Carney's Guide Service

Elk Hunting

Trophy elk hunts are mostly all over-the-counter licenses. However, some elk hunts do require a limited draw process, in which we will help you apply for the right tag. The drawing deadline is in early April. We offer archery, muzzleloader, and rifle hunts. These hunts consist mainly of spot and stalk, stand hunting, and calling. Hunts start with archery in late August and go on through mid-November. All hunts are wild, fair chase hunts! Our hunts are conducted from a house type of camp where a hot meal and shower can be found at the end of each day. However, there is the possibility that we will hunt from a tent camp or camp trailer depending on the hunts you choose. A majority of our trophy elk hunting is conducted on private land.

The Grand Mesa is the largest flat top mountain in the world, with over 300 lakes spread about the massive 350,000 acre wilderness. This creates an excellent environment for Colorado’s elk herd to live and flourish and it helps keep Rocky Mountain Elk numbers at record highs. Make no mistake, though the Grand Mesa may be considered a “flat top” mountain, it is still home to some very rugged elk country. With elevations ranging from 5,500′ to 10,000′, you should expect to find elk living at every elevation in between. You will find farm ground around the 5,500′ elevation mark and from there you get into Sagebrush and Oak Brush, then as you continue to gain elevation you will begin seeing Pinon and Juniper trees in the landscape. With the climb in elevation you will end up in the beautiful Aspen and Spruce mountain valleys.

What to expect?:
When you come to the beautiful state of Colorado, to hunt one of Colorado’s most sought after game animals, the Rocky Mountain Elk, also know as the “wapiti” you can expect a lot of things. The first thing you can expect when you book a hunt with Carney’s Guide Service, is to be treated with the utmost respect and hospitality that any outfitter could offer. Because here we take a lot of pride in what we do, and we know you do to. Elk hunting is our passion. It doesn’t matter if its with archery equipment a muzzleloader or a gun, they all present different challenges and that’s what we enjoy. So don’t go thinking that Colorado Elk hunting is easy because it is usually the opposite. Its important to be conditioned in all aspects of the hunt when you arrive. You need to be efficient and effective with your weapon of choice, also we ask that you be in the best shape physically and mentally that you can possibly be. You have come a long way to get what you have truly been waiting for. And we want you to get it. We treat every hunt as if it is a once in a lifetime hunt, because it is a once in a lifetime hunt. We offer hunting on some of the best public and private land that Colorado has to offer. We take a very low number of hunters ensuring the quality that you as a friend and a client are after. All of our staff have been born and raised in the area so we are all familiar with area we hunt and the animals in it. Everything from where they migrate to and from during the year down to there favorite feeding and watering areas to the places they loose there antlers in the spring.

The Hunt:
When you arrive to the area, typically the day before your hunt whether by vehicle or if you fly into one of the local airports. Typically Montrose Regional Airport or Grand Junction Regional Airport we will typically pick you up from the airport and return you to the airport after your hunt. Both airports are within about an hour of where we hunt. After you get all settled in to either the camp that you will hunt from or the house type environment, depending of the hunt that you choose. We will see to it you are fed some of the finest home cooking in Colorado, most guys leave fatter than when they arrived, “fat and happy” they say. We then like to have all hunters shoot there weapon, first to make sure the sight or scope have not been moved during travel and secondly for our sake to see how efficient each individual is to know there limitations for the hunt. We offer a full breakfast if you desire before the hunt, then a packed lunch and again a full course dinner, that’s always something to look forward to. Sometimes in the day depending on your hunt we may make it back towards the lodge to get a hot cup of soup or homemade chili an a nap. During the hunt most of our hunters experience multiple encounters with Elk, not always presenting shots as it is still hunting. Generally we see more elk per day as the seasons get later due to weather and hunting pressure forcing these elk to smaller more isolated areas. After you are lucky enough to harvest an elk, we will get it field dressed and cared for immediately, since the meat is the most important part of an elk hunt. Then we will take it to a meat processor that we recommend or help you get it ready to take on the road home with you. We are also own and operate a full service taxidermy business and have won many Colorado awards for our work. Non Typical Taxidermy @ www.carneywildlife.com.

