What to Bring

 

Weather and What to Bring:  (summer)

There is a reason why one of the adjacent wilderness areas is named “The Never Summer Wilderness” and why the local rodeo is referred to as “The Never Summer Rodeo.”   Snow has occurred during all 12 months of the calendar and, on average, North Park experiences only about 45 frost-free days during the summer.  This “arctic picture” is not painted in an attempt to scare people from visiting; it’s only to make sure people arrive prepared.  In all actuality, June through September is generally beautiful.  Sunny days with temperatures reaching 80 degrees are the norm.  Typical evenings will dip into the low 40’s.  Having various layers of clothing is the best way to prepare for the range of temperatures and conditions.

We encourage guests to bring any of your own fly fishing equipment and gear that you are accustomed to and feel comfortable with.  Orvis rods, reels, waders, and boots, are available for our guests to use free of charge.   Additionally, guests should make sure they bring:  sweater or fleece jacket and pants for layering, lightweight and windproof jacket, rain gear (jacket & pants), swimsuit for the hot tub, a hat (one for warmth, one for blocking sun), a day-style backpack, fishing vest or pack, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and camera.  The sun is intense at this elevation; lightweight, long-sleeve shirts will provide protection from both UV rays and mosquitoes.

Alcoholic beverages are not provided but please feel free to bring your own.  The closest liquor store is 25 miles away so you may want to make purchases on your way to the ranch.  Colorado State fishing licenses are required to fish all our waters and we encourage you to get yours on your way to the ranch.  If not we will have to take you to town to get them and that travel time will compromise your first days guided activities.  These are not available for purchase at our ranch.  They are available at many retail outlets throughout the state (sporting goods, grocery stores, Wal-Mart, etc.) or can be purchased online at the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife website:  www.wildlife.state.co.us.com.

FYI: We encourage all guests to bring slippers or crocks to wear around the Lodge.  Shoes/Boots are not allowed to be worn in the Lodge.

The weather during October and November (rifle hunts) is somewhat more unpredictable than that of September.  The opening day of rifle season has varied from a sunny 70 degrees to 15 degrees below zero.  The average temperatures during the rifle season are around 35 degrees.  If you view The Hunters Stories portion of this website, you will see actual pictures of past hunters; some wearing little more than their orange vest, while some are bundled-up like their hunting musk ox in the arctic.  Generally we have received some snow before the rifle seasons begin, but it often melts in a day or two and doesn’t start accumulating until Thanksgiving.

Dressing in layers is the best way to adjust to changing conditions.  We find the synthetic materials work best as they wick moisture away from your body, are fast to dry, and provide insulation even when wet.  Wool also works well but is heavier than the synthetics.  Cotton materials are not a good choice for hunting gear as they retain moisture and have no insulation value when wet.  A good pair of waterproof, insulated boots is a must-have.  Make sure they are broken in before your arrival!

The following is a suggested list of items to bring.  Since you will be staying in a comfortable lodge that you can drive to and we don’t need to pack in your items on horseback, feel free to bring what will help make your hunt comfortable and enjoyable.  Some of the below items are carried by your guide but can become important for you to have if you are sitting on stand without your guide nearby.

• Rifle and ammunition (preference is on the largest caliber you feel comfortable with but major preference is placed on you arriving with a rifle you have practice with— a lot!)  We have had great luck with 300, 338, 6.5, and 7MM.
• Bow and arrows (must be fixed blades; if you can’t demonstrate weapon proficiency to us, we will stay in camp and practice until it is achieved!)  If you have questions on arrow setups please reach out to us, we prefer heavy arrows and broadheads.
• Shooting sticks, your guide will carry a tripod that you will most likely be shooting from.  Make sure to practice off sticks all summer long.
• License
• Hunter’s safety card (anyone born after 1/1/1949 must have one or you will not hunt!)
• Binoculars
• Range Finder
• Cow elk call (Primos, Carlton, or the like)
• Hunters-orange vest or coat plus a hunters-orange hat (pertains to rifle hunters only, camo-orange is not legal in Colorado!)
• Insulated cushion (useful when sitting outside a blind)
• Small, lightweight daypack/backpack (carry snacks, water, layers of clothing, etc.)
• A small, lightweight flashlight
• Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and Chapstick (climate is dry and UV rays are intense)
• Medications and toiletries
• Insulated and waterproof boots (an extra pair can be handy in wet conditions)
• Insulated underwear (shirt and pants, synthetics are a must)
• Fleece, wool, or some type of synthetic hunting pants and shirts
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Warm, waterproof hat and gloves (remember; you must always wear an orange hat)
• Wool or warm socks
• Slippers or crocks for the lodge: Shoes/Boots are not allowed to be worn in the Lodge
• Swimsuit for the hot tub
• Water bottle (we provide one for you to use, 32 oz Nalgene)
• Books or Magazines for relaxing in the lodge.
• Camera (lightweight point and shoot or phone)  Your guide will take photos with a high-quality iPhone.
• Coolers for taking home meat and capes (120 qt cooler is a perfect size to fit a full elk processed or deboned)

Alcoholic beverages are not provided but please feel free to bring your own.  The closest liquor store is 25 miles away so you may want to make purchases on your way to the ranch.  Absolutely no consumption of alcohol is permitted until the end of the day or after a hunter is finished hunting.

The lodge and ranch is reserved entirely for your party; feel free to bring whatever items (games, DVD’s and CD’s, books, etc) that may enhance your group’s enjoyment during your visit.