What you need to know...

Here are some basic hunting guidelines to aid you in planning and enjoying your hunt with Coulter Lake Guest Ranch & Outfitters.

Preparation

We strongly recommend that you be in good physical condition before coming out to your hunt. Because of the higher elevations and the potential for encountering rugged terrain, being in good physical condition will help make your hunt more enjoyable.

Beginning an aerobic exercise program for 30 to 60 days before your hunt that includes walking, bicycling, stair climbing or any similar program will help prepare you for the hunt. Carrying weights equivalent to the gun you will be carrying will also help.

One additional suggestion is to ensure that your hunting boots are well broken in before your hunt! There is nothing like blisters from new boots to ruin a great hunt.

Rifle

We recommend a bolt action or pump 30/06, 7mm, or 300 mag. rifle with a good quality scope. A cover for the scope is important to protect it from the weather.

Your rifle should be sighted in at 200 yards. Shots will vary in range from 50 to 400 yards and you should spend time practicing at various ranges. Know where you are comfortable shooting and how to judge the distances. Also be sure to practice from different stances. We recommend 2 to 5 hours at a shooting range.

There is typically a shooting range open to hunters in Rifle before the start of each season. This provides hunters a good opportunity to check the sighting on their rifles before going into the field. We discourage sighting rifles in at the ranch due to our location within the National Forest where we will be hunting.

Licenses

Licenses for bull elk can be purchased for the 2nd and 3rd seasons over the counter up until the day the season opens. Once the season starts, you have to visit a DOW office or apply in advance. They can also be purchased in advance on line. Other seasons and game require draws and it is best to check the Colorado guidelines and requirements.

Note: You'll need a valid Hunter Safety Card if you were born after January 1, 1949.

Contracts

You will be provided with a contract and a request for medical information. The contract will contain all of the commitments for both the Outfitter and the hunter. The reservation will not be held until both the deposit for 50% and the signed contract have been received. A copy of the contract is available here.