Hunted with RMR the first week of archery season (solo). Meet with Joe and 5 other hunters (I didn't know about) . Three of the other guys hunted the same areas as me, they were inexperienced but great guys. We were at least able to talk enough each day as not to hunt on top of each other. I wish Joe would have let all of us know ahead of time, the number hunters he had booked in this High Country Ranch area. This is a sheep ranch and they do tell you this up front, my surprise was there seemed to be poor communication between the outfitter and the Ranch. They had not pulled the sheep off the upper part of the ranch until we arrived. So the next two days hunting the upper areas above the sheep were not good. The vegetation was totally destroyed and the upper pounds and meadows smelled of strong foul sheep herds. I had mentioned this to Joe the second evening and asking for advice on what areas he would suggest. He basically got defensive and I get a text message stating the elk and sheep have lived together for 100 years on the mountain and the elk are still there. Now I don't disagree...But they aren't staying close to each and the meadows and water also are an issue after being grazed on all summer, plus three sheep dogs and a handler. Day three they move the sheep off the middle of the mountain to the lower meadows. One of hunters reports this pushed 12 or cows and a couple spikes off the ranch. Day 4 - I found a spot away from upper meadows another hunter had been hunting, and called in several cows. Day 5 called in a couple more cows and calf. Camping area was another after thought, you are placed at the bottom of the ranch in hot dusty open field with no shade. Sheep dogs also barking though out the night. Perhaps the weeks later in the season worked out better for others but the first week on this private ranch at least this year was not very professional or organized. To be honest Joe seemed like a great guy I have feeling that this isn't the normal way this ranch is handled. But all I have to judge is my experience this year. There are no guarantees in hunting but when someone is paying good money for a service on top of all the expenses that go into a hunt you expect better hunting conditions. I don't think I got the value expected as a five day hunt was really was pressed into two days.
Was the outfitter notified of problems? - YES
None to date. If you are the outfitter please email us.
Weather is what it is and is part of hutnting. This week was hot and very dry but don't think that effected the hunt.
