Rocky Mountain Ranches Craig, CO hunt

[OldRookie]

Greetings all:

I have a late season cow hunt booked with Larry Biship Nov 21-25th in Craig on the Evans Ranch for my 16 year old son and myself.

I have a suite booked at the Holiday inn for my wife, son and I..

We are going to spend Thanksgiving in the Rockies!!! Few questions if anyone would care to contribute.

1. What is the weather like typcially, how much snow? Will an ATV be useful or a hindrance?
2. meat processor in town if we get lucky that can cut and quick freeze?
3. Tire chains, where do you get them and how do you use them?
4. Will an 04 Tahoe 4x4 be an acceptable vehicle to get around or should I bring the 02 4x4 Ford Supercrew pick up? Gas is free for the Tahoe so obviously that's my first choice!!
5. Is there shopping and sightseeing for the Boss to do while the boy and I hunt during the day?
6. Is there a place in town that will serve a Thanksgiving day dinner? (the hotel said they will tentatively)
7. Any tips for a later type hunt, what kind of cover will the elk be using?
8. The boy is packing a 270 sighted in for 200 yds and myself an 06 sighted for the same, we have been shooting and will continue to do so right up until hunt time.
9. We will be in town early Sat or Sun, what is the can't miss tourist spots in Nov?
Thanks all!
LH

 

[kilowatt]

Is the ranch just west and a bit north of Craig?? I hunted back there 30 years ago on the Beckett Ranch and this same ranch is now leased under the Rocky Mtn Ranches, it just might be the same ranch as I do not know who Mr. Beckett sold the ranch to in the late 70's.

By this time of the year you should have snow and very cold north winds too. But then with the way weather has been the past few years, who knows.

There is some places for the "boss" to shop and also some decent to good places to eat and you won't have any trouble finding them advertised locally.

As far as using which vehicle it all depends on the rancher and the leasee as to what you can use, better check with him on that.

Just out west of town where the road goes north, there is a public shooting range to recheck your sights.

Good luck on the hunt and enjoy the trip there. Where are you coming from to hunt this area?

Brian

 

[BeanMan]

Weather will be a toss up. I've had Thanksgivings in Steamboat Springs (50 miles to the east) that were incredably snowy and cold. I've also had ones that were T-shirt mild. You won't be able to guess what it is going to be like.

Send the Boss to Steamboat for a day of shopping, Craig will seem a bit bucolic.

Since you are using your own vehicle I am assuming that your guide will not be doing the driving. Bring a set of tires chains and either vehicle will be fine. Better yet, chains for all fours because when you need them you realy need them.

Good Luck,

BeanMan

 

[OldRookie]

coming from Indiana, never hunted in Northern Colorado, but hunted out of Gunnison a couple of years ago..

Four tire chains: I will google them and see where to buy, we sure do not use them back here in Hooterville..It is a self guided hunt, the outfitter merely provides the hunting area and we are responsible for the rest. ATV us is ok on approved trails, I am concerned about deep snow.

Steamboat Springs for the shopping, I will pass that advice on

thanks for the information! Looking forward to it.

LH

 

[lth]

Old Rookie, If you will go to Craig Chamber of commerce, (www.craig-chamber.com)or call (970)824-5689 or 1-800-864-4405 They will send you a packet that will be very helpful during you stay in Craig. They include in the packet ; Hunter and Sportsman Info. They also will include anything and everything that you might need during your trip; including meat processor, dining, ect. As far as your vehicle the Tahoe will be fine ,you won't have any problem unless it turns really bad. Iv'e hunted many years with a Toyota 4-runner 4x4 and it would do anything I needed with ease. Go to your local farm supply and check with them they can help you with tire chains or put you in touch with someone who can. Tire chains are easy to put on. Just be sure ,and if you use chains to drive slow, If they come loose they can do considerable damage to your vehicle. ( If it's bad enough to use chains your going to be going slow anyway). As far as shopping for the "Boss" Craig is ok!, but just about 30 miles or so down the road is "STEAMBOAT SPRINGS", Great place to shop and see!!, definately worth the drive. They have much more to choose from. Private ranch that time of year is great for cow elk . Many!!! Many!!!public hunters around Craig during elk season ,they will push a lot of elk onto private land(your advantage). Your 4-wheeler can be of great use but be carefull when using it, that you dont push what elk you have there off!! Im sure the ranchers on the property will assist you with many helpfull tips. Hope this helps! If you have any more questions just e-mail me. Have a great hunt! I know getting to hunt with your son is something very special, and you are both going to have a special time. (LTH)

 

[a3dhunter]

The elk will definitely be down on private land fields and such by that time. Last year we saw over 150 elk on private land about 10 miles north of Craig right off hwy 13 during the 2nd season(oct 22-31). We used "Custom Quality Meats" at 1430 Yampa Ave.(HWY13) in Craig for processing and they did an excellent job. Phone # is 970-824-4668. The Tahoe with chains will be fine. Take a shovel just in case! Good Luck.
a3dhunter

 

[BugleminToday]

Good luck! You will love the area! November....so a later rifle season? Expect it to be cold with snow on the ground!!!!

Hope ya'll have a good time and be sure and take pictures! The .270 and .30-06 will be fine as long as they are loaded with premium ammunition (please no ballistic tips!)

Be Safe,


Justin

- Long-Range, The next best thing to being there !!!!

Predator Junction
http://predatorjunct.proboards43.com/index.cgi

 

[sealer]

And Larry is a good guy...straight-up person. Please, send the wife to Steamboat to shop. I've played softball and hunted in Craig a few times and there is not much going on. If the "Boss" has a higher level of taste, Steamboat will take her mind off the wknd. and it will make your son's (and yours) hunt that much better. GL.

BTW, Craig is desolate...

 

[OldRookie]

Thanks all for the information and tips,it certainly is appreciated..

I will post after the trip and hopefully with a few pics..

I am thinking of booking a bull hunt for next year, but again thinking..

ahhh, the anticipation..Fall 06 is looking up right now..

several excellent excursions on the book and looking forward to them all.

hope you all have a great and productive season also!
LH