LAST EDITED ON May-03-06 AT 01:24PM (MST)[p]
LAST EDITED ON May-03-06 AT 01:22?PM (MST)
No offence taken at all... everyone has their right to their own opinions and I hope that I don't come across as the opposite. I too have hunted the public ground just across the fence, one would be crazy to not to have.
I do work for Three Forks... and have been guiding that property for what is now my 12th season, even before the ranch ownership changed hands. I was just trying to shed some light on the other side of the fence. It has come a long ways from what it once was, although the increased hunting pressure in the public ground has really boomed over the years, so much so that I don't even like to hunt the surrounding areas anymore.
When I first started guiding in the area, we were killing 95% raghorns. It was a feat to shoot a 6 x 6 at the time. Now a person has a chance at killing at reasonable bull, maybe 280-320 class 6 x 6, which is way above average for most of CO. There are a handful of bulls that are over that but with the numbers of elk it is very hard to get on a bull of that class.
A lot of the clients do hunt other ranches from other states that take larger bulls than Three Forks offer, but really what they are selling is a quality hunting experience. The opportunity to have a five-star meal prepared by chefs, great accomodations, world class catch and release fishery, one of the best clays courses in North America, horseback riding, fourwheeling, and many other activities. Not to mention seeing abundant game on the ranch.
Why do they charge so much??? Because people are willing to pay for the experience. The more money they spend, the more money that gets returned to habitat improvement, grazing management, improving the stream etc..etc... Hunting for elk isn't allowed during the Mid-day hours or in the bedding areas, giving the cows time and safety to nurse their calves.
They do a great job about giving back in my mind, personally that's the reason that I work there. Sure I could go and guide else where and kill bigger animals and be a part of the fame game, but its the environment and the good things that are done that keep me there.
Donating hunts to the youth hunters supervised by the DOW, guided by professional hunters, giving kids an opportunity to learn to hunt in a good safe environment with a great opportunity to harvest an animal. Donating hunts to RMEF and the MDF, cooperative efforts with the WY G&F and CDOW to raise the Colorado river cutthroat and provide spawning grounds, improving the river ecosystem... good things as you mentioned.
I just think that the quality of the bulls that are in the area are greatly effected on how the public season hunts are managed by allowing unlimited OTC tags in CO during the majority of the rifle seasons. I think if they could get a handle on that you'd see the quality of animals and herd improve, the age class grow, but as the case with most of Colorado, I don't think we'll live to see that happen...
I think that time and management will only benefit wildlife and the ranch is putting the best foot forward to do so...
I'm not trying to preach or persuade anyones opinions, just adding to a discussion... everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect that...its kind of nice to see some feedback from other people as well..