CASTLE PEAK - AREA 35
Castle Peak - Area 35 is below the rugged lone Castle Peak which is located in Eagle County, Colorado. The area is a paradise for hunters, outdoorsman and adventure seeking enthusiasts. Multiple different terrains are surrounding the camps, which include deep pine forests, groves of aspen trees, large open parks with colorful wildflowers and some of the best breathtaking views of colorful Colorado. These camps range in elevation from 7500 to 11500 feet above sea level, and are remote to where cell service is non-exsistant. The camps are in area 35 where our ranches' cattle are summered; therefore, we are very familiar with the terrain, watering holes, and game trails.
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Our outfitting business takes in hunters during archery, muzzle-loading, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rifle seasons. Most of our hunters request "drop camps", but we also have private hunting cabins. Each reservation is based on a 5-day hunt. The elevation at our ranch is 7500'. From the ranch we are able to drive in with 4-wheel drive vehicles, approximately 2 miles up hill, to where our staging takes place - "The Wagon Stop". From here we load your gear onto a horse drawn wagon or onto pack horses, depending on the campsite. From "The Wagon Stop", on up the mountain, there are no motorized vehicles allowed, so any traveling is done on horseback, on foot, or by team and wagon.
DROP CAMPS
Our drop camps provide you with a tent and stove. You are responsible for bringing your own gear. Your gear will be delivered to your campsite by team and wagon or by pack horses. You may walk in or ride a horse in, which we will provide. We limit each person in your group to 150 lbs per pack in on horse or 200 lbs per wagon trip. Our terrain is very rugged and this limit has been put into place not only for your safety, but also for our horses. After several years of outfitting we have found that this allows for the necessities, to have a comfortable hunt. Rod Schlegel is in charge of the pack trips. His knowledge shines through as he has hunted and packed in his "backyard" for his whole life.
TEAM & WAGON
In helping enhance your western experience, "The Wagon Stop" is true to its name. Keep in mind our camp sites are located in a non-motorized vehicle area, therefore you will be delivered to your drop camp by a horse drawn wagon. This is a rare and dieing knowledge of horsemanship that will contribute to your western hunting experience. Typically, you will be offered a ride on the wagon, but you can choose to walk if you desire. Steve Hammer is our lead teamster, and he has passed on his knowledgeable horsemanship to his son and guide Taylor Hammer .
GUIDED HUNTS
We have a good group of men who are excited to help you out in harvesting an animal. These guys have proven themselves year after year; helping hunters to navigate the mountain, track an animal, and overall help a hunter to have a great time. These experiences make for life long friendships. A guide will also help out with the horses, if you have rented one. If requested we will provide a guide to go with you!
HUNTING CABINS
At the ranch we have a few cabins available to rent. These cabins all come with a kitchen, bathroom, and bunks. You will need to bring your own gear, including food, sleeping bag, and firearm. It is recommended that you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get to these, but upon booking your cabins location, this can be discussed.
HORSE RENTALS
If you are interested in renting one of our horses, they are priced at $400.00 for a 5-day hunt. When you are requesting a horse rental, please advice us of your riding skills. If you rent a horse, it is your responsibility to see that the horse is watered, fed (we will provide you with the feed), and cared for with good husbandry practices, on a daily basis. If you only ride the horse 3 days out of the scheduled 5 day hunt, you are still responsible for paying the full rental fee of $400.00. This cost is in addition to the basic hunting cost.
PRICES
DROP CAMPS: The fees for our drop camps vary depending on where your camp is located, how we can deliver you and your gear to your camp, and we also take into consideration how far your camp site is up the mountain; as we have campsites spread across the mountain. Starting at $1500.00 per man with a $300.00 deposit, when booking & final balance is due upon arrival.
GUIDES: $300 per day for 1-2 hunters. If guide camps with you, we ask that you provide the food for the guide.
HORSE RENTALS: $400.00 for a 5-day hunt.
HUNTING CABINS: Starting at $1500.00 per person with a $300.00 deposit. Payment is due upon arrival. The cabin can accommodate 10 people.
PACKING EXTRA GAME: $100.00 per extra animal, your fee includes 1 animal packed out.
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***Hunts can be customized and negotiated. Please call for details or questions!
*** IF YOU HARVEST AN ANIMAL, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING IT TO BE PACKED OUT OF THE BACK COUNTRY; I.E., GUTTING, SKINNING, QUARTERING AND COOLING OUT OF THE ANIMAL. CELL PHONE SERVICE IS VERY LIMITED ON THE MOUNTAIN, BUT UPON ARRIVAL TO OUR RANCH WE CAN EXPLAIN WHERE YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET SERVICE AND MAKE A CALL OUT FROM; YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE YOUR ANIMAL PACKED OUT (THIS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR HUNT FEE, 1 ANIMAL PER TAG).