General Information
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Frequently Asked Questions or at Least Some Answers...
Our Prices...
We believe that we offer the finest in horseback adventures and that our
prices reflect our commitment to quality and service that our clients have
come to expect from Over the Hill Outfitters. There are many expenses for
a top-notch outfitting company. We have one of the best areas in the Western
United States and operate under a special use permit issued by the United
States Forest Service. A portion of all of our revenue from operations on
public lands is returned to the government. We pay our guides as much as
we can. Our outfit has 40-50 head of horses that must be fed and cared for
year round. As a professional outfitter, we are bonded insured and licensed
in the state of Colorado under the Department of Regulatory Agencies. It
takes 3 4WD trucks and trailers to transport our stock and equipment to
the trailhead daily. You can see that when you get a bargain price for a
trip, something must be compromised.
Choosing an Outfitter...
The most important consideration when booking with an outfitter is knowing
what type of trip you want. Find as many outfitters providing the type of
service as you can and compare among them. Ask for references and call them.
Altitude Sickness...
All of our adventures take place between 9,000-14,000 ft. We advise arriving
in Durango two or three days ahead of your departure date so that you can
acclimate gradually. Drink lots of fluids as hydration is one of the best
defenses to altitude sickness. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine to minimize
dehydration.
Flying into Durango...
There are daily flights directly into Durango via Denver (United) and Phoenix
(American). If you choose to fly directly to Durango, we will gladly pick
you up at the airport (please give us two weeks notice) and take you to
your hotel. The morning of your trip, we will pick you up at your hotel
and bring you to our ranch where we will weigh and pack your gear before
going to the trailhead and on to our basecamp. You can also fly into Albuquerque
and rent a car. Durango is approximately a three and a half hour drive on
mostly four lane highway.
Lodging in Durango...
You are responsible for your lodging in Durango. We can provide a list of
recommended lodging in the Durango area.
Summer Weather Conditions...
June through September typically have warm days with highs in the 70os and
80os. June usually has sunny afternoons while July and August often have
afternoon thunderstorms. The possibility of light snow always exists in
the higher elevations, even in July and August. Expect cool nights with
lows in the 30os to 50os. For summer trips, bring a sleeping bag rated at
10o-20o. Upon booking a trip, we will send you a recommended equipment list
appropriate to your trip.
Fall Weather Conditions...
Weather is unpredictable. Daytime temperatures in the fall can range from
20o-60o with nights in the -0o-30o range. Rain and snow are always possible.
Bring a sleeping bag rated to -10o-20o..
Saddle Horses and Mules...
We pride ourselves on having the best horses and mules in the business.
In addition to our outfitting business, we raise, train and sell working
Quarter Horses and mules. What this means to you is that your mount will
be one that first and foremost will take care of you and get you down the
trail safely. We will painstakingly pair you to an animal that matches you.
We have a weight limit of 240 pounds to protect our livestock. None of our
horses will be ridden from camp without a guide or wrangler.
Reservations and Booking...
We suggest you make reservations early. Many or our trips are popular and
fill up quickly. All of our trips are limited to eight guests and we have
a high rate of return clients. We are fully licensed and all or our trips
are backed by a written contract and secured with a deposit.
Deposit Policy...
A 50% nonrefundable deposit is required to secure a slot on a trip. Deposits
can be in the form of check, money order or Visa, Mastercard or American
Express.
Final Payment...
Final payment is due 45 days prior to trip departure date. Final payments
can be in the form of check, money order or Visa, Mastercard or American
Express.
Fishing Licenses...
A Colorado fishing license is required and available at most sporting goods
stores in addition to the Colorado Division of Wildlife. You are required
to purchase your own fishing license prior to trip departure.
Alcohol...
We do not provide alcohol on any of our trips. We will pack in a beverage
of your choice (within reason). Since the effects of alcohol are multiplied
at altitude, please use common sense. Under no circumstances will anyone
be allowed to ride a horse or hunt under the influence of alcohol.
Gratuities...
The staff of Over the Hill Outfitters works hard to make your experience
the best you can possibly have. They have put in many hours learning their
trade and greatly appreciate tips.
