Buffalo Hunting in Colorado
Surrounded by the beauty of the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The sun is up. The air is crisp, and from your horse you can see a herd of American Buffalo on the horizon… welcome to Scenic Mesa Ranch.
Shortly after the end of the American Civil War, the era of the buffalo hunter began. For the next twenty years this hardy breed of men, armed with the most accurate firearms available, hunted buffalo to the brink of extinction. Buffalo hunting came to an abrupt halt in the late 1800s, but now is your chance to relive this romantic piece of the historic old west with expert guide Dan Deuter. Scenic Mesa Ranch consists of 8,200 acres of some of the most scenic landscape in the American West – cedar, pinyon, and sage covered hills bounded by the Gunnison and Smith Fork Rivers. This panoramic landscape, historic home of the Ute Indians, was frequently traversed by early trappers and traders.
The hunters and guides dress in period clothing, spend the night before the hunt in a tipi or cabin, ride horseback out to find the herd and a trophy bull. From there, they will stalk through the cedars and sage until close enough for that shot of a lifetime.
We prefer the use of 1870s style firearms such as the Sharps rifle or Remington Rolling Block. Muzzleloaders are also welcome. Once the animal is down, hunters have several options for meat, robe and taxidermy, all prearranged.
During the hunt, you will not only have great adventure, you will learn the history of the buffalo, Indians and mountain men of the area, including some of the outdoor skills that kept these people alive. You will relive a piece of the Old West that very few people ever get to see.
Dan Deuter has been a mountain man – and dressed the part – for thirty years. He grew up on a ranch in South Dakota and worked for a while as a big game hunting guide in Alaska. He rode a horse from Canada to Colorado, where he built and ran a living museum for twelve years. A western historical painter, Dan’s paintings hangs in the Scenic Mesa lodge. In the fall buffalo roundup he works the buffalo through the corrals with the crew for the experience. You won’t find a better guide for this incredible adventure.
This unique ranch is fully endorsed by the Orvis Company, a sporting tradition since 1856. Orvis considers Scenic Mesa Ranch an elite wing shooting destination, and with less than 28 such lodges endorsed world wide, this makes Scenic Mesa Ranch a ‘must do’ adventure.
After your scenic horseback ride to the cozy little cabin, you will be served a hearty old-fashioned meal prepared on an 1870s-style wood burning stove. We use locally grown fresh produce, trout elk and the ranch’s naturally-raised buffalo. Dietary requests can be provided with advance notice.
Your overnight accommodations at Scenic Mesa Ranch might be a tipi, adding to the wonderful step-back-in-time-experience.
Call Us Today: 1-970-872-3078
