Rough Canyon Outfitters

Rough Canyon Outfitters runs guided hunts and DIY camps across two prime Colorado units. Owner Dusty Veach operates as a family business treating clients the same way—with the work put in to make hunts successful and enjoyable.

Located in the San Juan National Forest under special use permit, Rico Camp sits high country where you hunt mostly on foot. This is serious backcountry—part non-motorized, part Wilderness area. The elk population is solid, and archery bull tags draw with just 0-1 points. Rifle and muzzleloader tags require 1 point.

Archery Season (Sept 2-30): - 2-1 Guided, 5-day Bull Elk: $5,250/hunter - 1-1 Guided, 5-day Bull Elk: $6,000/hunter - 1-1 Guided, 5-day Mule Deer: $5,500/hunter

Muzzleloader (Sept 12-20): - 2-1 Guided, 5-day Bull Elk: $5,250/hunter - 1-1 Guided, 5-day Bull Elk: $6,000/hunter - 1-1 Guided, 5-day Mule Deer: $5,500/hunter

1st Rifle Season (Oct 14-18): - 2-1 Guided, 5-day Bull Elk: $5,500/hunter - 1-1 Guided, 5-day Bull Elk: $6,250/hunter

2nd Rifle Season (Oct 24-Nov 1): - 2-1 Guided, 5-day Bull Elk: $5,250/hunter - 1-1 Guided, 5-day Bull Elk: $6,000/hunter

These hunts are physically demanding but rewarding. Wall tent camps. Drop camps available. Non-hunting companions can tag along for $1,000/5 days.

3,000 acres of private property near Mesa Verde National Park. This is low-pressure hunting with a high success rate. You'll see a lot of deer. Bucks run 140"-170" with bigger possible. Hunt-only option—clients stay in town (hotels and Airbnb available nearby).

Muzzleloader (Sept 13-21): - 2-1 Guided, 5-day: $4,000/hunter

2nd Rifle (Oct 25-Nov 2): - 2-1 Guided, 5-day: $4,500/hunter

3rd Rifle (Nov 8-16): - 2-1 Guided, 5-day: $5,000/hunter

4th Rifle (Nov 19-23): - 2-1 Guided, 5-day: $5,000/hunter - 1-1 Guided, 5-day: $6,000/hunter

640 acres of private land surrounded by remote non-motorized national forest. Trapper's cabin with full kitchen, bunk beds, and wall tents. Groups of 3-5. You drive in, park, then hunt on foot.

Archery (Sept 2-30): - Drop camp pricing available—contact for details

Black Powder (Sept 12-20): - $1,800/hunter (groups of 4) - $2,400/hunter (groups of 3) - $3,000/hunter (groups of 2)

Rifle Seasons (Oct 14-18 & Oct 24-Nov 1): - $2,000/hunter (groups of 4) - $2,650/hunter (groups of 3)

Lizard Head Wilderness and non-motorized areas accessed by horse and mule. Simple functional camps in the middle of prime elk country. Includes pack-out service. Groups 1-4 hunters.

Archery & Black Powder: - $2,750/hunter (2-person minimum) - Solo hunters available—contact for price

Rough Canyon provides detailed gear lists for all hunters. Essentials: physical conditioning (lungs matter most), layerable clothing (Colorado fall hits 70° days and 30° mornings in early season), waterproof boots and rain gear, warm sleeping bag, hunter safety card (required if born after Jan 1, 1949), valid Colorado hunting license.

Archery hunters: Bow in hard case, lightweight quiet clothing, practice at 20-50 yards, bring plenty of arrows.

Rifle/Muzzleloader hunters: Rifle or muzzleloader in hard case, practice 200-500 yard shots from various positions, 500 sq. inches orange/pink on head/chest/back.

Deposits hold spots. Non-refundable unless you fail to draw the tag (then deposit refunded). Transferable to another client with approval. Can roll over to next year with approval (not guaranteed).

• •Draw Tag Hunts: $1,500 deposit to hold. Second payment due if successful in drawing. Remaining balance due on arrival (cash) or 30 days ahead (check).

• •OTC Tag Hunts: 50% with contract, 50% on arrival.

• •Wounding Policy: If a client wounds an animal and the guide/outfitter deems it fatal or possibly fatal, the hunt ends unless the outfitter authorizes another opportunity.

• •Gratuity: Not mandatory. Industry standard is 10-15% of hunt price.

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• •Contact: Dusty Veach | (970) 739-0888 | [email protected] | Cortez, CO 81321