Hunting Adventures
Guided Archery and Rifle Hunts
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Welder Ranch and Outfitting Services, LLC Celebrating 35 years as Colorado’s backcountry specialist.
Please Call Shawn or use our Contact Form to ask specific questions.
Dear Big Game Hunter,
The difficult Winter last year in Northwest Colorado has led to big changes in how hunters get licenses for deer and elk, at least for the next two years. Stressful conditions took their toll on Elk, deer, and Antelope herds, greatly impacting populations, particularly in the most Northwestern areas of the state.
While it’s true that all rifle seasons now require a draw, this change actually brings good news for out-of-state hunters. The new system is expected to result in fewer applicants for the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons, which means more tags are likely available for those that apply.
On the White River, our elk came through the Winter in better condition than other areas. Of the 12 guided archery hunters we hosted for 2023, 7 took at least one or more shots at a bull elk. Of our 10 guided 1st rifle season guided elk hunters, 6 got shots at bull elk. 2nd rifle season cooled down as very mild conditions prevailed through the later seasons.
As we transition into Spring, the elk, deer, and antelope thrive in mild conditions and abundant feed. This has led to remarkably high survival rates, which bodes well for future hunting seasons. We anticipate a higher recruitment rate with increased calf elk and fawn deer crops.
March is the month for submitting applications for big game hunts. Please contact me any time if we can help you explore 2024 hunting opportunities in the backcountry of the White River National Forest and Flat Top Wilderness in game management units 24 and 12. We still have guided hunts available for the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons and one camp available for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rifle seasons.
Thanks, Shawn Welder
Two Army Veterans 40 Years Later
Andy and Shawn served at Fort Stewart, Georgia Infantry division under Norman Schwarzkopf
White River National Forest – Flat Tops NW Access
Join us for Colorado’s Premier Big Game hunt!
For the past thirty-three years, the Welders have been hunting elk in the upper White River, the heart of the nation’s largest elk herd. Brian and Shawn Welder have been involved in guiding every single guided hunt that they have ever hosted for all those years. This is their life. You will find them and their team of experienced guides working hard to make sure each client has the best experience possible.
The Welders provide a western hunting experience using their horses as the main form of transportation in the backcountry. Welder Outfitting Services is based at the Welder Ranch location on the White River east of Meeker, CO.
From the ranch, the Welders outfit on over 100 sq. miles of backcountry in the White River National Forest east to Trappers Lake and on both north and south sides of the White River. This vast country offers clients a very broad range of hunting opportunities ranging from 8,000 ft elevations to 11,000 ft. We rarely encounter other hunters in this area of the Flat Tops Wilderness.
ur guided hunts never have more than twelve hunters at a time and we provide at least one experienced guide per two clients. Our guides are in very good physical condition and are prepared for the most difficult conditions. Hunters that are in good shape will have an advantage over those that are not. However, patience and determination are the best assets!
We know that our hunters come back year after year because of these great accommodations that are only minutes away from the many hunting areas that we access, and after a long hunting day, they appreciate the hot and delicious meals prepared for them!
We have always been proud of our quality at Welder Outfitting services, not the quantity of our hunters. For more than ten years the majority of our clients have been returning clients. We are also proud to have been the only outfitter in western Colorado who has donated 25 guided hunts to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation with over $75,000 being donated for elk and wildlife habitat. You can count on us at Welder Outfitting Services.
The Welders provide a western hunting experience using their horses as the main form of transportation in the backcountry. Welder Outfitting Services is based at the Welder Ranch location on the White River east of Meeker, CO.
From the ranch, the Welders outfit on over 100 sq. miles of back country in the White River National Forest east to Trappers Lake and on both north and south sides of the White River. This vast country offers clients a very broad range of hunting opportunities ranging from 8,000 ft elevations to 11,000 ft. We rarely encounter other hunters in this area of the Flat Tops Wilderness.
Our guided hunts never have more then twelve hunters at a time and we provide at least one experienced guide per two clients. Our guides are in very good physical condition and are prepared for the most difficult conditions. Hunters that are in good shape will have an advantage over those that are not. However patience and determination are the best assets!
We know that our hunters come back year after year because of these great accommodations that are only minutes away from the many hunting areas that we access, and after a long hunting day, they appreciate the hot and delicious meals prepared for them!
