Samuelson Outfitters

Samuelson Outfitters operates in Unit 18 of Colorado's Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, specifically the Troublesome Basin in Grand County. Their operation centers on backcountry access via horseback, with a herd of 35+ horses matched to individual clients based on riding experience and hunt type.

• •Fully Guided Hunts - Expert guides lead you on horseback into remote camps with chef-prepared meals, heated sleep tents with wood-burner stoves, cots, and full amenities. Price includes one guide per two clients, horse with tack and rifle scabbard, two hot meals daily plus sack lunch and snacks. Covers archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons for elk, mule deer, bear, and moose.

• •Drop Camps - DIY hunting with logistical support. They pack you and your gear into a private camp set up just for you. You handle meals and the hunt; they provide the infrastructure and pack out your harvest if successful.

• •Pack In/Out Services - Need gear hauled in or prefer to set your own camp? Samuelson can transport equipment while you set up and hunt independently.

• •On-Call Game Packing - Available to public hunters actively hunting Unit 18. When you've harvested game, contact them via Garmin In-Reach (their preferred device) with GPS coordinates. They'll pack your animal back to the trailhead. Field dress and quarter the animal first—additional fees apply for off-trail recovery or quartering work.

They also operate the Lavender Elephant Cowgirl Camp - a women's backcountry horse retreat described as "Colorado's leading remote backcountry women's horse retreat." Additional services include trail rides, youth cowgirl camps, adult cowgirl retreats, and horsemanship clinics.

Base camps feature a large cook and socializing tent with wood-burner stove and coffee station, individual sleep tents with mattressed cots and lanterns, covered drop toilets, and spring water. Guides work from sunup to sundown. They emphasize "Fair Chase Hunt" ethics and operate under permit from the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

Online booking available; deposits required. Cathy Samuelson handles client consultations (970-726-8221). Ehren Samuelson coordinates scheduling. Important: 50% non-refundable deposit, no hunt rescheduling once booked. Final payment is fully non-refundable. If you don't draw a first-season rifle tag, one roll-over to next year is allowed (additional fees may apply). They recommend booking travel insurance through Redpoint Travel Protection or Peek Protect by Spot.

• •Sighting in rifles: Arrive early and use Byers Canon Shooting Range before your hunt. Gun zeroing can shift during travel.
• •Satellite communication: Garmin In-Reach works best in their region. Save their In-Reach addresses before losing reception:
• •[email protected]
• •[email protected]
• •Meat processing: They recommend Troublesome Meat Processing (Grand County) or Meat Cleaver (Denver)
• •Coordinates: Trailhead coordinates provided in contracts and reminder emails. Critical to download before departing cell service.
• •Multiple tags: They can support hunters with multiple licenses in one trip—let them know your priority hunt in advance.

• •Contact: PO Box 868, Fraser, CO 80442 | 970-726-8221 | [email protected]