Hughes Ranches

Hughes Ranches is a family-operated outfitter licensed by the State of Colorado (Registered Outfitter #2547) operating south of Norwood on private ranch property. The operation balances commercial Angus beef production with wildlife habitat management—a dual-purpose ranch that's been refining its approach for years.

Unlike trophy-focused operations, Hughes Ranches manages designated sanctuary areas on the property where animals are never hunted. This creates a refuge that concentrates game in predictable patterns. Hunters then work the perimeter of these safe zones, water holes, and wallows.

"The most common statement from people who have hunted with us over the years is that they have never seen so many elk in one place."

While the ranch has taken many bulls exceeding 300 inches, they deliberately avoid marketing as a "trophy hunt." Many clients are new or novice hunters, and the ranch prioritizes getting every hunter a legal opportunity at a quality animal.

Elk Hunts - Archery: Sept. 2–30, $6,500 (includes free bear hunt) - Muzzleloader: Sept. 12–20, $6,500 (includes free bear hunt) - 1st Rifle: Oct. 10–14, $6,500 (includes free bear hunt) - 2nd Rifle: Oct. 24–Nov. 1, $5,500 (elk only) - 3rd Rifle: Nov. 7–13, $5,500 (elk only)

Mule Deer Hunts - Archery: Sept. 2–30, $4,500 - Muzzleloader: Sept. 12–20, $4,500 - 2nd/3rd Rifle: Oct. 24–Nov. 13, $4,500 (landowner vouchers may be available)

Black Bear - Archery: Sept. 2–30, $2,500 - Rifle: Sept. 2–30, $2,500 - Free with any elk or elk/deer combo hunt

Each hunt runs five days with one guide per two hunters. Camps cap at four hunters total.

• •Lodging in modern three-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin or camper trailer landings (electric/septic outlets available)
• •Meals for all hunt days plus arrival/departure days
• •Guided hunting with experienced staff
• •Transportation to/from Montrose Regional Airport if needed
• •Weapon orientation and sight-in session afternoon before hunt begins

Not included: Licenses, game processing fees.

Archery, muzzleloader, and first rifle seasons benefit from the rut and less hunting pressure from surrounding lands. Second and third rifle camps cost less but see increased elk migration from public land hunting pressure—often bringing bigger numbers of animals through the ranch.

The ranch enforces strict fair chase protocols:

• •Mandatory orientation meeting and firearm accuracy verification before hunting
• •Rifle shots limited to 300 yards maximum; bow shots to 40 yards maximum
• •No loaded firearms in vehicles (actions must remain open)
• •All firearms unloaded with actions open before entering facilities
• •Wounded animals must be pursued aggressively; any wounded animal counts as a kill
• •Trespassing on neighboring lands results in revocation of privileges
• •Full compliance with Federal and State game laws required

The ranch retains the right to terminate hunts without refund if animals are wounded and not recovered.

Clients range from novice hunters to experienced sportsmen. The ranch's philosophy prioritizes ethical hunting, clean kills, and fair chase over trophy metrics. Physical fitness matters—success requires the ability to navigate terrain and pursue animals—but the ranch structures camps and guides to give everyone legitimate opportunities.

South of Norwood, Colorado, on private property. Airport transportation arranged from Montrose Regional Airport.