FAQsHughes ranches

Which game management unit are you located in?

  Colorado Game Unit 70

 

Do you have guaranteed tags or do you guide in a limited draw area?

 Archery Elk and Deer tags are available over the counter. 

Muzzleloader Elk and Deer are draw only (estimating 4 pts).  There are no land owner vouchers issued for this unit for these seasons and camps have to be booked prior to the draw application deadline of April 1 and hunters will need to draw a tag.  Colorado does not make a designation for private land hunts for this season in Unit 70.

First Rifle Season-This is and Elk only draw season and applications must be in by April 1 of each year.  This is a private land hunt and there have been no issues drawing for this private land tag. 

Second Rifle Season-This is a combined elk and deer season.  Elk tags are available over the counter but Deer tags are by draw only (estimated 2 pts). This is primarily an elk hunt with the opportunity to take a nice buck if you get the tag.  I am entitled to six landowner vouchers and split them up between second and third season.  These vouchers are available to land owners on a draw basis so the exact availability is not known until June 1.  It helps to have hunters for this season signed up prior to April 1 so that they can put in for the deer draw.

Third Rifle Season-This is also a combined elk and deer season.  Elk tags are available over the counter but Deer tags are by draw only (estimated 2 pts). This is primarily an elk hunt with the opportunity to take a nice buck if we get the tag.  I am entitled to six landowner vouchers and split them up between second and third season.  These vouchers are available to land owners on a draw basis so the exact availability is not known until June 1.  It helps to have hunters for this season signed up prior to April 1 so that they can put in for the deer draw.

What is the typical opportunity rate for your hunts, by species?

We were 100% successful for elk in 2011 but typically we run 85% to 90% for all elk archery and rifle.

Deer populations are off in our area and fewer licenses are issued.  Last year we were issued six vouchers for the second rifle season and no bucks were killed.  The focus was on elk and we filled all those tags.  We saw several nice bucks but none were pursued.  

The bear population has greatly increased and I encourage all my clients to put in for a bear tag.  There is no charge for a bear hunt if done as part of an elk or deer hunt.

 

What is the typical size of your animals, by species?

The average bull elk killed each year is typically a small 6x6 or large 5x5.  We usually have one or two bulls in the 320 inch plus range and one or two in the 300 inch range with the rest being a bit smaller.  The largest bull taken in the last few years was a 351 inch 6x7 taken by Phil Phillips with his bow.  This hunt is currently being aired on Phil's show "Phil Phillips Unleashed" on the Sportsman Channel .

Mule Deer are less abundant than the elk but we have taken some nice bucks in the 180 inch range.  The largest buck taken recently scored 199 wet and was taken by rifle in 2009.

 

How long have you operated as an outfitter?

Hughes Ranches, LLC has been a licensed outfitter with the State of Colorado since 2005 but the family has operated hunting camps on its private lands for over 30 years.  All of the guide staff  have at least four years experience on North Mountain and many more years working as professional guides in other areas. 

 

Can you provide hunts for disabled hunters?

Yes, and have done so in the past.  Most of the hunting is very accessible by two track road.  We use Polaris Rangers to transport hunters in and out of the hunt areas.  Most of the hunts can be designed to be mild to medium and can usually be done downhill so we can pick up the guide and hunters at the bottom end.  We also have blinds set on water holes and open fields next to bedding areas and most of these can be driven to. 

 

What are the typical accomodations for your hunts?

There is a modern three bedroom cabin with all the amenities including DirectTV  service.  The area is served by AT&T and Verizon 3G cell towers.  Hunters are housed two per room and the guides and staff  are housed in camp trailers with 50 amp and septic service.   There is a camp cook on site and all meals and snacks are provided .  No alcohol is provided by Hughes Ranches, LLC and is only allowed in moderation.  Excessive use of alcohol is never tolerated.  We have a large shop with electric hoists and a cooler trailer to store game prior to processing.  We do not use horses or mules in any hunt. 

 

How many hunters will be in camp at any given time?

Every camp is limited to six hunters maximum.  Each year is limited to 20 hunters maximum for all camps to maintain a quality hunting experience and it is on a first come, first serve basis.