Utah Wildlife Board has made it possible to obtain permits to hunt big game on the units we operate on in four different ways, they are:
- obtaining a permit through the application and draw process; the application period for the draw starts the middle of January and runs through the middle of February of each year. We operate on the San Juan unit, Abajo Unit, and Cache Units in Utah. To apply for one of these hunts go on line at http://www.sci-nevada.com/webutapps/ for a fee of $25.00, Black Timber Outfitters will apply for you and send the conformation information to you, contact 970-903-2264 for more information. The cost to apply is $10.00 per species plus the non-resident hunting permit ($65.00 but chances annually). The odds of drawing these permits are typically less than 1%, but for $10.00, it is gamble we take every year—“someone has to draw”. You can check out your draw odds on the units we hunt here http://bto.hunterstrailhead.com/huntsearch.php?ST=UT
- purchase a landowner voucher from us to hunt one of our private land units, see http://widlife.utah.gov/maps/cwmu/ . These vouchers are redeemed for a tag from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, prices vary depending on species.
- purchase a ‘conservation voucher’. These vouchers are given to anyone of three conservation groups (RMEF, MDF, and SFW) and auctioned at their banquets. These banquets are typically held in March—June. These vouchers are then redeemed for a permit from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. These vouchers are fairly expensive but are a sure way to obtain a permit and hunt 370+ bulls, plus they are tax deductible. Contact BTO @ 970-903-2264 or 801-891-5873 if you would like to look at this option.
We tell people they need to shoot the gun they are comfortable shooting with and can shoot accurately. We would rather a guy bring his 308 that he has shot for years and shoots well out to 300 yards than a 300 ultra mag that kicks way hard and you are uncomfortable shooting it. We like people to be able to group three shots that are no more than three inches apart at 100 yards under normal field conditions (without a bench rest) i.e. shooting sticks/back pack etc. We recommend that you be sighted in at three inches high at 100yds so that zero is somewhere around 200-250yds. We would hope that any shot you would take would be less than 300 yards but you never know it may be further. BTO will make every effort to get you as close as possible so you’re comfortable with your shot.
With recent changes for airline safety, many of our clients have asked if they could send us their ammo and or weapon prior to the hunt. We can accept both fire arms and ammo without any problems. We also have several different guns in different calibers that you can use if you choose not to deal with the whole gun thing at all. Please call BTO to make arrangements.
We have a simple policy. If you wound an animal, our job is done. We fully understand that it happens and happens to the best of us. BUT you need to be prepared—make sure you shot your weapon frequently enough that you know where it shoots, don’t be overly confident, if your guide ask you if you need to shoot your gun before you start, go with them and shoot it. If you wound an animal on ANY of our private land hunts that bleeds and we find blood your hunt is done. We will continue to look for that animal but you cannot shoot another animal unless you are willing to pay a harvest fee (to be discussed with BTO management on a case by case basis). If you wound an animal on public land it is your choice whether to continue hunting or not but our job is done. In most situations you have paid for an x no. of day hunt and we will continue hunting at your request but you are responsible for direct cost (fuel) any days past the x no. days you booked for will be an additional fee.
We ask that you either; 1-take your meet with you or donate it to the processor and PAY for his services of processing the meet before you leave. If you donate it, we recommend making it all into burger.
The units we hunt on range from 5,200 to 11,000 feet but most of our hunting will generally be somewhere between 6,000-9500 feet. The terrain varies from high mountain peaks to flat ridge tops and canyons and even some very flat farmland.
We have found that more than terrain, it is the elevation that takes its toll on ‘flatlanders’ more than anything else. We encourage clients to find a good sized hill close to home and start hiking up and down that hill at least 3 times/week 2 months prior to their hunt. We don’t spend much time riding around in trucks or ATVs; we hunt fast and hard to see as many animals as possible. We may hike as much as 10 miles a day. If your goals as a hunter is to take a trophy animal, then help us to help you reach this goal by being as physically fit as possible. We have found hiking the hills and mountains is the best way to get in shape for hiking the hills and mountains.
BTO provides a list of recommend items to bring on your hunt as well as items we will have in camp.
We recommend a pair of Vortex 8 or 10 power binoculars, and a Vortex spotting scope. See http://www.vortexoptics.com/ for more info.
