Colorado Private Ranches
Ceciil Kaufman started hunting Colorado's public lands over 30 years ago. The problem was obvious: more hunters than elk. He started leasing private land in the Yampa and Rifle areas, and discovered that private property hunts beat public land hands down—less crowded, more productive, more fulfillin...
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Ceciil Kaufman started hunting Colorado's public lands over 30 years ago. The problem was obvious: more hunters than elk. He started leasing private land in the Yampa and Rifle areas, and discovered that private property hunts beat public land hands down—less crowded, more productive, more fulfilling. Today his operation manages multiple elk and mule deer leases across northwest and central Colorado.
CPW Licensed & Bonded Outfitter License #3163 - Colorado Parks & Wildlife certified
These are non-guided hunts. You obtain your own Colorado Parks & Wildlife big game tags. That means: - You handle your tag application - You hunt the private land yourself - You manage your own group - You keep what you harvest
This approach gives you freedom and low cost compared to full-service outfitters.
| Lease | County | Acres | Price | Elevation | GMU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lease #2 - SKCK Ranch | Routt | Various | $2,500+ | 7,300-7,700 ft | Multiple |
| Lease #3 - Brinker Creek Ranch | Gunnison | 1,451 | $2,750 | 8,000-8,800 ft | Multiple |
| Lease #4 - Daniels Place | Rio Blanco | Various | $2,500 | 7,700-8,100 ft | Multiple |
| Lease #5 - Red Dirt Ranch | Routt | 2,700 | $3,500 | 7,000-9,600 ft | Multiple |
| Lease #6 - Eight Bar Ranch | Eagle | 1,095 | $3,000 | 7,700-9,400 ft | Multiple |
| Lease #8 - High Mesa Ranch | Conejos | 1,067 | $3,000 | 8,100-9,600 ft | Multiple |
| Lease #10 - Raley Ranch | Moffat | Various | $2,500 | 7,300-8,200 ft | Multiple |
| Lease #12 - JL Ranch | Eagle | Various | $2,900 | 9,400-9,800 ft | Multiple |
Price Range: $2,500 - $3,500 per hunter, depending on season and lease
- •Private land access with 4-6 hunter groups maximum (no mixing groups between bookings)
- •Adjacent to national forest and BLM land - most leases border public land for expanded hunting territory
- •ATV use permitted and encouraged on all hunting leases
- •Lodging options - stay on-site at properties with lodging, or choose a hotel in nearby towns (Craig, Yampa, Meeker, Montrose area)
- •Non-crowded hunting environment - landowner and Kelly Kaufman designate specific group sizes per lease per season
Bow Hunting: Early September through end of September (elk and mule deer) - Requires getting close to animals - Demanding and challenging - Adrenaline-intensive experience
Rifle Hunting: Mid-October through end of November (elk and mule deer) - Multiple rifle seasons (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th season, plus late cow seasons) - Hunt from greater distances - Season availability varies by lease
Game Management Units: Properties located in GMUs 4, 15, 23, 25, 26, 65, and 81
1. Call or email Kelly Kaufman to discuss available properties 2. Select your lease and season 3. Pay 50% deposit to secure your spot 4. Receive contract for e-signature 5. Invoice sent in early July for remaining balance (due by August 1st) 6. Apply for your Colorado Parks & Wildlife tags during their application periods 7. Hunt the private land in your designated season
Now is the time to think about 2026 hunts - several repeat groups book early for the next season.
Leases in these counties: - Craig/Yampa area (Routt County) - 2 leases - Meeker area (Rio Blanco County) - 1 lease - Montrose area (Gunnison & Conejos Counties) - 2 leases - Eagle County - 2 leases - Moffat County - 1 lease
Some leases have been in place for over 20 years with the same landowners
Phone/Text: 318-680-5996 Email: [email protected] Mailing: PO Box 828, Athens TX 75751
Learn more: Visit Colorado Parks & Wildlife at cpw.state.co.us for Big Game hunting regulations and tag application details.