Margaritas in town.

• With a Splash of friendly staff!!!

Yampa Valley Golf Course ~ Craig, Colorado 970-824-3764

• Dry Ice • Shipping Boxes • Cold Storage We Want Your Business – Not just this year, but every year!

291 Lincoln Street, P.O. Box 507, Craig

970-824-4878 WE ACCEPT 86 | 2010 Colorado Hunter

2010 Colorado Hunter | 87

88 | 2010 Colorado Hunter