We have always been proud of our quality at Welder Outfitting services, not the quantity of our hunters. For more than ten years the majority of our clients have been return clients. We are also proud to have been the only outfitter in western Colorado who has donated 25 guided hunts to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation with over $75,000 being donated for elk and wildlife habitat. You can count on us at Welder Outfitting Services.
______________________________________
WELDER OUTFITTING SERVICES
FALL HUNTING PRICES FOR 2024
**** Full Service Guided hunts
Archery, Muzzle Loading, and 1st Rifle Seasons (draw hunts) $5,400/client
Guide service, good food, and lodging in an inclusive package. Hunter must apply for license. No min group size (Archery, Muzzle Loading, and 1st Rifle are 5 days of hunting. (up to seven total days) 2nd tag no charge
***Second and Third Rifle Season (over the counter licenses) $5,400/client
This inclusive package includes food and lodging. Bull licenses can be purchased over the counter without an application. No min group size.
** Fully guided hunt, one on one guide service, add $1,000, when available.
**** Guide Service, By the Day
One guide/two hunters $700/client each day
One guide/one hunter. When Available $900/client day
Additional Tag $600
Our expert guides and team provide the same backcountry guided hunt, by the day. Hunters pay for the number of days they reserve. Meals and lodging are not included. Game packing for guided clients is included in the fee.
(Two Shot Limit or additional fees apply!)
**** Back country Base Camp and packing service, $2,450/client
Price based on min group size of four. High quality fully outfitted camp, game packing, re-supply and camp support, nightly radio checks included.
** Drop Camp Service $1,350/client
Hunters bring their own camp equipment. Unlimited camp locations. Same packing service for clients, gear, and game harvested. Radio checks at night. Prices based on min 4 hunters
** Game packing $550/elk from corral. $250/hour for packing Services requiring horses to be transported or requiring more than four hours too pack out.
Welder Outfitting Services 970-314-5923
www.welderoutftters.com PO Box 823 Meeker Co 81641
2023 Gallery
For the 2024 Deer and Elk hunting seasons in western Colorado, information:
Archery Season:
Elk Sept. 2-30. Draw only: Requires preference points
North of the White River E-E-012-O1-A
South of the White River E-E-033-O1-A
Rifle Season:
– Moose: Oct. 1-14
Limited Elk (1st season): Oct. 12-16
Deer/Elk (2nd season): Oct. 26 – Nov. 3
Deer/Elk (3rd season): Nov. 9-15
Limited Deer/Elk (4th season): Nov. 20-24
For the 2024 Moose hunting season in western Colorado:
Archery Season:
- Moose: Sept. 2-30
Rifle Season:
- Moose: Oct. 1-14
It’s important to note that these dates are subject to change and should be finalized in January 2024. For more detailed information and any updates or corrections, it is recommended to refer to the regulation brochures available online or at sales agents.
Guided Full Service Hunts
Hunters that come to the Welder’s for a full-service guided hunt can be sure that we will do everything possible to make their hunt a great experience!
We work with Ute Lodge on providing cabins for our clients.
Rifle
Archery
Muzzeloading
Hunting Adventures
Pack-In Services
Base Camp Services
Drop Camps
Horseback Pack-In Services
Gallery
Deluxe base camp
Pricing List
Please make sure your reservation is in place before making ANY payment!
Guided Archery Hunt
$5,400 per person
Guided Muzzle Loading Hunt
$5,400 per person
Guided 1st Rifle Season Hunt
$5,400 per person
Guided Combination Seasons
$5,400 per person
Daily Guide Service
$700 per person/day
Base Camps - Hunting (non-guided)
$2,450 per person
Drop Camps - Hunting (non-guided)
$1,350 per person
Game packing
$550/elk from the corral. $250/hour for packing Services requiring horses to be transported or requiring more than four hours too pack out.
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Join us for Colorado’s Premier Big Game hunt!
Thanks for a great few days at your cabin, Shawn. Wonderful view, great fireplace, peace and quiet. Just what we needed to get away this Christmas!
Cassie L.
HIPCAMP – Welder’s White River cabin, Colorado
The location is beautiful! Our host was above expectations in accommodating our needs. It was definitely a hidden paradise. The horseback riding was a great addition to our stay!
Kathryn C.
HIPCAMP – Cabin on the White River
Join Welder Outfitting Services Welder Ranch CO for Guided Fishing, Horseback Rides, and Back Country trips in Northwest Colorado!
Guided Rifle and Archery Hunts
September 2024 –
November 2024