Motherwell Hunting Lodge

Motherwell Hunting Lodge operates one of Colorado's most versatile hunting operations on private land near Hayden in Routt County. The property spans 12,000 acres of varied terrain—from hay fields to high alpine at nearly 9,000 feet elevation—hosting one of North America's largest elk herds and healthy populations of mule deer and mountain lions.

These hunts use the lodge's full 12,000-acre acreage where elk roam naturally and densely. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages this herd for quantity, so elk are plentiful and active throughout the season. Guests typically harvest 5x5 bull elk, with occasional opportunities at 6x6 or larger bulls. This is positioned as an exciting hunt rather than a trophy-focused experience.

• •Archery Season (Aug 25 - Sept 23): 5 nights/4 days, $6,500. Over-the-counter license, no draw required.

• •Muzzleloader (Sept 6 - Sept 16): 5 nights/4 days, $6,500. Limited draw license required.

• •1st Rifle Season (Oct 13 - Oct 17): 6 nights/5 days, $7,500. Draw required. First opportunity with rifles after unpressured September archery season.

• •2nd Rifle Season (Oct 20 - Oct 28): 5 nights/4 days, $6,500. Over-the-counter license. Light snow typically present, making elk easier to locate.

• •3rd Rifle Season (Nov 2 - Nov 12): 5 nights/4 days, $6,500. Over-the-counter license. Heavier snow and grouped elk behavior.

The lodge manages a completely natural 4,000-acre sanctuary with ~500 elk. Despite the high fence, this is actual terrain with valleys, sage brush, timber, canyons, and natural water. The difference: herd management allows bulls to reach full maturity, creating a legitimate trophy hunt experience.

All trophy packages are 5 nights/4 days. No hunting license required for high-fence hunts.

Elevation ranges from 6,000' to just under 9,000' support quality mule deer. Guests typically harvest 4x4 bucks in the 140"-150" range, with occasional opportunities at 180"+.

• •Mule Deer Only: 5 nights/4 days, $5,500. Available during archery, 2nd, and 3rd rifle seasons. Limited-entry draw or landowner voucher required.

• •Elk/Mule Deer Combo: $2,500 add-on to any elk hunt package. Hunt both species in one trip.

• •Season: Mid-November through end of March. 5 nights/4 days, $5,500 with lodging or $4,500 without.

The hunt method: guides search thousands of acres by snowmobile or ATV looking for fresh tracks. Once found, experienced hounds track the lion, chase it, and tree it. Hunters then work with guides to locate and pursue the bayed cat before it escapes. Colorado Parks and Wildlife mountain lion education certificate required (online course available). No draw—tag available over the counter.

Bear hunting, predator hunting, fly fishing, and other opportunities available depending on tag availability and season. Contact for specifics.

The ranch emphasizes "warmth, charm and hospitality in a secluded and pristine wilderness landscape." Multi-day packages include accommodations and meals. The property also hosts corporate retreats, team building events, private vacations, and film productions.

Detailed 2018 hunt calendar with specific session dates provided. Sessions are typically 5 nights/4 days of actual hunting. Contact: [email protected]. Custom dates available by reservation for many seasons.