
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 ap...
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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.
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:
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.
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