About Smith Rancho · Since 1970

A Hunt You'll Never Forget

One of Northwest Colorado's premier elk and mule deer ranches — 62,000 private acres in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, run by people who have been guiding here for over fifty years.

Smith Rancho hunting country in Northwest Colorado

"You will see more elk than you have ever seen before — unless you have hunted with us in the past."

Smith Rancho is part of the Big Gulch Ranching for Wildlife program, which lets us hunt elk, deer, and antelope across a full ninety-day season. No hunting applications are necessary, and licenses are guaranteed.

Hunt deer, elk, and antelope on 62,000 privately owned acres in Northwest Colorado. The ranch headquarters sit ten miles north of Hayden and twenty-two miles west of Steamboat Springs — right in some of the best big-game country the state has to offer.

What We Do

A full-service hunt, start to finish

We offer elk, deer, and antelope hunts with a limit of just 5–6 hunters in camp — small enough that you're never competing for country or attention. We also offer combination hunts: elk/deer, elk/antelope, or deer/antelope.

All hunts are three days, with hunters arriving the evening before the hunt begins. We provide complete guiding and outfitting services — food, shelter, guiding, and transportation to and from the hunting grounds.

Guides are furnished at a ratio of two hunters per guide. Every one of them knows this country intimately and has years of experience putting hunters on game.

5–6

Hunters in camp

The Master Outfitter

Brad Smith — guiding since 1970

Brad Smith is the master outfitter at Smith Rancho and has been guiding hunters since 1970. More than fifty years in this country means he knows where the elk hold during the rut, where the big mule deer bucks hide, and how the antelope move across the open sage.

That experience is the difference between a hunt and a trophy. Many of our clients have been coming back for nearly twenty years — a testament to the kind of hunt, and the kind of people, you'll find at Smith Rancho.

50+

Years guiding

Why Smith Rancho

The Ranching for Wildlife advantage

🪪

Guaranteed Licenses

As part of Big Gulch Ranching for Wildlife, your tag is guaranteed. No draw, no application, no waiting years to hunt.

🗓️

90-Day Season

A full ninety days to hunt elk, deer, and antelope — far longer than any public-land season in Colorado.

🏔️

62,000 Private Acres

Exclusive access to 62,000 acres of prime Rocky Mountain habitat, ten miles north of Hayden.

👥

Small Camps

Just 5–6 hunters in camp at a time, with a 2-to-1 hunter-to-guide ratio for a personal experience.

🏡

On-Site Lodging

Stay right at the ranch headquarters — meals, shelter, and transportation all provided.

🦌

Three Species

Elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope — hunt one, or combine them for the ultimate Colorado trip.

★★★★★

"As the former host of The American Outdoorsman TV Show, I have had the pleasure of hunting ranches all over North America. The Smith Rancho staff is absolutely top notch. You'll be hard pressed to go to another place in the mountain states and see more game."

Jim Mueller · Former Host, The American Outdoorsman TV Show

Come see it for yourself

Spots fill fast and licenses are guaranteed. Call Brad directly to check availability and plan your hunt.

602.369.3522