Email Two - Rocky Mountain Ranches

Elk Brotherhood,

Now that you've looked at option one, I have another outfitter you should consider.  it is Rocky Mountain Ranches run by Joe Monchelli.

Check out the link above to the site for it has a ton of good information to be reviewed.  I spoke with Joe for about an hour on the hour and found him to be quite knowledgable and helpful.  This website contains everything from videos to hunter references.  The "More Info" - "FAQ" tab is particularly helpful.

Here are some of the differences between the hunts that we should consider:

1 - RMR (Rocky Mountain Ranches) is on all private land.  There will be no competition with other hunters as we could/will face on public land hunt with LS (Lost Solar).
2 - There is no horseback travel into this hunt.  Unlike public lands where you need to be remote to avoid hunter pressure, this private land hunt will be closer to road access for scouting and game retrieval.
3 - The style of hunting will change somewhat.  LS hunt is limited to land you can travel to and from on foot on a given day and as described by Gary is more of an ambush from a stand hunt.  RMR will start by glassing from the road to find game first, then plan how to approach the elk.  This greatly increases our odds of getting kills.  Joe said the unit we would be hunting has had 100% success that last couple seasons.  This is not a guarantee, but is definitely better odds.
4 - RMR is not as remote.  We will be closer to roads, but still will be tough hunt.  Closer to roads is possible since we are on private land.
5 - We will havw to provide our own accommodations.  There are motels close enough that we could stay there and travel daily to hunt.  I would prefer to camp on the ranch we would be hunting.  Saves money and puts us on top of the game.  Kirk Knowlton does a lot of trail riding and had a lot of the camping gear we will need.  My personal long range goal is to do a completely DIY hunt for elk the following season after learning the ropes this year so the gear we buy will be a solid investment.  Kirk can run the horses and we will go deep into the best public land.
6 - The cost is higher by $600 per hunter.  LS costs $1800 while RMR is $2400.  Is it worth it?  That's what we need to determine.  For me the success rate when you are already putting such a big chunk into it makes it worthwhile.
7 - It will be fourth rifle season (Nov 16-20) is we will be hunting in snow.  Joe says this is harder hunting and he does not book this hunt for group unless they can handle it.  I don't think this will be a problem for us.

The private ranch we'd be hunting is in unit 131 which is part of the Upper Yampa region.  Here's some info on it:

Look it over and decide what you think is best.  I'm going to set up a web site where can can have group discussions and share information.  I'll send you the address once i've got it up and running.

Remember, the longer we wait the quality of hunting will decrease.  I will put money put to reserve the hunt as soon as we agree on the spot.  Both LS and RMR require six persons for book the best hunts they have available.  Is this list correct for commitment to the hunt?  If so, we have our six.

IN for sure            Maybe            Out for sure            ???
Scott Y                   Randy            Bob                           Andy
Britt                        Calvin            Kevan                       Dave N
Scott L
Hunter
Garret
Kirk

Good hunting!
Scott