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directory/hunting
Soap Mesa Outfitters
CO
•Soap Mesa Outfitters has been running guided rifle hunts since 1998, operating under Colorado Outfitters License #1905 and a USDA Forest Service permit (GUN 1392, Gunnison National Forest). Owner-operator Soap Mesa Venture, LLC keeps the operation intentionally small—five to six hunters per season m...
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Full description and what we offer
Soap Mesa Outfitters has been running guided rifle hunts since 1998, operating under Colorado Outfitters License #1905 and a USDA Forest Service permit (GUN 1392, Gunnison National Forest). Owner-operator Soap Mesa Venture, LLC keeps the operation intentionally small—five to six hunters per season maximum—to maintain quality and preserve local herds.
The outfit controls over 3,500 acres of private ranch land north of Blue Mesa Reservoir, plus approximately 12,854 additional acres via National Forest permit. This totals more than 16,000 acres of terrain with elevation ranging from 7,500 to 9,500 feet. The hunting area sits west of Soap Creek, bordered to the north by Gunnison National Forest. Limited public access keeps the area secluded—this isn't a crowded unit.
Location context: 40 miles from Montrose, 25 miles from Gunnison. Both towns have municipal airports for fly-in access. Highway 92 access near Blue Mesa Reservoir for drivers.
Accommodations: Heated mountain cabin with two bathrooms (one with hot shower), two toilets, two sinks, oversized bunk beds, and electricity from a quiet generator. Camp cook handles all meals—dinner on arrival day, breakfast on departure day. Bring your sleeping bag, binoculars, rifle, and personal gear.
Guide ratio: 2 hunters to 1 guide, fully guided 5 days of hunting with 6 nights lodging.
Hunting method: Spot-and-stalk. Outfit uses 4x4 vehicles and side-by-side ATVs to reach hunting areas. No horses. Typical shooting distances are under 300 yards.
| Hunt Type | Price Per Hunter | Days/Nights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bull Elk | $6,000 | 5 days / 6 nights | Draw or over-the-counter tags |
| Cow Elk | $3,000 | 5 days / 6 nights | Draw only |
| Elk/Deer Combo | Price negotiated | 5 days / 6 nights | 2nd & 3rd season availability |
2025 Elk Season Dates: - 1st Season (all bulls): Oct. 15–19 - 2nd Season: Oct. 25–Nov. 2 - 3rd Season: Nov. 8–16 - 4th Season: Nov. 19–23
Bulls bugle in 1st season and partly into 2nd season when cows come into estrus. The outfit spot-and-stalks or drives bulls in particular areas.
| Hunt Type | Price Per Hunter | Days/Nights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | $6,000 | 5 days / 6 nights | 100% draw only or landowner vouchers |
| Elk/Deer Combo | Price negotiated | 5 days / 6 nights | 2nd & 3rd season availability |
2025 Mule Deer Season Dates: - 1st Season: Oct. 15–19 - 2nd Season: Oct. 25–Nov. 2 - 3rd Season: Nov. 8–16 - 4th Season: Nov. 19–23 (subject to availability)
Hunting is spot-and-stalk, glassing and locating bucks. The outfit keeps tabs on groups of does since mature bucks follow them during the season.
Non-hunting companions: Space permitting, non-hunters can join for $200/night or $1,000 total (whichever is less).
- •License requirements: Colorado law requires a Hunter Safety Card if you were born January 1, 1949 or later. Get your card before applying for licenses. Youth hunters (12–17) need a mentor who is 18+ with valid licensing. Group applications are accepted for draw hunts.
Before arrival: - Have valid hunting license and Hunter Safety Card - Sight in your rifle and practice shooting (outfit strongly recommends this) - Shooting ranges available in Montrose and Gunnison for pre-hunt zeroing
- •Deposits & Payment: 50% deposit required to book. Balance due on arrival before hunting. Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to another date or hunter.
- •Wounding policy: Strict policy in place. If you wound an animal (draw blood) with any weapon and recovery fails, your hunt is terminated.
All prices exclude license fees and meat processing.
1st and 4th Rifle Season: - (970) 209-0051 - (530) 957-7092
2nd and 3rd Rifle Season: - (425) 894-3380
Outfit operates as an equal opportunity service provider and employer. All participants must abide by Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations, USDA Forest Service rules, and Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) guidelines.
Limiting to five or six hunters per season isn't accidental—it reflects deliberate herd conservation philosophy. You're not in a crowded unit competing for animals. The terrain is secluded, the guide ratio is lean, and the outfit knows their country intimately from 27 years of operation.