
RTS Hunting operates the Visintainer Ranch in Northwest Colorado, 15 miles north of Craig—an area so stacked with elk it's called "The Elk Hunting Capital of the World." The ranch spans from Black Mountain (north of Craig) to Godiva Rim (north of Maybell), ranging from 8,200 feet in aspen and oak br...
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RTS Hunting operates the Visintainer Ranch in Northwest Colorado, 15 miles north of Craig—an area so stacked with elk it's called "The Elk Hunting Capital of the World." The ranch spans from Black Mountain (north of Craig) to Godiva Rim (north of Maybell), ranging from 8,200 feet in aspen and oak brush down to 6,000 feet of rolling sagebrush hills. It's not just size that matters—it's location. The ranch sits directly in one of the largest elk migration corridors on the planet, home to the Bears Ears Herd of 25,000 elk (the second-largest migratory herd in the world).
Travis Flaharty, Rocky Pappas, and Sparky Pappas manage the operation. They've been in guided hunting since 1999 (operating Nine Mile Guest Ranch) and expanded into Ranching for Wildlife in 2014 when the Visintainer property became available. Colorado Outfitter's License #3198.
The landowner, Gary Visintainer of Visintainer Sheep Company, practices innovative livestock management that actually benefits wildlife. He runs minimal sheep and cattle numbers and manages forage for both livestock and game animals. This approach earned the ranch the 2013 Leopold Conservation Award in Colorado for outstanding commitment to range health and wildlife emphasis. The result: an incredibly diverse ecosystem that flourishes year-round with antelope, mule deer, elk, sage grouse, and sharptail grouse.
The entire 53,000 acres is prime mule deer habitat, managed specifically for mature bucks. You'll find both resident and migratory herds.
The ranch sits in Units 3 and 4, historically known as Colorado's best pronghorn units. Population is stable and rising.
RTS Hunting operates under Colorado's Ranching for Wildlife program, which provides advantages unavailable on typical draw hunts:
All hunts include meals and lodging at the ranch's 5,500 square foot log lodge with modern amenities. The lodge has big views and is convenient to hunting areas.
"9 Mile Guest Ranch and RTS Hunting have this thing figured out! This is a first class operation all the way. The guides are exceptional (we had Travis and Cory) and they worked hard to get us on quality caliber animals. The ranch and lodge at RTS Hunting in Craig were incredible! All of the meals and food were also amazing! Could not have been happier with our experience." — Justin Shelby
"I would definitely recommend Nine Mile Guest Ranch and RTS Hunting to anyone who loves the outdoors and loves to hunt. The guides (Travis & Cory) go the extra mile for their guest to fill their tags with the quality of their dreams. The lodge is beautiful and they take very good care of their guests and make them feel at home. I am planning a return already!!" — Tammy Wade
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