Bear Basin Pack Trips, LLC
www.bearbasinpacktrips.com
info@bearbasinpacktrips.com

PRIVATE LAND HUNTING - GUIDED
Bear Basin Ranch - Colo. Reg. #2226

DESCRIPTION

We set aside exclusive use of the six square miles of Bear Basin Ranch for a very special buck hunt. Each season we limit hunting on our ranch to just two small party hunts for buck deer and a later season hunt for elk.

The rugged rocky hills and timbered slopes of the ranch are a protected and choice habitat for large antlered deer. Later, herds of migrating elk, sometimes numbering more than a hundred, graze across the ranch's Bone Yard Park on their way to lower winter pasture. Last season we filled every tag with a nice sized buck. Several were in the 30 inch plus spread category with green scores of 180 and 190. See Dirt King’s Hunting University TV special on our 2007 trophy hunt.

The action begins on Friday, October 17th, 2:00 p.m. We pick you up at the location of your choice in nearby Colorado Springs or you may decide to drive yourself. After moving your gear into our cow camp quarters or the ranch bunk house, we assemble at the Bear Basin corral for an introduction tour of the ranch on horseback. The guides talk about how and where we will hunt while sharing the colorful history of the region

as we trot along the ancient pathways. Later, ponies out to pasture, saddles back on their racks, we gather around the big dinning table. We enjoy a good wine or perhaps a single malt appetizer as the chef puts final touches to the evening meal. The second hunt begins at 12:00 p.m. on October 22. Arrive at the Ranch at noon, introductory tour then begin hunting that afternoon.

The day starts early, out before dawn. Hunters are selectively placed with a good view of areas where we know the big ones hang out. Although we travel along the old wagon tracks around the ranch by vehicle, we walk quietly into our positions some distance from the drop off. Later, for those who are not yet successful, we may change tactics and locations. The next days are spent hunting from stands with some easy hiking. For hunters in good health and moderate physical condition.

WHAT WE INCLUDE:

Rustic ranch lodging, very experienced guides, ranch transportation and quality meals. Over the counter license is purchased with a ranch provided state issued voucher upon arrival.

HUNTING-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

GUEST QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Please read the detailed information on the application form. It is vital for safety and enjoyment of this hunt that you be in good physical condition and health. We recommend a regular exercise program and physical training as you would for any sport. You must come with a positive attitude, prepared to have a good time come what may; accepting that having a great wilderness adventure is as important as taking home a trophy. We require that you follow our safety instructions and adhere strictly to Colorado hunting regulations. We are flexible and accommodating about how much and when you want to hunt. However, maximum effort increases the chances of success. Consult your Doctor about Diomox, a medication that reduces the adverse effects of high altitude, if you are arriving from sea level.

RESERVATIONS:
Phone: 719.783.2519
Winter Phone: 719.510.1766
Fax: 866.244.4691
Email: info@bearbasinpacktrips.com
A signed contract and a 50% deposit will reserve your hunting trip.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Should you cancel 60 days prior to your hunt, your deposit will be returned. Cancellations at 59 days or less, prior to your hunt are non-refundable. If you book your hunt early (prior to the draw) and do not draw a license, we can either refund your deposit or apply it to the following year.

MEETING TIME AND PLACE

TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS
Agencies: Our agent Earl Fox at Taylor Travel is a wizard at arranging the best fares and prices for everything from air fare to hotels and rental cars.
(Travel Insurance, highly recommended, can also be arranged through Earl.)
Phone: 800.530.8828, 719.636.3871
Fax: 719.636.3879
Email: efox@taylortravel.net

Hotel: We recommend the Radisson Inn - Colorado Springs Airport on 1645 N. Newport Rd. in Colorado Springs.
Phone: 719.597.7000 or 800.333.3333
Web: www.Radisson.com
Mention you are with Bear Basin Ranch to receive the special discount rate!

Or, if you would like to stay somewhere locally in Westcliffe, we recommend the Westcliffe Inn
Phone: 719.783.9275
( or there are several other hotels and Inns if you go looking!) Westcliffe is 11 miles west on Hwy 96 from the Ranch.

Air: Most major airlines serve Colorado Springs daily.
Contact our friend Earl at Taylor Travel for the best rates on your air, rental car or alternate lodging reservations. (see AGENCIES)

Car: You can drive to the Radisson Inn - Colorado Springs Airport and, with prior notice, leave your car in the parking lot while on the trip. Arrangements can also be made to drive to Bear Basin Ranch outside of Westcliffe, CO. Let us know and we will send you details and a map.

