Gunnison Country Outfitters
Gunnison Country Outfitters operates under new ownership as of 2022, run by Brevin Book and Tristan Spezze—both grew up hunting the Gunnison Basin and bring over a decade of field experience to every hunt. They're licensed as Colorado Outfitter #3535 and operate under permit from the USDA Forest Ser...
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Full description and what we offer
Gunnison Country Outfitters operates under new ownership as of 2022, run by Brevin Book and Tristan Spezze—both grew up hunting the Gunnison Basin and bring over a decade of field experience to every hunt. They're licensed as Colorado Outfitter #3535 and operate under permit from the USDA Forest Service across Grand Mesa, Uncompaghre, and Gunnison National Forests.
"Our mission is to provide a high level of service and an unforgettable experience while maintaining the longevity of our natural resource through responsible and ethical land use."
They offer three distinct hunt formats:
- •Drop Camp Hunts — For experienced backcountry hunters who want independence. You get horseback transport 3-8 miles into the wilderness to a wall tent equipped with wood-burning stove, cots, sleeping pads, and cooking gear. All packing in and out included (your gear and game). No guide, no horses left behind.
- •Fully Guided Base Camp Hunts — Built for first-time western hunters and anyone uncomfortable navigating steep terrain alone. Includes a personal guide, fully equipped base camp, warm meals daily. You bring clothes, pack, and rifle—they provide everything else. Guides quarter and pack animals off the mountain using pack horses.
- •Primitive Backcountry Guided Hunts — Their newest offering and personal favorite. Extremely strenuous, remote, off-trail hunts for hunters in peak physical condition. Backpacking tents and sleeping bags on ground, camp moves daily chasing elk or deer. Available archery, muzzleloader, and first rifle season only.
Main camp location just outside Gunnison. They hunt elk September through November across four rifle seasons plus archery and muzzleloader seasons.
| Season | Dates | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept 2-30 | Draw | Bugling bulls, color change, 2 pts non-res / 0-1 res |
| Muzzleloader | Sept 14-22 | Draw | Peak rut action, responsive to calling, 6 pts non-res / 2 res |
| 1st Rifle | Oct 12-16 | Draw | Late rut, some bugling, 2 pts non-res / 1 res |
| 2nd Rifle | Oct 26-30 | OTC | Over-the-counter, temperature dropping |
| 3rd Rifle | Nov 9-13 | OTC | Migration season, snow moving elk downslope |
| 4th Rifle | Nov 20-24 | Draw | Bachelor groups, fewest hunters, 0-1 pts |
Their location sits along the migration corridor where herds transition seasonally—they're positioned to intercept animals as snow accumulates.
They've recently added limited Unit 67 hunts—a quality-managed draw unit with opportunities for 300"+ trophy bulls. Landowner tags available occasionally. Hunts run 3rd and 4th rifle seasons (mid to late November) using spot-and-stalk methods from a hunting lodge in town instead of backcountry camp. Hunters get private rooms and a full-time chef.
The Gunnison Basin is historically one of the best trophy mule deer areas in the country. Hunts target bucks in the 160"-180" range with potential for 200"+ animals.
| Season | Dates | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept 2-30 | Summer patterns, above treeline, velvet | Difficult stalk, very rewarding |
| Muzzleloader | Sept 11-19 | Velvet, above treeline | High elevation firearm option |
| 2nd Rifle | Oct 30-Nov 7 | 170"-190" | Easiest tag to draw, good hunting |
| 3rd Rifle | Nov 13-19 | High demand, rut starting | Big bucks visible, snow helps |
| 4th Rifle | Nov 24-28 | Peak rut, 170"-190"+ | Hardest to draw, best hunting |
Landowner vouchers available. Most hunting involves extensive glassing to locate mature bucks before the stalk.
- •Black Bear Hunts (Early Rifle, Sept 2-20) — GMU 55 draw tag. Hunts during high bear activity using spot-and-stalk and observation near feeding areas.
- •Mountain Goat Hunts — Archery-only, residents only, in GMU G8 (Fossil Ridge Wilderness). Elevations exceed 12,000'. Requires minimum 3 preference points just to enter draw. Demands peak physical condition.
- •Mountain Lion & Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunts — Offered; contact for details.
- •Moose Hunts — Available; inquire for seasons and details.
Beyond hunting season, they run horseback riding trips and pack expeditions through Fossil Ridge Wilderness—one of Colorado's most scenic high-alpine areas with pristine lakes and streams. Fishing trips available summer through early fall. Customizable options depending on your goals.
Location advantage: Their camp sits along the natural migration corridor where seasonal snow pushes elk downslope directly through their hunting area. They've invested years learning the country.
Most hunts require Colorado Parks and Wildlife draw applications (March deadline for limited tags). They help clients determine preference point strategy and walk through the application process. Over-the-counter tags (2nd and 3rd rifle elk, easier mule deer draws) available anytime. Contact (970) 901-6415 to discuss your hunt and current tag availability.
Equal opportunity service provider and employer. Licensed under Colorado Parks and Wildlife and operating under USDA Forest Service permit.