Business Details

Full description and what we offer

Rocky Mountain Ranches, Ltd. is a licensed Colorado big game outfitter specializing in what they do best: getting hunters on private land without the crowds or the full guided price tag. Owner and guide Joe Monchelli has built a operation where over 50% of annual hunts are booked by repeat clients—that's the kind of track record that speaks for itself.

Unlike traditional outfitting, Rocky Mountain Ranches focuses on do-it-yourself, non-guided hunts. You get:

•The property and the freedom. Joe provides maps, terrain briefings, and management advice. Then you become the hunter.
•Fraction of guided hunt costs. Non-guided hunts run significantly cheaper than fully guided operations.
•Controlled hunting pressure. They accept a limited number of hunters per year and restrict vehicle travel on smaller roads to keep elk, deer, and antelope undisturbed.
•Multiple ranch options. Properties range from 1,000 to 6,000 acres with different terrain types, elevation, and animal concentrations.

Located in the Craig-Steamboat Springs area of Moffat County, Rocky Mountain Ranches manages properties across some of Colorado's most productive big game units:

Hunt Type	Terrain	Elevation	Best For
High Country Elk	Dark timber, aspen glades, big meadows	Up to 9,000 ft	Wilderness experience without the crowds
Moderate Elk	Oak brush, rolling sage, aspen	Up to 8,000 ft	Great success without steep rugged terrain
High Desert Mule Deer	Rocky canyons, pinion, rolling sage	Lower elevation	Glassing and stalking mature bucks
Antelope Hunts	Wide open sage country	High desert	Spot-and-stalk opportunities

The region is home to the White River elk herd, Bears Ears elk herd, and some of Colorado's most abundant mule deer and pronghorn antelope populations. Hunting pressure on nearby public lands pushes more game onto private property.

All elk hunts take place in 4-point or better game management units. Typical success runs over 50%, with most bulls in the 5- to 6-point range.

Hunt methods available: - Archery hunts - Muzzleloader hunts - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rifle seasons - Cow elk reduction hunts (late season, reduced rates)

•Tag availability: Most tags are over-the-counter (OTC)—archery, 2nd, and 3rd rifle seasons require no draw. 1st and 4th rifle are draw tags with a nearly 100% historical success rate. Rocky Mountain Ranches assists with all draw applications and preference point strategy.

Vehicle access for elk recovery: Main ranch roads are open to trucks and ATVs for hunting and animal recovery. Smaller 2-tracks are off-limits except during recovery operations. ATV rental available but not required—most hunters don't use them.

High desert ranches in unit 3/301 (Moffat County) consistently deliver. Terrain includes rocky canyons, pinion hillsides, creek bottoms, and endless rolling sage—prime mule deer habitat.

•What to expect: Lots of glassing and sorting through does and young bucks to find mature deer. Success hovers around 90% annually. Weather and moon cycles can affect results, but the 20+ year track record is solid.

Pronghorn hunts happen on the same high desert properties as mule deer. Hunters can pursue over-the-counter tags with archery, rifle, or muzzleloader methods. Blinds over water holes are available.

Rocky Mountain Ranches offers a limited number of fully guided Ranching for Wildlife hunts—Colorado's special program properties with unique season choices and advantages. These are highly sought after and book quickly.

Mountain lion hunts available for hunters interested in pursuing cougar in the region.

All hunts are conducted on open rangeland. No high fences. No exotic setups. Legitimate big game hunting on private land with game management practices that work.

•Phone: 970-439-1894 or 970-439-1911
•Email: [email protected]
•Address: PO Box 941, Hayden, CO 81639
•License: Colorado Big Game Outfitter Reg #2689 (Licensed, Bonded, Insured)

"Our mission is to provide quality private land hunting opportunities. Non-guided hunts are offered at a fraction of the price of a fully guided hunt and provide relief from the crowds found on public land." — Joe Monchelli