
Hunting
ARCHERY, MUZZLELOADER, & RIFLE HUNTING FOR ELK, DEER, & BEAR
Here in the South San Juan wilderness, we offer the incredible opportunity to our clients to travel into some of Colorado’s premier hunting country. Our camps are located in public land GMU 81 in the high country wilderness, where there is no motorized access. All of our hunters ride up on horseback, with wranglers bringing along the pack horses with gear. We specialize in drop camps that can accommodate up to four hunters. Archery, muzzleloader, and first rifle season licenses for elk may be purchased through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. These seasons are by draw only, and usually take one preference point for out of state hunters.
WE DO NOT OFFER FULLY GUIDED HUNTS AND NO LONGER OFFER SECOND SEASON HUNTS
![IMG_E0042[1].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59aa52_20172e4835c04e6c901710fdb6070eb0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_518,h_383,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/59aa52_20172e4835c04e6c901710fdb6070eb0~mv2.jpg)
Drop Camps
All of our drop camps are on a 1 day pack in, 5 day hunt, 1 day pack out schedule. These are all exclusive camps, but the chance of success depends upon the abilities of the hunter, weather, and a bit of luck.
Drop camps are priced at $2,000 per hunter. Camps include a wall tent, cots, tables, chairs, wood stove, propane cook top, and all pots/pans/cooking utensils. If you are successful in harvesting an animal, it will be packed out to the trailhead at no additional cost.
Hunters are responsible for bringing the following:
-
Personal gear (not to excede 60 pounds)
-
Food supply
-
Hunting license
-
Sleeping bag
-
Knives and game bags for field dressing game
Each hunter will be asked to participate in a short orientation on riding and horsemanship. The weight limit for each rider is 240 lbs. All of this is to ensure the safety of the riders while on the trail to camp.
Pack-in Freight Service
RTO will pack you and your gear into a predetermined spot, and pick you up at a later date.
The price for this service is $1,350 per person, and includes packing out game if your hunt is successful. This is for one pack horse (160 pounds of gear) and one riding horse. Additional pack animals may be added for $350 per animal.
Each hunter will be asked to participate in a short orientation on riding and horsemanship. The weight limit for each rider is 240 lbs. All of this is to ensure the safety of the riders while on the trail.
We do not pack in and out on Sundays; only in emergency situations.
Meet The Team
![]() |
---|
David and Jane, Linda and Doug have been in the dude ranching and hospitality business for nearly thirty years. Their down to earth dispositions draw in all who meet them. Customer service is their main priority and they work hard to keep guests coming back year after year. In addition to Rainbow Trout Outfitters, they own and operate Rainbow Trout Ranch, a first class dude ranching experience, that is perfect for the guests who prefer more inclusive accommodations than the tent camping that RTO offers.
The Van Berkums
The Owners
![]() |
---|
Wes Kahoe
Outfitter
Wes is a down to earth, honest, and friendly modern-day
mountain man. He is a successful rancher, accomplished hunter, and also operates Bar W Outfitters just adjacent to RTO.
You couldn't ask for anyone more familiar with the area or more capable of delivering a top-notch wilderness experience!






