Mandates
Hunting License – Colorado Law requires that anyone born on or any time after January 1st, 1949 complete an approved Hunter Safety course before applying for or buying a Colorado hunting license. Hunters must carry this card with their hunting license. This is very important as many non-residents bring a state hunting license from another state to prove they had hunted before and had sufficient experience. You can have all the experience in the world, but without your hunter safety card, you will not be able to buy a license. It’s a terrible disappointment to watch your friends hunt while you play solitaire at camp. Please remember to bring your Hunter Safety Card!
A youth hunter must be ages 12-17 and meet hunter education requirements. Youth hunters 12-17 years old must be accompanied by a mentor who is 18 year of age or older and also meets hunter education requirements. Youths and mentors must be able to see and hear each other while hunting. Mentors can hunt only if they have a current license valid for the same units and dates the youth will be hunting. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website on big game hunting rules for youth hunting in Colorado.
Hunters can apply as a group. Group hunting applications for any number of people are accepted for the Colorado limited licenses primary draw for Elk and Mule Deer. Refer to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for the mandates for group application procedures and requirements.
Hunting Primary Draw Basics. Limited licenses are a set (limited) number of licenses available for specific hunting units and dates for each species, and are issued through an application and drawing process. Tips for applying for a draw hunt are, (1) – apply early, (2) – check your preference point status, (3) – use Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunting statistics to improve your chance of drawing (found on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website) and (4) – purchase your qualifying license as this must be completed prior to applying for a big game draw in Colorado.
Chronic Wasting Disease in Colorado. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease found in deer, elk and moose. Refer to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for additional information, and to see the agency’s Chronic Wasting Disease Response Plan.
Soap Mesa Outfitters Hunts/Policies
Deposits. A 50% deposit is required at booking to confirm the hunt. The balance is due upon arrival prior to hunting. Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to another date or hunter.
Wounding Policy. Soap Mesa Outfitters has a strict wounding policy. If you are unfortunate in wounding an animal (draw blood) with any weapon or species, we will make every attempt to recover your animal. HOWEVER, if we are unable to do so, your hunt is TERMINATED.
SIGHTING IN your Rifle. One of the most important preparations for hunting is sighting in your firearm. Shooting distance where we hunt is typically less than 300 yards. Animals are often moving and ethical shots must be taken quickly (within seconds). Please make sure your rifle optics are sized and adjusted appropriately. Soap Mesa Outfitters strongly encourages you, prior to heading to our hunting cabin, to sight in your rifle and practice shooting so you are confident in your ability and your rifle’s accuracy. This can be completed at the Montrose, Colorado shooting range or Gunnison, Colorado shooting range.
Specifics. In addition to our website, detailed specifics regarding our Soap Mesa Outfitters hunting program are listed on our hunting contract. Reminder that All Participants:
- Abide by all laws, rules, and regulations/guidelines as promulgated by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Soap Mesa Outfitters’ regulatory body.
- Adhere to all laws, rules and regulations/guidelines of USDA Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, including but not limited to Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), Bureau of Land Management and any other governing agency having authority over outfitting and outfitting services.
Helpful Links
Below you will find worthwhile links for your trip to Southwest Colorado. Click on any link and you will be redirected to that website.
Soap Mesa Outfitters hunts on our private property and national forest north of Blue Mesa Dam.
View on Google MapsShooting Ranges