Hondo Ranch - Rifle Elk Hunting

Overview

The Hondo Ranch rifle hunts are conducted in October through December. The majority of the hunts are conducted well past the rut. Similar to the Alan Ranch, the area is a primary wintering ground for bulls on the Reservation. As a result, rifle hunters have enjoyed a 92% shot-opportunity rate, on 300+ bulls, over the last four years. Over the same time period, the Hondo Ranch has produced 75% SUCCESS on 300+ bulls.

Tactics

The tactics for the Hondo Ranch rifle hunts are similar to all rifle elk hunts we offer. Spot and Stalk is the deal, with the exception of the early October hunts, where calling can still be used to get the bulls.

Glassing and moving along ridges is the game. Covering as much ground as possible and glassing continuously is the key to success. Especially in the mornings.

Evenings are often more of a waiting match. Glassing from a prominent point looking for bulls coming out to feed is the normal ritual.

Vehicles and/or 4 wheelers are used to access the hunting areas and then all hunting is done on foot.

Only one hunter will be taken in any given week and will be guided 1 on 1.

Statistics

Out of 5 rifle hunters in 2006:
* 5 (100%) harvested a 300 or better bull
* 4 (80%) harvested a 320 or better bull

Out of 7 rifle hunters in 2007:
* 6 (86%) had shot opportunities at 320 or better bulls
* 6 (86%) harvested a 320 or better bull

Out of 6 rifle hunters in 2008:
* 6 (100%) had shot opportunities at 300 or better bulls
* 5 (83%) harvested a 300 or better bull

Out of 6 rifle hunters in 2009:
* 5 (83%) had shot opportunities at 300 or better bulls
* 3 (50%) harvested a 300 or better bull

 

 

 

 

Hondo Ranch Rifle References

Danny Deaver, WI 608-627-1386 "Just a fine group of people all around. Very professional. They put me on game right away. Good equipment and excellent lodging and food. My guide, Todd Carr, was the best. Great in camp and a very no-nonsense professional. Good man to run the river with!"

Joe Petcavage, PA, 570-472-3584 "Get in shape, practice shooting 300 to 400 yards, practice shooting off sticks, enjoy a great hunt. They run a great outfitting organization."

Randy Blomberg, WI 715-767-5185 "Very well organized hunt. Great accommodations and easy terrain to hunt."

Duane Corn, MO 417-662-3390 "If you want to kill enormous bull elk, Elite Outfitters has the ranches, the know how, and the grit in their crew to make it happen.

Wilson Harvey, MS 662-746-8451 "Excellent quality elk and great people. It doesn't get any better than that. Practice shooting 400 yards and listen to your guide. If you do, your opportunity at a big, bull elk will be excellent."

Jere Pewitt, TN 615-776-3192 "1) An honest and fair outfitter. 2) I was the last hunter of the elk season and the guides were still focused and excited to hunt. 3) I hunted with Johnny and Todd and enjoyed both my time afield and the non-hunting time.

Harlan King, NV 775-852-1777 "If you can show up in shape the chance at a trophy bull is there. Great hunt!"

Marc O'Brien, NV 916-834-4506 "Great country! Great people! The bulls outnumbered the cows 2 to 1! What more could you ask for?"

Gary Heath, MI 734-439-1118 "Practice shooting. Watch the guide and do what he does. I had a great time"

Bobby Tillman, OK 405-401-4329 "I keep coming back to Elite because Johnny and his guides are honest, hard-working professionals that want every hunter to be successful and have a great time. I promise you, you'll feel like you're hunting with old friends. And, Denise is a great cook! Two hunts and two bulls in the trophy room.....I'll be back."

John Syptak, TX 979-690-9071 Experienced, competent guides. Excellent lodging and home-cooked meals. Excellent opportunities for trophy quality game."

Michael Mertz, TX 325-853-2811 "Excellent hunting opportunities for quality bulls. Just be able to make long shots!

For an in-depth look at the results of the 2009 hunts, go to the "What's New!"  page.

 

2010 Hondo Ranch Hunt Prices

5-Day Rifle Elk Hunt 

$9,900 (1 on 1) 

 

2010 Hondo Ranch Seasons

5-Day Rifle Elk Hunts

Oct 8-12, 2010
Oct 23-27, 2010
Dec 14-18, 2010
Dec 27-31, 2010 (Youth Essay Winner) 

 

2010 Hondo Ranch License Fees

Landowner Permit Elk License - Rifle - $571

 

Information Links

For policies information  "Click Here"

For rifle equipment information  "Click Here"

For contract and booking information  "Click Here"