Cattle Drive and Horses 2011

Thank you for a great 2010 season!

Upper Canyon Outfitters had one of its most successful seasons in years!  The summer season began with plenty of rain in June, making for a green and rewarding fishing season through September.  Large spawning Brown Trout could be seen on the ends of our client’s lines all September.  The horseback rides and views from the mountain tops were inspiring to say the least with the country side full of blossoming flowers and flourishing greenery for the abundant wildlife in the Ruby Valley. 

It wouldn’t be a UCO Summer without our annual client-engaged cattle drives.  A number of our riders had been on previous cattle drives, making for excellent ranch hands.  I have a feeling I could convince them to quit their day jobs for the cowboy life.

Because of the wet season many elk were able to avoid detection by staying in the deep timber where some of the greenest clover grew, making for a difficult archery season.  However, even with the tough conditions a few of our hunters were able to harvest those elusive elk.

Rifle season was more successful.  The UCO staff put in extra scouting hours during archery to locate the hot hunting locations, which I knew paid off nicely within the first week of rifle season when all of our guided hunters had prospects at elk.   Due to the wet season of 2010, the green grass produced large and healthy elk herds.  When combined with the heavy snow we received midway through the season, the weather drew the herds lower, making for successful hunting experiences.

After 25 years of guiding hunters I have learned that a good sportsman can help in making their own hunt a success with the right attitude and physically preparing for the demands of the sport.  This year’s success can be credited to not only perfect hunting conditions but also that many of our hunters prepared before they arrived in Montana.

One very exciting story from UCO this hunting season is the editor and staff of Outdoor Life joined us for a week, filming and writing about their adventures.  You can locate their experience at this link: http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/hunting/big-game/elk/2010/11/montana-grand-slam-day-1

Thank you to all who made 2010 such a wonderful and fulfilling year.  There is much I can be thankful for at this time of year; keeping people in touch with nature, helping create memorable vacation experiences, and the joys of living with no cell phone reception.  But I am most thankful for wonderful clients who quickly become friends.

Happy Holidays and wish you all the very best in the New Year!

2010 Cattle Drive Photos

Check out our photos from this summer's Cattle Drive.  A good time was had by all!

2010 Cattle Drive Photos