What To Bring
*Everything goes in and out on horseback, we allow 40lbs of gear/person*( most of this list applies to our Mexico hunts as well) **not needed for Mexico hunts**
- Camp Shoes (Something Easy To Slide On For Lounging Around Camp)
- Extra Set Of Clothes
- Thermal Underwear
- Down Jacket
- Wool Socks
- Light Jacket Or Sweatshirt
- **Solid Blaze Orange Hat And Vest Or Jacket, Minimum Of 500 Square Inches For Rifle Season.**
- Warm Gloves (At Least Two Pair In Case One Gets Wet)
- Winter Hat
- Packable Rain Gear
- Rifle, Scope, Covers And Sling
- 2 Boxes Of Ammunition
- **Hunter Education Card**
- **Hunting License**
- **Pocket and Hunting Knives**
- **Packable 0 Degree Sleeping Bag**
- Matches/lighter
- Binoculars
- Water Bottle (Filter Bottle Recommended)
- A Book
- Flashlights/Head Lamp
- Batteries
- Medicine
- **Game Bags**
- Gps, Compass
- Personal Items (Toothpaste, Tooth Brush, Chapstick, Fingernail Clippers, Deoderant, Baby Wipes)
- Money For Tipping Your Guide, Cook & Camp Staff (10-15% Is Standard Split Between Staff)
Additional Gear For: Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep, Extreme Wilderness Hunts
- Weminuche wilderness topo map (colorado hunts)
- Internal frame pack (4000 cubic inches+)
- High-quality mountain hunting boots
- Packable sleeping pad (Thermarest)
- High-quality binoculars
- Lightweight packable sleeping bag
- Lightweight 1-man tent
*hunters born after January 1st, 1949 must have completed a hunter safety course and have a hunter safety card in their possession to purchase a license while hunting*
You will need clothing that can be layered since the weather is unpredictable. In our dry climate morning temperatures can be in the teens, and afternoon temperatures can be as high as 75 degrees Fahrenheit on the same day! We recommend you pack two medium bags weighing approximately 20 pounds, this will make it easiest to pack in on horse. Maximum weight should not exceed 40 pounds per hunter. A smaller bag with personal items is a good idea to keep close to you near your sleeping area. Please do not bring one big bag because it makes it much more difficult to pack on a horse. Please also do not bring any hard shell yeti style coolers if you are a drop camp hunter, they are not practical for packing in and out but feel free to bring them to transport your game home. If you need any last-minute items there is a fine sporting goods store in Durango. If you have any questions or concerns we are happy to help! Contact us
Preparation
Our hunts can be very physically demanding!
A typical day of elk hunting can involve hiking up to 5-10 miles in mountainous terrain.
If you are not physically fit and prepared for this then this is not the hunt for you!
We strongly recommend that you start an exercise program 3-6 months prior to your hunt. You should focus on cardiovascular exercise to improve your endurance. Hiking and climbing are the best way to prepare, if you can get to some elevation that is always helpful as well. We also recommend you get a few horseback rides in before showing up for your hunt. The more comfortable you are with all of these elements, the more enjoyable your hunt will be. The more area you can cover on your hunt, the better your chances of seeing more animals. Due to the long distances traveled on horseback, we have a strict weight limit of 225 lbs for anyone riding a horse.
Where To Go
We will make arrangements to meet you upon your arrival to Durango, Colorado, and recommend you stay at the holiday Inn. You get a discounted rate if you tell them you are with Western Sky Outfitters. If you fly in fly to La Plata County Airport and we will pick you up and provide transportation to your hotel and the trailhead for $50pp.
Firearms
We recommend a bolt action rifle with a performance of a 7mm-300mag with a good quality scope and cover. Shots range from a quick 50 yards to a maximum of 500 yards. Sighting in for 150-200 yards will allow you to aim dead-on at most reasonable distances. Practicing shooting your rifle off shooting sticks and at long range is also recommended!
Book Your Colorado Hunt Today
Book an unforgettable Colorado Big Game hunting experience with Western Sky Outfitters. Book your big game hunt with us today. We Look forward to having you in the field!