
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—t...
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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:
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)
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.
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.
"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
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