We strongly encourage our clients to get and bring PREDATOR camo, either the fall gray or the fall brown. See http://www.predatorcamo.com/ for more info. Regardless of what brand of camo clothing, we strongly encourage you to bring at least three pairs of pants, and several shirts (a shirt for everyday of hunting if possible). Also when hunting during the rifle hunt, hunters must wear hunter orange and an orange cap most orange vest meet Utah’s requirements for wearing hunter orange but CANNOT be camo orange.
We suggest a light boot. Several different boot companies carry a boot/sneaker type of shoe. We also suggest that you bring two pairs of boots and shoes to be worn around camp. Please make sure that both pairs of boots are well worn (to avoid blister) and that at least one of them are waterproof. DO NOT show up in camp with a new pair of boots.
We do custom hunts and the prices vary depending on what you want out of your hunt and experience you desire.
We match any price of any other licensed and insured outfitter providing the services are similar. Please add another 10% if booking through a booking agent. Additional guest are typically $75.00/day but vary depending on what that guest does while with you on your hunt. These prices may be negotiable depending on number of hunters per guide and meals/lodging needs and any custom needs you may have.
Your hunt is not considered ‘booked’ until we have received a deposit as determined by BTO and the client (this deposit is non-refundable but can be used towards another hunt in the following year). All of our hunts are to be paid in full by before hunt begins unless other arrangements are made with BTO.
This really depends on where we will be hunting, we have a lodge/cabin and for most of our hunts. It is fully equipped with showers and restroom facilities with running water and electricity and cell phone coverage. Our spike camps consist of camp trailers, wall tents, or a rustic cabin on the forest and the amenities here just depend on where we are at.
Yes and No. If you choose to bring someone on your hunt we charge an additional $75.00/day for that person for additional meals and lodging. However, when it comes time to start hunting, we recommend they not actually hunt with you, your guide, and the cameraman on your hunt. A forth person could effect the type of hunt you have and the size of the animal you harvest. Guest most likely tag along with one of our scouts or sub-guides, this still gives them the opportunity to see some amazing animals and have some unbelievable experiences. Once your animal is down, they can be brought to where you are to enjoy the experience and help us get the animal back to camp.
Unless other arrangements are made, PLEASE don not arrive in camp before noon the day before your hunt starts. This allows for introductions and any last minute to do’s. We typically like to have everyone in camp by early afternoon to allow for some evening scouting. If you wish to arrive earlier, you will be responsible for your accommodations. However, we are happy to help you with reservations or recommendations if you plan on doing this.
The closest airport to where we hunt in Southeastern Utah is Cortez Colorado. To fly into Cortez, you will need to take a 1 hour connecting flight from Denver Colorado. Another option is flying to Salt Lake City International airport and picking up a rental car or taking the shuttle Bighorn Express http://www.bighornexpress.com/ however, Salt Lake City is 5-6 hours from where we camp. With early notification and arrangements, BTO can assist with your transportation for a minimal fee.
Yes, we do not discriminate against anyone and are committed to helping every one of our clients have the most memorable and successful outdoor and hunting experience possible. Handicap hunters are able to enjoy extended hunting seasons and other options that allow for easy access and shooting. Please call or e-mail us to discuss your special needs.
Yes—we operate on both private and public lands. We hold one of three special use permits with the USDA Forest Service on the Manti-LaSal National Forest on the Monticello and Moab Ranger District that comprises over 1 million acres. Additionally we have several ranches across the state that we manage and hunt on.
We generally don’t get too serious for our elk hunts until sometime after Labor Day, when they are a little more ‘rutty’. However, we have hunted elk as early as the middle of August with archery equipment, and September 1st with rifle. Most of our hunts for elk take place during the 3rd and 4th week of September through the second week of October and then again during the late hunt the second week of November. Our deer hunts start the middle of August with archery equipment and then our anyweapon seasons start September 1st and end November 10th.
We are often asked, “how much should I tip my guide?” This is a personal thing and in our opinion should be based on the individual effort and dedication of your guide. It should reflect your overall hunting experience not just the size or score of your animal. Having stated that, if you believe your guide worked hard, was knowledgeable about the area and animals, and did everything they could to make your hunt a success; typically around 10% of the cost of the hunt is what we suggest, and is more or less the industry standard.