Alan Ranch – Rifle Elk Hunting

Overview

The Alan Ranch rifle hunts are conducted in October through December. The majority of the hunts are conducted well after the rut has ended. Although lots of bulls reside on the ranch in the fall, it always seems that the winter hunts may even produce more good bulls. The ranch is a favorite wintering ground for many bulls that spend the summer on the reservation. Regardless of the dates, these rifle hunts have produced over 76% SUCCESS on 300+ bulls over the past 9 years! You will not find a better free-ranging elk hunt.

Tactics

During the first couple of weeks in October, calling can be an important tactic for hunting the bulls. After that time, the hunts are exclusively spot and stalk. Even in early October, spot and stalk is very important as the range of the rifle makes cross canyon shots easier to get than calling bulls in to close proximity.

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 are used to access the hunting areas and then all hunting is done on foot.

Alan Ranch Rifle Statistics

Out of 6 rifle hunters in 2001:

* 6 (100%) harvested a 300 or better bull

Out of 11 rifle hunters in 2002:

* 8 (73%) harvested a 300 or better bull

Out of 3 rifle hunters in 2003:

* 3 (100%) harvested a 300 or better bull

Out of 7 rifle hunters in 2004:

* 7 (100%) had shot opps at 300+ bulls

* 3 (43%) harvested a 300 or better bull

Out of 9 rifle hunters in 2005:

* 9 (100%) harvested a 280 or better bull

* 7 (78%) harvested a 300 or better bull

Out of 11 rifle hunters in 2006:

* 9 (82%) harvested a 280 or better bull

* 8 (78%) harvested a 300 or better bull

Out of 12 rifle hunters in 2007:

* 12 (100%) harvested a 320 or better bull

Out of 16 rifle hunters in 2008:

* 12 (75%) harvested a 280 or better bull

* 8 (50%) harvested a 300 or better bull

Out of 17 rifle hunters in 2009:

* 15 (88%) harvested a 300 or better bull

* 11 (65%) harvested a 320 or better bull

Alan Ranch Rifle References

Jim Holland, MN 763-315-4501 “Elite gets in done. Period.”

Jeff Scott, KY, 859-263-3166 “This hunt is as advertised. Be prepared to shoot 400 yards including with Stoney Point Polecat Steady Stix. I’m looking forward to coming back again. This isn’t a physically demanding hunt if you can walk and walk and walk! Get in shape before going and your odds will improve!”

Jeff Hill, KS, 620-428-1768 “Jeff was speechless. Just call him.”

Philip Roberts, TX 325-752-1215 “Be in shape! Good place, good hunt, good food and excellent guides.”

Don Pierson, TN 615-210-1653 “This hunt is top notch all the way through. The accommodations at the ranch were not a Hilton Hotel, but I wasn’t after that. The hunt was everything I expected and more. You will be telling everyone about your hunt and the outfitters for a long time.”

Jon Prather, TX 713-489-3574 “If you are seeking a tremendous hunting experience, then you should team up with Johnny and his “Elite” team. Exciting, challenging and rewarding rolled into one experience. These guys will get you on the bulls so be prepared to finish the deal. I can’t wait to get back.”Steve Shepherd, AR 870-448-5213 “Worth every dollar! I wish I had found them years ago! Saw good bulls every day. Johnny and Brad are true professionals who love to hunt elk. An extremely efficient and well-run operation. I will not hunt elk anywhere else.”Alan Hertz, TX 830-217-5228 “Great bunch of guys with excellent knowledge of the game and hunt areas. I would highly recommend this outfitter to anyone.”

Paul DeClava, TX 214-350-3349 “As a rifle hunter, you should book the Alan Ranch. This was my second time to hunt with Johnny and I trust his trophy judgment and hunting opinions in the field.”

Jeff Poosch, MI 810-656-0153 “A great hunt with great guides. I will be back and soon!”

Erik Lundy, MI 989-551-9783 “Great hunt. I’ll be in better shape and have different boots next year.”

Sue Johnson, WI 608-637-7229 “If elk hunting was my favorite big game, I’d have a standing, yearly hunt scheduled on the Alan Ranch. I would never again consider hunting with any other outfitter. My hunt produced a perfect, massive, 6×6 bull that went 360 and change.”

Mark Michalsky MD 410-885-3191 “An incredible ranch with apparently a never-ending supply of bulls that anyone would be ecstatic to shoot. I still struggle with the never-ending part. At one time, I thought this is too good to be true, but I now know otherwise.”Nick Fox, MO 314-210-4165 “Be in shape and be prepared to shoot 300 to 400 yards. Definitely worth the price if you are looking for big bulls.”Rick Verbsky, WI 920-450-7731 “Choosing an outfitter can be a risky and scary proposition. Talk is cheap and advertising is easy. With Elite Outfitters, you get exactly what they say….Honesty, quality, and hard-working people. There is no risk! If you’re looking for a guaranteed, easy, meaningless hunt, this is not the place for you. But, if you’re looking for a hunting experience that will create life-long memories, look no further! The guides at Elite do more than find you an animal to shoot at, they hunt with you. Feel free to call me.”