Directions: Bear Basin Ranch is approximately 65 miles southwest of Colorado Springs.
Head south on Interstate 25 to the Tejon/Canon City Exit in Colorado Springs.
Turn left from the exit over to Nevada Avenue (Hwy 115) and then right on Nevada heading south to Florence (about 35 miles).
In Florence turn left at the light (Carl's Jr.) onto Hwy 67 again heading south to Wetmore.
At Wetmore turn right at the T-intersection onto Hwy 96 heading west.
Watch the mile markers. Our turn is at the 11 mile marker, turn right (north) onto County Rd 271.
Go one quarter mile to Bear Basin Ranch on the left. Check in to the office (first log cabin on the right).

** Map to Bear Basin Ranch.

Bus: Greyhound serves Colorado Springs on a daily scheduled basis.
Phone: 719.292.6111
Web: www.Greyhound.com

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book a trip. This can reimburse you if you need to cancel last minute due to sickness or other trip emergencies. (See AIR above).

EQUIPMENT/PREPARATION LIST
In order to best acclimate to our higher altitude, we recommend that you begin increasing your water intake to 8 or more glasses of water per day at least 24 hours before you are due to arrive -- this will help your body to adapt to the higher altitude.

EQUIPMENT:
___ Rifle and Ammo - Well sighted in before arrival. Please bring a soft gun case if packing in by horse (hard cases are a big pain to pack).
___ Identification - drivers license, HUNTER SAFETY CARD (proof of completion of a hunter safety course - required by Colorado Law if you were born after 1948).
___ Hunting license if in a draw area
___ CASH - to purchase a Colorado hunting license for Deer/Elk if not a draw area.
CLOTHING:
Pants:
___ 2pr. long
___ 2pr. short
___ Underwear
___ Long underwear bottoms or biker shorts (to combat saddle sores)
Shirts:
___ 1 heavy long sleeve (cotton is cold when wet) sweater (wool or synthetic)
___ 1 lightweight long sleeve
___ 1 short sleeve
___ 3 T-shirts or tank tops
Footwear:
___ Boots, medium-weight to heavy-weight and waterproof with stiff sole
___ Boots, lightweight trail hiking boots or shoes
___ Tennis shoes or tevas (for around camp)
___ Socks -- 4 or 5 pairs of heavy wool, liners also help prevent chaffing
Outerwear:
___ Bandana
___ Gaiters to keep out snow, rain etc.
___ Warm parka or jacket, windproof and waterproof
___ Windproof outer jacket/shell (optional)
___ Two piece rain suit (slicker with rain pants) NO PONCHOS PLEASE (essential!)
___ Fleece, polartec, or other brand pullover or jacket, or heavyweight sweater
___ Gloves (for warmth)
___ Hat with brim (for sun, hail, and snow protection - (must have some form of stampede string if wearing while riding)
___ Wool hat (for warmth)
OTHER ITEMS
___ Large daypack (to carry things during the day)
___ Warm sleeping bag (good at least to 0° F. - we can rent bags and thinsolite pads if they are reserved in advance)
___ Light foam pad or air mattress
___ Sunglasses - quality dark or glacier-type glasses
___ Pocketknife - Swiss army type
___ Flashlights - mini-maglite flashlight with headband or headlamp with extra AA batteries
___ 1 or 2 lightweight water bottles
___ Emergency kit - Knife, compass, firestarter or candle, headlamp and extra batteries,
___ Personal medication
___ Sun block #25 or more.
___ Binoculars
TOILETRIES
___ Towel & washcloth
___ Biodegradable soap
___ Toothbrush and toothpaste
___ Sun screen - heavy duty sun block
___ Lip balm - with sunscreen
___ Comb
___ Hand lotion
___ Shaving kit
___ Personal medication
___ Personal first-aid kit with Band-Aids and moleskin

OPTIONAL
 ___ Candy, gum or tobacco items (we will have ample meals and high-energy trail snacks)
___ Light camera and extra film (you may wish to include a disposable waterproof camera for wet days)
___ Note pad, field guides & light field glasses
___ Cocktail liquor (place in unbreakable containers); please, no beer, it's too heavy for packing


WEATHER
Although October weather can be warm and sunny, come prepared for the worst. We have had on occasions, several feet of snow and sub-zero temperatures. If a hunt has started and we are forced to cancel due to severe weather conditions, we cannot give a refund (please see our detailed cancellation policy on the application form.) This has happened only once in our many years in the area. Fresh snow and cold temperatures frequently make for better hunting. We would only cancel if severe weather threatens the safety of guests and livestock.

EXCLUSIONS
Items listed on the equipment list, alcoholic beverages, and tips are excluded. Tipping is at your discretion, of course. Please direct your tip to the lead guide. Standard in the industry is 10-15% of the trip cost. We now require all guests to leave their pets at home for their safety and the safety of other guests. 

OTHER COSTS
** In addition to the optional $60 round-trip transportation from Colorado Springs, a 3% National Forest User Fee will be assessed to each participant.

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

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