Mule Deer Hunting

Why Choose Carney’s Guide Service?:
Private land is the key to our success for these Colorado Trophy Mule Deer. Mule Deer are an icon of the American West, Colorado has maintained its reputation as one of the premier states for mule deer hunting. Here at Carney’s Guide Service we hold a special spot in our hearts for our Mule Deer hunts. We believe Mule Deer hunting is comprised of several key factors, first and foremost is the land we hunt. We believe guided hunts with our experienced guides also is a big factor. When you come on a Mule Deer hunt with Carney’s Guide service you will have access to the most sought after Mule Deer country in Western Colorado. We do not believe it is the amount of acres we have access to but the quality of land we operate on. With that being said Carney’s Guide Service operates almost exclusively on private land in what some might say is the best Mule Deer country in Western Colorado, we have access to land in multiple units including GMU 41, GMU 52, GMU 62, GMU 411. This aslo includes some great hunting on the B.LM lands that we are permitted on as well. At Carney’s Guide Service we are focused on a quality hunt, with the land and guides we have it has allowed us to consistently harvest Mule Deer from 170′ up to 200′ with a few deer over the 200′ mark.

We understand the word “Trophy” has a different meaning to each hunter, whether it is the memory and adevnture of the hunt to the size of a truly monster mully buck, here at Carney’s Guide Service we aim to please. We promise that you will be surrounded by the best hunting guides on the best hunting leases.

What To Expect on your Colorado Mule Deer Hunt?:
After you arrive by either driving or flying in to the area, typically the day before your hunt. We will pick you up from Montrose Regional Airport or Grand Junction Regional Airport and get you to our house style accommodations, were you can relax and get to know our small hospitable staff. Most of our help is either family or long time family friends from the area. This is also helpful when it comes to knowing the areas we hunt and how the Mule deer in that area operate. These are all keys to our success along with the quality private land we hunt. We Know you have waited a long time and came a long way, so it is our job to make sure you have thee utmost best experience possible and that’s just what we do. Next we like all of our guests the shoot there weapons, for a few reasons. One is to ensure that your sight was not compromised during travel and secondly so that we can see what your ability or limitations may be during the hunt. Its important we respect these precious Mule deer that we hunt and everything around them. All of Our hunters over the past 4 years have experienced 100% shot opportunity on 160″+ mule deer bucks. We pride ourselves in that, because again here at Carney’s Guide Service we offer quality. Our Hunts are typically spot and stalk combined with stand hunting, usually from ground blinds or vantage points. As these Mule deer transition from there bedding area to their feeding are we are most successful this pertains to most hunts we offer whether it be archery, rifle or muzzleloader hunts. We typically see more deer as the year goes on, since weather and hunting pressure brings these mule deer to the areas we hunt. And of course by the end of October the rut begins to kick in here in Western Colorado and into full swing by our 3rd and 4th gun hunts in November. This bring some of Colorado’s most educated and massive bucks out where there is an opportunity at that trophy mule deer of a lifetime. We will provide you with a home cooked breakfast everyday, and often times we return home in the mid day for a bite to eat, sometimes a nice hot cup of soup or homemade chili to recharge for the evening hunt. Then there is always an outstanding feast for dinner, a full course meal and dessert! Where good conversation and laughter is a big part of the evening, conversing about the days hunt. So don’t hesitate!

Bear Hunting

Western Colorado produces a large number of massive color phase and trophy sized black bears. Due to the dense cover these bears live and thrive in, most hunts are stand hunts in areas that bears frequent. Most bear tags are over the counter with the purchase of and elk or deer tag. The September rifle bear tag does require a limited draw application in which we will help you with. Due to the laws that prohibit the use of hounds or bait to harvest bears in Colorado, the numbers have soared, giving hunters in many areas ample opportunity to take home a trophy bear. Most of our bear hunts, if done aside from an elk or deer hunt, are not fully guided. We will get you to a desired stand or area that is producing bears and check on you throughout the day. Don’t forget to ask how you can kill two bears!!!

Over The Counter Tags:
Archery bear tags are available over the counter with the purchase of a mule deer or elk tag. The September bear rifle season is a draw only tag an you can have this tag without an elk or deer tag in hand. You can also purchase a bear tag over the counter for any of the rifle elk an deer seasons. All over the counter bear tags do have a cap on them which means the state only sells a certain amount of tags so its on a first come first serve basis an some units sell out quickly.