Summer Pack Trips...
Includes guides, saddle horses or mules, pack stock, tack. We provide riding
instructions and encourage guests to get as involved with the handling of
the horses as they wish, within reason. Gourmet meals, snacks, soft drinks
and purified water are provided (bring your own water bottle). Lodging is
in wall tents. Cots and pads are provided. We have separate sleeping tents
for each group of a mixed group trip. Clean latrine tents are near camp.
When the weather is warm enough, a warm shower is available.
Progressive Pack Trips...
Progressive trips are very demanding. Accommodations are sparse so that
we can pack up quickly and cover the miles with light weight equipment.
The amount of labor required is tremendous, hence their greater cost. In
return, the rewards are high with new scenery everyday, a variety of camps
and the satisfaction of an outstanding adventure.
Scenic Horseback Rides...
We provide riding instruction and all tack. For a two hour ride, bring a
water bottle, sunscreen, and possibly a snack. Rain gear is nice to have
in July and August when thunderstorms become active in the afternoons.
High Country Fishing Trips...
These fishing trips are based on our pack trips. We recommend five days
or more, giving you three days of fishing. There is exciting stream fishing
on the Florida River flowing next to camp. We can ride or hike to two other
fabulous streams, each of which can be fished for multiple days. High mountain
lakes are where the largest fish are found. Lakes are more temperamental,
but the scenery is spectacular and if you hook one of the lunkers, it’ll
be something that you never forget. Brook trout, native cuthroat, rainbows
and cutbows are what we catch. Our guides are knowledgable. We provide casting
lessons, are knowledgable in entomology, and provide advice on fishing.
We know how to fish our streams and can maximize your fishing experience.
We rent fishing equipment if you do not have your own.
Custom Packing Service...
Cost based on number of animals required for your trip. Weight limit for
pack animals is 150 pounds. Oversized or bulky items may require more animals.
WE HUNT WILD ELK...
We hunt wild elk in the wild. We hunt elk the hard way, the way that they
have been hunted for hundreds of years. We can’t guarantee that you
will shoot an elk. We can guarantee you that we will do our best to have
an opportunity for an elk and that we will never, ever give up. We guarantee
that you will have a world class hunt.
Full Service Guided Hunts...
Our guided hunts are the best anywhere. Everything that we do is first class.
All of our equipment is in top condition. Our hunts are all 1:1 to give
you the best opportunity for success.
Drop Camp Hunts...
You may be concerned about the service that comes with a drop camp from
an outfitter who also does fully-guided hunts. We assure you that you will
have staff dedicated to your service. Our drop camps are in very productive
areas- the same areas that we guide in. Often times, our drop camps are
more successful than our guided hunters. That’s hunting. We can’t
control where the elk go. We promise you that your drop camp will have the
best equipment and we will give 100% effort to make your hunt the best that
it can be. Packing of one big game animal included. Additional animals packed
for fee.
Non-Hunting Guests...
We welcome non-hunting guests in our camps for an additional fee to cover
use of horses, camp and food and staff support.
Rifle Specifics...
The most important thing is to practice! Almost any rifle will kill with
a good shot. Site your rifle in at 250 yards and know how it shoots from
50-400 yards. Popular guns are 30/06, 7mm mag, 270, 300 and 338 mag. We
recommend bullet weight between 150-180 grains. 500 sq inches of blaze orange
including a hat are required.
Archery Specifics...
We recommend a minimum draw weight of 50 pounds. Mechanical broadheads are
discouraged because of their inherent unreliability. Be confident shooting
to 50 yd.
Blackpowder Specifics...
Modern in-line muzzleloaders are legal in Colorado. We recommend 50 caliber
or larger. Site in at 100 yd. 500 sq inches of blaze orange including a
hat are required.
Physical Conditioning...
You will enjoy all of our trips most if you are in good physical shape.
Plan ahead, train for your trip and get ready to enjoy one of the best trips
you can have anywhere. Hunting is especially demanding. Big game live in
the hard to access wild places and if you want to hunt them, that’s
where we have to go. You will get out of your hunt what you put into it!
Downloads (Forms, Directions, Contracts, etc.)...