Dennis Webb, GA 912-663-7230 “Elite Outfitters back up what they say. This hunt was my first elk hunt. Talk about hunting with pros! Friendly, professional, it was like hunting with old friends at home. It’s rough, beautiful country. If you live at sea level, try to spend some time at 6,000 to 7,000 feet before the hunt. My legs were fine, but my lungs were not.”

Jay Massaro, FL 305-481-8396 “After searching the internet and reading reviews in forums for over a year, the obvious choice for elk-hunting guides was Elite Outfitters. It is truly a first-class experience with a high-success opportunity for large elk. It was proven first hand by myself and the repeat guests I met at the lodge.”

Dale and Janice Price, TX 940-464-3463 “Unbelievable game and lots of it. Great guides who work hard to put you on the bulls. Thanks Johnny, you know we’ll be back!” Note: Dale and Janice have hunted on the Alan Ranch 7 times between them since 2001 and they have taken 7 bulls over 320 inches!Ralph Delius, MI 248-444-9601 “Lots of 320+ bulls. Unbelievable bull:cow ratio. You’ve got to see it to believe it”Mark Hatnetiaux, IL 618-664-3924 “This is one of the best hunts for a trophy bull. There are more quality bulls in one location than I have ever seen! With top-quality guides, it makes an excellent hunt.”

Jarrett Southard, TX 972-627-0067 “When you hunt with Elite, be in good shape, listen to your guide, and enjoy yourself. The elk are on the ranch, and you can trust your guide to do his very best for you. If Johnny is your guide, you are in for a great hunt and a great guy to hunt with.”

Jim Cameron, TX 512-473-2293 “Listen to the advice given by Johnny and follow it. Expect the long shot and be prepared for it. Bring shooting sticks and know how to use them. We’ll be back!”

Cecil Windley, NC 252-793-3294 “My experience with Elite on my first elk hunt was probably the best hunting trip of my life. The area we hunted was awesome to say the least. The lodging and food were great and the staff treated me like old friends would.”

Jonathon Windley, AR 501-279-1417 “My dad and I had waited for this hunt for over 15 years, and Elite did not disappoint us in any way. The staff was extremely courteous and the lodge was comfortable and enjoyable. Thanks Elite for a dream come true.”

Joe Dedekind, VA 703-485-4555 “Great hunt on some of the best land to hunt. Great guides that work hard to get you on the elk.”Greg Wall, MS 662-465-6146 “HUGE adrenalin rush for me! EVERY true-blooded turkey hunter needs to hunt trophy elk during the rut.”Tim Pfeil, WI 608-846-1880 “Please don’t take my spot! Elite has an excellent operation and we will be back soon. Thanks for being honest business people. We had a wonderful time with Elite Outfitters.”

Ashley Leigh, VA 703-485-4553 “You get what you pay for…..a quality hunt with professional guides.”

Steve Scharnweber, SD 605-321-8450 “As a person that has experienced guide “promises” before, I would encourage other hunters to set their sights high for a good bull. I would also tell them to be in shape and have their guns sighted in! The opportunities are here and you need to be able to take advantage of them. We have finally found an outfitter who talks us “straight-up” about what to expect. We are coming back!”

Bill McKillip, SD 605-782-1553 “A very good elk hunt with relatively easy access. The walking was pretty easy for an elk hunt. There is an opportunity for very large bulls.”

Joe Paul Downs, KY 502-252-8742 “Elite Outfitter’s guides know the area and will put you on elk. They work hard to provide a quality hunt.”Jonathon Thomas, TX 281-435-7681 “You won’t be disappointed. These guys work to make your hunt the best it can be. Thanks guys, for a wonderful hunt!”Brandon Cooper, TX 361-741-5249 “Get in shape, be patient and have fun! I had a great time. I’ll be returning soon!”

Greg Jackson, AL 251-602-5631 “If you have hunted elk other places but not seen many good bulls, like myself, this hunt will be a pleasant change of pace. You will see more bulls than cows, and good bulls! Bring your mountain lungs.”

James Mullins, GA 706-625-4527 “The people know what they are doing. Elite had outdoor writers in camp and treated everyone the same. They did not make my partner and I second-class hunters. They know the area and how to hunt it. If you hunt New Mexico, hunt with Elite Outfitters.”

John Anderson, CA 619-517-8900 ”The areas these guys hunt as well as how they hunt are testimony to their success. If you show up on this hunt, have done your physical and mental homework, you will have a chance at a trophy class animal. From my first conversation with Johnny while setting up the hunt, till my departure after the hunt, I was treated like family. I can’t say enough about them.”

Mark Soward, TX 830-305-2765 ”Bring and use long-range equipment. The bulls are definitely there, you just have to be willing to go hunt them.”