History of Bristlecone Ranch

Bristlecone Ranch has been a family owned and operated ranch since it was first homesteaded in 1878. These pioneers settled in the gorgeous meadow at the head of the ranch and made this place their home. The ranch was originally established as a cattle ranch and remained that way for well over 100 years. Passed down from generation to generation the ranch grew and flourished.

In the late fall of 2011 it was decided the long term cattle ranch would be an ideal place to establish a game preserve due to its rich abundance in wildlife and gorgeous setting. Nestled in the heart of color country it provides a perfect location for game to thrive, and for people to enjoy these beautiful creatures in their natural element. The ranch continues to be family owned and operated, and plans to stay that way as we carry on this rich heritage of western ranch style living and way of life.

 

Before the Hunt

Planning and preparing for your adventure is a very important step to ensuring your trip goes just as you have dreamed. Here are a few things we suggest to make sure that happens.

Hunts at the ranch are typically 3 days, 3 nights (unless other arrangements are made). Make sure to pack enough clothes to comfortably get you through your hunt. The elevation at the Ranch Ranges from 6400 feet to over 8600 feet, which means all four seasons, can be present at any time. It is said around these parts that if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change. Make sure to bring clothes which can ensure your comfort in any condition.

To reserve a date to hunt we require a 50% deposit for the price of the animal chosen to hunt. Upon harvesting your animal the remainder of the money will be paid for the cost of the animal. If you do not harvest an animal, all but $1500 dollars will be refunded to you to cover the cost of food and fuel. All food and lodging are included in the price of the animal (Unless you choose to stay at the ranch longer than the 3 day, 3 night hunt, in which it costs $500 per day per party.)

Choosing a Rifle is important. If you do not have a rifle that meets these specifications, don't worry, we have many at the ranch to choose from for you to use for your hunt. Elk and buffalo are both tough animals, and require a good rifle to hunt. We prefer our guests to bring at least a .270 or bigger to hunt elk, and at least a 30 caliber rifle to hunt buffalo. Be sure to bring enough ammunition to fire a few shots at our range to make sure it is still shooting straight, and still have enough ammunition to hunt with. If you plan to hunt upland game while with us, any caliber of shotgun will do, and once again we have shotguns to use if you do not bring your own.

The closest airport to the ranch is the St. George, Utah airport. When you arrive we will be happy to pick you up and take you on a scenic ride through Zion National park on our way to the ranch.  The ranch is approximately 2 hours from St. George. If you would rather drive yourself, we can provide directions to the ranch. Las Vegas is about 3 ½ hours from the ranch and many guests choose to fly into Las Vegas, spend a couple days there and then drive to the ranch. Whichever way you decide to come, we will do our best to accommodate to your travel plans.

 

After the Hunt

At the completion of your hunt there are a few things to plan for and consider:

The meat from your animal will be a wonderful addition to the antlers for the wall. When you harvest your trophy all the skinning and cleaning will be provided by our staff. What happens next to it is up to you. You may take it home with you and have it butchered at your local butcher. Or we have a local butcher near the ranch who can cut your meat and have it frozen and shipped to your front door. If you have no need for the meat we have an organization we donate to who can help feed the needy.

The trophy for your wall can also be mounted here locally or shipped home for your own taxidermist to prepare. Roundy Taxidermy is our local taxidermist who does incredible work and has won many awards around the country. They offer the ability to come pick up your trophy from the ranch, mount it just as you would like and ship it to your home upon completion.

 

What to Expect

Upon arriving at the Ranch you will be greeted by our ranch family. This will be the beginning of many joyous times you will spend with our family while at the ranch. A tour of the lodge and your room will be first and a few minutes to get yourself organized and ready to hunt. We will take you out to check your weapon of choice on our range. We have both Rifle and Archery ranges where you can make sure weapon of choice is performing properly before we head out.

We will hunt using many different strategies and preferences depending on your wishes. Much of the ranch is accessible by Atvs or Utvs for those who prefer hunting from vehicles. The ranch offers gorgeous views and hunting by foot as well. During the Rut hunts (mid-august through late October) we will be using calls to locate and hunt the elk. Earlier and later hunts are usually spot-and-stock hunting as well as sitting over water holes and meadows. You will have opportunities to watch many different animals and pick the one which is just right for you, and for your wall at home.

Once you have harvested your trophy, all the skinning and cleaning will be provided by our staff so your trophy and meat will be ready for you to take home, or sent to the local taxidermist and butcher shop and then shipped to your home.

While at the ranch you will not have to worry about food. We offer three wonderful meals a day prepared by our outstanding chef. During the booking of your hunt we will find out the kinds of meals you will enjoy and they will be prepared for you while at the lodge. During the evenings after hunting, you will get to enjoy the lodge in any way you like; sitting by the fire, watching TV, browsing the internet, or anything else you might enjoy.

 

Other Activities

When you are not busy hunting, or you bring a non-hunting guest along there are plenty of other things to keep you busy while at the ranch. The ranch is centrally located between some of the most incredible national parks and scenery in the lower 48. Touring the parks is a wonderful way to explore these incredible places. Along with the parks there are many other activities we offer to make sure your time with us is unforgettable.

Zion National Park

This incredible site is one you will want to see. The park is 45 minutes south of the ranch. The park offers amazing views, hiking, rock climbing, biking, and many other activities. If you fly in to Las Vegas you have the opportunity to drive through the park on your way to and from the ranch if you choose to. There is a $25 entrance fee to drive through, but if we pick you up from the airport we will take you through the park at no charge. It is definitely worth experiencing.

Bryce Canyon National Park

This Park is 45 minutes north of the ranch. It also offers amazing views and many activities. While in the park you will get to see many different species of wildlife in the huge ponderosa pine forests which surround the park. Walking the rim of the canyon gives you sites of the huge rock formations as well as the Grand Escalante Staircase. If you fly in from Salt Lake it is about 20 minutes out of your way to stop by the park and if you have the time it is worth it.

Grand Canyon National Park

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is about a two hour drive south east of the ranch. The Canyon is one on many peoples list to see. If you have a free day or choose to stay longer at the ranch it is well worth it to go see the most amazing canyon in the world. At the canyon there are many activities to experience and it is well worth the drive.

ATV trail riding

Out the gates of the ranch there are hundreds and hundreds of miles to ride ATV's. The trails offer beautiful views and plenty of wildlife to see, mostly consisting of big mule deer and elk. Riding through the cedar trees for miles and experiencing the thrill of the rides is one you will not soon forget. We have plenty of ATV's and side by sides to take you and your group out to have a great time.

Snowmobile riding

If you are planning your trip to the ranch for the winter months, there is a good chance to see some snow. Most years there is plenty of snow to experience the ranch and its surrounding areas by snow mobile. If you have never sat on a snowmobile, or you are a seasoned veteran, you will love riding these machines around the ranch. They offer a great way to spend a day, but be prepared they can be addicting.