Location: Burns Hole Ranch is located approximately 22 miles northeast of Dotsero up the Colorado River Road; or from Wolcott, travel north on Hwy 131 through McCoy, then South on the Colorado River Road 10 miles to Burns.

Acres: 27,468

CPW Maps:
Burns Hole map

Area Maps: USGS Quads: Trapper, Blue Hill, Burns North, Dome Peak, Castle Peak, Burns South

National Forest: White River

BLM: Glenwood Springs, Vail & Steamboat Springs

Species Available: Elk, Deer

Terrain and Access: Elevations vary from 6,000 to 11,000 ft. The ranch lies near the town of Burns. Most of the ranch property is north of the Colorado River, with some parcels south of the river. Drainage’s run generally east – southeast. Lower elevations are in sagebrush flats and pinyon-juniper rising to aspen and mixed conifer forest at higher elevations. Vehicular access is limited to designated ranch roads, with 4-wheel drive advised. Key land features include Derby Mesa, King Mountain, and portions of Sunnyside Creek.

Average Success Rates:

Check the Ranching for Wildlife main page for season dates.

There are no antler-point restrictions for any of the ranches. No over-the-counter licenses are offered on these properties. Ranching for Wildlife licenses are open to Colorado residents only. Licenses are only for the season and ranch on the license. For more information on season dates and application deadlines, see the Big Game Hunting Brochure.

Ranch rules from previous seasons are provided for a general perspective.  Ranch rules are negotiated annually and some rule changes may take affect this year.

BURNS HOLE RANCH
Ranch Hunting Rules

In an effort to provide our clients and guests with a safe and enjoyable hunting experience the following rules and restrictions have been established. Please take time to carefully read and understand the following rules established to provide the highest quality experience possible.

1. The ranch, its employees and all hunters and guests shall adhere to all federal and state game laws at all times and uphold the highest standards of fair chase and ethical hunting. The Ranch reserves the right to ask any guest who refuses to abide by Ranch rules or state game laws to leave the Ranch, hunting privileges on the Ranch shall be terminated, and violators may be subject to prosecution.
   
   
2. All hunters are encouraged to attend our open-house orientation meeting the afternoon before the hunts begin. This is an open house session which you may attend any time between 2 pm and 6 pm the day before the hunt begins. The open house will take place at our Sunnyside Camp.
   
   
3. The Ranch is divided into several large hunting areas, with each one having a specific check in point. Each hunter will be required to check in and out with a Ranch staff member at the various check points. To ensure a quality hunt, and with safety a priority, the amount of hunters in any one area will be limited. Specific details on the areas and limits will be available at the open house session and at each check point. Hunters may check in with staff members at the check points one hour before legal hunting hours, and will be required to check out no later than one hour after legal hunting hours. Hunting passes will be issued to hunters at the various check points, along with detailed maps of the specific hunting area. Passes and maps need to be in the possession of hunters at all times while on the Ranch, and need to be returned at check out. Hunters may change areas during the day by checking out of their original area and then checking in to a new area.

   Hunters who fail to check in and out of the Ranch each day will lose their hunting privileges.
   

4. Hunters are not permitted to walk onto the Ranch from other properties or public roads. This restriction is designed to help Ranch staff and CPW control trespass and illegal harvest, which ultimately benefits all our legal hunters and provides a much higher quality hunt for you. All hunters are asked to report any game violations, suspected trespass, or illegal harvest to the nearest Ranch staff or CPW officer.
   
   
5. To ensure proper hunter distribution and a high quality hunt for all participants, and to avoid over crowding and ensure safety, daily limits will be set on the number of hunters allowed in the various hunting areas. When a hunting area has reached capacity, additional hunters will be directed to other areas on the Ranch. These restrictions will not apply to holders of antlered or either-sex licenses. Hunters may hunt in more than one area during the day, provided that they check out and in as required, changes are done during specified times and in areas that are below capacity.
   
   
6. All animals harvested must be inspected by Ranch staff at one of the check points. Proper disposal of heads, hides, entrails, etc. is the responsibility of the hunter.
   
   
7. There are adequate roads to and within hunting areas. There are also designated ATV and snowmobile trails upon which other vehicles are not allowed. All hunters are strongly encouraged to use 4-wheel drive vehicles in good working order, with adequate mud and snow tires. Hunters should bring at a minimum 4 heavy duty fitted tire chains, shovel, bumper jack and come-along or winch with a tree saver attachment. Burns Hole is in a remote area. We do not provide towing services, so if you become stuck you will have to arrange for commercial towing.
   
   
8. Horses are not permitted on the Ranch as areas are accessible by vehicle and foot travel.
   
   
9. Each licensed hunter may be accompanied by one non-hunting companion.
   
   
10. All ranch guests (including non-hunting companions) must sign the liability release before access is granted.
    
    
11. No pre-season scouting access is allowed on the Ranch.
    
    
12. Trespassing on neighboring lands is not tolerated and will result in revocation of hunting privileges. Violators may also be subject to prosecution.
    
    
13. All firearms must be completely unloaded and actions open prior to entering any Ranch property. Do not insert cartridges into the chamber until you are completely out of the vehicle and in a safe position.
    
    
14. Please be sure of your target and that you are shooting in a safe direction. Be aware of livestock, Ranch staff, other hunters, and Ranch facilities and employees. No hunting is allowed within 200 yards of any Ranch facility or structure.
    
    
15. Alcohol consumption before or during hunting is strictly prohibited. Any hunter or guest found to be intoxicated, actively consuming alcohol, or with open alcoholic containers, will be asked to leave the Ranch and hunting privileges will be terminated.
    
    
16. Hunters are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and ethically at all times. For the safety and enjoyment of all guests alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, obnoxious or harassing behavior, or abusive language will not be tolerated and will result in loss of hunting privileges.
    
    
17. Hunters are expected to use weapons that are safe, accurately sighted in, and take only responsible clean killing shots. Avoid shooting into groups or herds of animals, and avoid taking excessively long shots. Wounding losses are a serious problem, help us eliminate this occurrence.
    
    
18. Hunting is limited to the species and type designated on the RFW license only. No other hunting or fishing is permitted.
    
    
19. No overnight use of the Ranch is permitted. Camping is available on nearby BLM or National Forest land.
    
    
20. All fires are prohibited, and smoking is allowed only in your vehicle.
    
    
21. Leave all gates as you found them.
    
    
22. Littering is not allowed, please pack out anything you bring in. Help us keep the ranch clean, please pick up any litter you find and pack it out.
    
    
23. Contact a staff member or CPW officer with any special concerns, disputes or questions.
    

The Ranch offers an optional packing service to assist with game retrieval. The fee is $75 for a deer and $100 for an elk. Contact a staff member for assistance.

General Information:

Motels are located in Eagle, Avon and Yampa.

Retrieval of game is responsibility of hunter.

Camping is available on nearby BLM or National Forest land.