Mountain Lion Hunting

Dry Ground Mountain Lion Hunts in Colorado:
With the many different weather patterns that Colorado receives you may end up hunting dry ground conditions at any point during the Colorado Mountain Lion season. That’s why it is important for us have the elite hounds on hand that we have, to track in less than perfect conditions. Our dry ground hunts are often times conducted like the snow or winter hunts that we offer, by driving roads looking for fresh tracks. The only difference is it obviously in the dirt rather than snow, other methods may be by free casting the dogs in areas where lions are known to frequent. The hunter and houndsmen will hike behind the dogs as they search for a track that we may not be able to see. This method is very productive when you cannot see a track that has been left in grass , duff or on rock or frozen ground, the hounds can then smell the scent. These hunts are very exciting as you get to spend more time watching the dogs work and not to mention a beautiful time to be in the Colorado Rockies in pursuit of these incredible animals.

Weapon Choice for Cougar Hunts:
The number one question people ask when they book a lion hunt is “what type of weapon should i bring”? I always tell them to bring the weapon that they are most comfortable and efficient with. In my opinion it is a lever action rifle with out a scope, most shots are less than 20 yards sometimes with just a few feet. Here are a few things to keep in mind all rifles and handguns must be center-fire and bullets must be weigh at least 45 grains and produce at least 400 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. For Archery the broadheads must have at least a 7/8 inch outside cutting diameter and have at least two steel cutting edges. Minimum draw weight should be no less than 35 lbs and no more than 80% let off.

Turkey Hunting

All hunts are held in the spring for the Merriam’s turkey. The birds have flourished in western Colorado over the last 20 years. This makes it very exciting with a great population and there is action around every corner. Hunts are conducted on both public and private land. With both morning an evening hunts, our success is great.

Big Horn Sheep Hunting

Desert Bighorn Sheep are one of natures most awe-inspiring animals and we are fortunate enough to have a healthy population of these sheep right here in our own back yard. Our passion for these majestic creatures is second to none, along with our guides and resources to help get you a trophy Desert Bighorn of a lifetime. We have an immense amount of area in the S62 sheep unit to find your trophy Ram. We hunt mostly BLM lands for these sheep that range far and wide. A lot of the area is wilderness giving many Rams a chance to reach trophy status. We also have opportunity on some prime private land to find trophy big horn sheep.

The Sheep Hunt:
We love chasing these amazing animals and we have a team of guides who also love sheep hunting. This allows us to go in many different directions to scout all of the areas that these Desert Bighorns frequent. We can build this hunt to suit you. There are extra guides available to assist with this hunt. You are able to camp in the sheep country or commute each day and return to a hot home cooked meal and a shower each night if you choose. Most rams are pre-scouted to help you determine what type of Ram you would like to harvest. We also have a local pilot that can fly us through sheep country to help with scouting prior to your hunt. The sky is the limit on this once in a lifetime hunt. In the S62 unit there are 4 Ram tags available to residents and depending on the year and population, there is also 1 non-resident tag.

The sky is the limit on this once in a lifetime hunt as long as you pick a quality guide service. At Carney’s Guide Service we understand the importance of preparation and will do all that is necessary to make your Colorado Sheep Hunt a success! In the S62 unit there are 4 Ram tags available to residents and depending on the year and population, there is also 1 non-resident tag.

Big Horn Sheep Guided Hunt Package:
The sheep hunt includes 1×1 fully guided hunt, pick up and drop off at Grand Junction airport, meals and lodging, pre season scouting (not airplane), field care, transportation of meat and trophy out of field.
Hunt package does not include motel stay if client prefers to commute.

Fully Equipped Drop Camps

We now offer fully equipped exclusive private land drop camps. We have several camps located on several different properties. These camps are situated in the middle of some of western Colorado’s finest elk, deer, black bear & Mountain Lion hunting properties.

Hunting Rates

Elk Hunts:
– $5,500: 5 Day 1 on 1 hunt
– $5000: 5 Day 2 on 1 hunt

Mule Deer Hunts:
– $5,500: 5 Day 1 on 1 hunt

Bear Hunts:
– $3,500: 5 Day hunt
– $1,500 kill fee if shot with elk or deer hunt

Mountain Lion Hunts:
– Contact for pricing

Turkey Hunts:
– $1,500: 3 Day hunt

Big Horn Sheep Hunts:
– Contact for pricing