directory/hunting
Welder Outfitters
2643 Co Rd, Meeker, CO
•Welder Ranch and Outfitting Services operates out of Meeker, Colorado, on the upper White River—the heart of the nation's largest elk herd. Since 1988, Brian and Shawn Welder have been guiding hunters into some of Colorado's most remote and productive terrain. They run small groups. Never more than ...
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Full description and what we offer
Welder Ranch and Outfitting Services operates out of Meeker, Colorado, on the upper White River—the heart of the nation's largest elk herd. Since 1988, Brian and Shawn Welder have been guiding hunters into some of Colorado's most remote and productive terrain.
They run small groups. Never more than 12 hunters at a time, with at least one experienced guide per two clients. This means you're not competing with dozens of other hunters for elk. In fact, they rarely encounter other hunters in their hunting areas across the Flat Tops Wilderness.
"For the past thirty-three years, the Welders have been hunting elk in the upper White River...This is their life. You will find them and their team of experienced guides working hard to make sure each client has the best experience possible."
The Welders personally guide every hunt they host. They control access to over 100 square miles of backcountry in the White River National Forest, ranging from 8,000 to 11,000 feet elevation, with hunting on both north and south sides of the White River extending east to Trappers Lake.
| Season | Dates | Game |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept 2–30 | Elk, Deer |
| Muzzleloader | Sept 13–20 | Elk, Deer |
| 1st Rifle | Oct 14–18 | Elk, Bear |
| 2nd Rifle | Oct 24–Nov 2 | Elk, Deer, Bear |
| 3rd Rifle | Nov 7–15 | Elk, Deer, Bear |
| 4th Rifle | Nov 18–22 | Elk, Deer, Bear |
$5,800 per person – All-inclusive 5-day package includes guide service, meals, and lodging. Hunters apply for their own licenses (archery, muzzleloader, and 1st rifle are draw hunts; 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons are over-the-counter). One-on-one guide service available for an additional $1,000.
If you prefer flexibility: - $700/person per day (one guide, two hunters) - $900/person per day (one guide, one hunter) - Game packing included; meals and lodging not included
Don't want a guide? They offer fully outfitted base camps ($2,450–$2,850/person, 4-person minimum) with high-quality camp setup, packing, resupply, and nightly radio checks. Or drop camp service ($1,850/person, 4-person minimum) where you bring your own gear and they handle packing and logistics.
Game packing available à la carte: $550 per elk from the corral, or $250/hour for complex packing requiring horse transport.
Horses are the main form of transportation. This isn't a motorized operation—it's traditional Western hunting. Good physical condition helps, but patience and determination matter more. The terrain is rough and elevation is significant, so expect real backcountry conditions.
Beyond hunting, Welder Ranch operates as a full-service outfitter: - Fishing: Guided fly fishing on public and private waters ($345–$625 for half/full day) - Horseback Riding: Day rides and multiday pack trips - Snowmobile Tours: Winter access to the White River National Forest - Cabin Rental: Private cabin on 120 acres overlooking the White River ($180/night, pets welcome)
Welder Ranch has donated 25 guided hunts to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation—over $75,000 toward elk and wildlife habitat conservation. They're the only outfitter in western Colorado to make this commitment.
2643 Co Rd 12, Meeker, CO 81641
US Forest Service permit: Blanco District, License #961
Permitted to operate on 1,000,000 acres of White River National Forest and Flat Tops Wilderness.
March is the reservation month for the coming hunting season. Groups of returning clients book year after year. Call Shawn Welder at (970) 314-5923 or email [email protected] to discuss your hunt.