Do I need a Colorado hunting license?

Yes, hunters must apply for and obtain a hunting tag through Colorado Parks and Wildlife's draw system by April 1 each year.

What is included in the hunting package?

The package includes a guide, field dressing, and game transport to the processor; tags and licenses are separate.

What age is suitable for this hunt?

Participants must be at least 12 years old to join the hunt.

Is previous hunting experience required?

Basic hunting skills and familiarity with firearms are recommended for safety and success.

What terrain and elevation should I expect?

The ranch ranges from 7,000 to 11,000 feet with rugged terrain, including steep slopes and rocky areas.

Are accommodations included?

Accommodations are not included; visitors often stay in Westcliffe, the nearest town with lodging options.

Exclusive Mule Deer Trophy Hunts at Dry Creek Ranch near Westcliffe, Colorado

Dry Creek Ranch, situated in the heart of Colorado’s rugged landscape near the small town of Westcliffe, offers a rare and intimate Mule Deer hunting experience that stands apart from the typical public land quests. Spanning elevations from 7,000 to 11,000 feet, this private property unlocks access to diverse terrain—from dense forested slopes to open high-country meadows—creating prime habitat for trophy-quality Mule Deer. This 5-day guided hunt is designed for serious hunters seeking not just an opportunity but an exceptional adventure on meticulously managed land. With only a handful of hunts available each season, Dry Creek Ranch prioritizes quality over quantity, providing every participant with focused, personalized guidance and support.

What makes this hunt uniquely compelling is the combination of location and exclusivity. Westcliffe, often overlooked by mainstream outdoor travelers, lies adjacent to vast wilderness areas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, but Dry Creek Ranch remains a distinct private enclave. Here, the landscape is dominated by granite outcrops, rolling ridges, and native grasses interspersed with piñon pines and junipers—perfect cover for Mule Deer. You’ll navigate the varied elevations on foot with your expert guide, scanning for the telltale signs of trophy bucks while enjoying panoramic views that stretch across the valley below.

The ranch’s commitment to a true high-end hunt means more than just access; it includes field dressing and transporting your harvest to a processor, allowing you to focus fully on the pursuit. Because the hunts are limited to two people at a time, you’ll benefit from undivided attention and a tailored experience, maximizing your chance for success and safety in this challenging terrain.

Hunters should note public hunting tags are required and available through Colorado’s draw system—applications must be submitted by April 1st each year through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This ensures legal and regulated hunting while maintaining the region’s ecological balance.

From an outdoor adventurer’s perspective, this hunt at Dry Creek Ranch offers more than just trophy potential; it’s a chance to explore one of Colorado’s lesser-known yet spectacular wilderness areas in a way few get to experience. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or elevating your game, this trip promises a blend of technical challenge, scenic beauty, and mindful conservation that resonates with dedicated sportsmen looking for a memorable and respectful connection to the wild.

About Dry Creek Ranch

Dry Creek Ranch is a guided hunting operation based in Westcliffe, Colorado, specializing in elk and mule deer hunts across public and private land. Located near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and adjacent to the Greenhorn Mountains, Dry Creek Ranch offers guided rifle hunts, cow elk hunts, and limited private‑land trophy mule deer hunts on nearly 8,000 acres of exclusive property. Hunts run at elevations from 7,000 to 11,000 feet, providing diverse terrain and high‑country conditions.

Guides operate small camps and provide expert, personalized attention using spot‑and‑stalk techniques, horseback, and ATV access to reach prime hunting areas. Wilderness lodging and meals are included on many hunts, with optional cabin upgrades available for added comfort. Trip lengths vary by season and license type, including multiple rifle seasons and four‑ to five‑day itineraries for public‑land elk hunts, plus specific mule deer seasons focused on trophy bucks.

Dry Creek Ranch emphasizes ethical, guided hunting experiences managed to maximize opportunity in Colorado backcountry. The operation lists a range of trips including first through fourth rifle elk seasons in Westcliffe and Kremmling, multi‑day public‑land elk hunts, private‑land cow elk hunts, and restricted mule deer hunts in second and third seasons. Each trip description clarifies access methods, lodging, and guiding style.

Hunters booking at Dry Creek Ranch can expect focused attention, experienced logistical support, and access to both public and private hunting grounds near Westcliffe, Colorado. All marketing and trip information reflect the business’s advertised offerings and locations. Reservations are arranged through the business contact directly.