Happy New Year from Star Mountain Ranch!

This time of year with football almost over and fishing six months away, our thoughts turn to elk hunting in the Mountain West. Ads in magazines and the internet offer a wide array of guiding services for hunters. Please be aware, not all outfitters are reputable. Many of my clients, past and present have told me horror stories of previous hunts where they had been deceived and taken advantage of. Before booking a hunt, ask questions; make sure the outfitter’s ad is not just smoke and mirrors.

• If the hunt is guaranteed, it is likely a high fence hunt. Often outfitters will advertise several thousand acres to hunt on when in reality you may be hunting on a three to five hundred acre fenced parcel. Insist on knowing how many acres you will actually be hunting on within the fenced area. If the outfitter is elusive, walk away!
• Find out what is included in the cost of the hunt. That bargain price that caught your eye may have hidden fees. Extra cost for license, guide fees, trophy care, additional guest, etc. can ruin a hunt. Ask questions!
• Lodging and food are another issue. That picture on the internet of the beautiful trailer or cabin you are to stay in may actually be a tough shed with a cot. Don’t laugh; this happened to several hunters last year. Find out if your meals are being prepared in a kitchen licensed and inspected by the Department of Health. Unsafe food preparation will ruin any hunt.
• Yes, size does matter. You are paying for a specific size bull elk and that is what you should go home with! Many hunters don’t understand Safari Club International’s measuring system and are often taken advantage of…..Don’t let this happen to you!

Nothing is more heartbreaking then discovering the 450” class bull you paid for officially measures 390”. I booked a guaranteed hunt for a 400 class trophy bull several years ago. I was assured the ranch had three 400+ class bulls available so I sent in my deposit and couldn’t wait for August to arrive! The magazine ad said I would be hunting on 11,000 acres, in reality; the fenced enclosure I actually hunted in was under a thousand acres.

When my guide had me shoot my “400 class bull”, I was elated; it was the biggest elk I had ever seen! I took my trophy to the taxidermist and discovered my “400 class dream bull” officially measured 372”SCI. A call to the ranch about the discrepancy was futile. They refused to refund the difference in class size. I later found out this was the biggest bull they had on the ranch!

I had saved for years and was taken advantage of by dishonest people preying on my inexperience.

I decided to start my own ranch and run it with the integrity you expect and deserve. Previous managers failed to meet these criteria and have all been replaced long ago.

Since then, the ranch has been a huge success with 100% client satisfaction. My top notch staff will insure you have the most exciting hunt of your life for the trophy you have always dreamed about.

Looking forward to hunting with you on Star Mountain Ranch.

John

PS…. I will be in Sacramento CA at the International Sportsman’s Expo. Jan. 20-23^rd @ Cal.Expo State Fairgrounds

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Feb. 5-13^th @PA. Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA

SEE YOU THERE!

From one of our 2010 Hunters. Thanks for the kind words.

Dear fellow hunters,
There are a lot of Elk Ranches out there that tend to exaggerate their claims. John Romero on the other hand, has not told me anything that has not proven to be an honest, straightforward representation of his ranch, and the trophy bulls on it. He doesn't need to! John runs one of the best operations I have had the pleasure of becoming familiar with. I can recommend Star Mountain Ranch without reservation. I have found John to be honest, and a man of considerable good humor.

Neal Current.....El Paso, Texas