These beautiful animals were raised by the Butler family and lived on the ranch until they died from old age or were killed by their own.

On this 6,500 acre privately owned ranch,  with all the available feed for wildlife and as a direct result of our continuing efforts to improve wildlife habitat, there are abundant numbers of deer, elk, antelope and of course, eagles, hawks, owls, coyotes, fox etc. Hunting has become the lifeblood of the local landowners... After the disastrous agricultural experience of the 70's and the 80's, many ranchers and farmers saw an opportunity to supplement their income by offering a premier hunting experience to those that seek the excitement of the hunt.

Above photo of the ranch headquarters at

2115 County Road 3, Craig, CO 81625

Above a picture of a herd of elk just across the road from the ranch headquarters.

This is a real "Hunter's and photographer's" paradise.

On the "Y LAZY S RANCH" we have been offering trespass only hunts with minimal other services offered. But, since the construction of numerous top quality log cabins now we are ready to offer you top quality accommodations in our cozy, heated log cabins, offering you a hunting experience like none else. Our log cabins are fully furnished, and they include full baths with cold/hot running water, kitchens that are equipped with appliances and kitchenware for your use and enjoyment.  Also, the LOG cabins are now a place to relax and watch your favorite TV program, since there are BIG, flat screen TVs hooked to DISH NETWORK programming.

You will only need to bring your sleeping bag, your towels and personal toiletries. And, your food, of course. Don't forget that. In Craig we have a very nice City Market grocery store and a Walmart, where you can buy your groceries, your licenses, ammo and appropriate clothing, if you left home without some items.

we are not guides or outfitters.

We are the landowner, the farmers who toil on this land year round, we do not offer the fully guided hunts, (as those non-landowner outfitters who come and go, offer), but, we promise to assist you in any way we can on only our privately owned 6,500 acre ranch.

Since the late 1960's, we chose not to advertise; not to seek the business of hunters for only one season. We have had fully booked seasons and offered the ultimate experience, and we have had repeat customers who flocked the ranch year after year and have been very satisfied. Some of our repeat customers have hunted on this ranch for the last thirty years and have been totally satisfied and successful.  But now, we are expanding our horizons and by offering more services and a retreat type of atmosphere, we hope to have new experiences with others, also.  And if your preference is camping, please, let us know. We will direct you to a choice spot on the ranch, where you may camp away from the rest of the hunters and truly enjoy the beautiful western atmosphere.

.......a real campfire.........

And of course, while camping you can enjoy a real campfire.........

It's always so much fun to sit around the campfire in the evening and share hunting stories 

A good harvest for opening morning

 2019

comments

These three guys came out west tu hunt ELK on the "Y Lazy S Ranch" in Craig, CO for the very first time in 2018. This was their very first time hunting ELK. And, all three scored big with their beautiful bull elk. Nobody asked me, but, I think that these guys are spolied for life. They are going to expect the same results from now on.

Well, I've got news for them.

2018 was a fantastic year for hunting. So many beautiful deer and antelope bucks. Wow, all the hunters left with big smiles on their faces. And then, the weather really co-operated. First few days of October, we got a pretty nice little storm that got the elk anxious to move to the lower country. Of course, the hunting pressure on the mountain started pushing the animals down further. A couple more snow storms before the third season, and we had elk running around everywhere on the "Y Lazy S Ranch".

THE HUNTERS HARVESTED SOME GREAT ANIMALS AND WENT HOME WITH THEIR TROPHIES.

How nice. Nothing pleases me more than to see smiling faces and hear them say: "We had a great time. Book us down for next year".

Wonderful!!!!!!!!

It seems that the seven year drought may be approaching it's end.

We had pretty heavy snowfall this winter and we are looking towards a pretty productive hay season.  In fact, Monte is out there checking out belts and servicing tractors. This spring we have to plant about 400 acres on the Chapman Ranch into alfalfa and grass for hay. So, we are busy getting ready for the spring farming operations.

That should bring even more wild animals to the property. That's what everybody wants.

Have a Happy summer everybody and call me if you have any additional questions.

*******************************************************

Below some comments from hunters who were here in 2018.

                             ************

Aleka, Dan P.... here. Just wanted to wish you and Monte a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2019. I had a great time hunting and hanging out with both, you and Monte this year. And, look forward to another gret hunting season next year and hanging out with you guys again.                                                                          Dan P..........

                             ************

Tom Wilson wrote the following:                     The best part of hunting the "Y Lazy S Ranch" is meeting the landowner, Aleka....the abundant game is secondary. My wife and I took our grandson Luke, on his first ever hunt for a Pronghorn on the "Y Lazy S" and the experience was excellent. We were greeted by Aleka the day before the season opened and she spent time with us to ensure we knew the ranch boundaries and where to set up and hunt for the best chance at a pronghorn.                         After scouting the "y Lazy S" Ranch, we returned to the ranch house to let Aleka know we were leaving and got a tour of the newly completed Hunting Lodge which was beautiful!!! Early the next morning, we started our hunt and after spotting and insuccessfully stalking several pronghorn herds we were finally able to get within 200 yards of one. My grandson was able to make the shot and had his large pronghorn on the ground within two hours after legal shooting light. Needless to say, he was very excited as were we. I shot my pronghorn a couple of hours after my grandson, who was quick to point out the size difference!!              On our way out, we met Aleka, who was busy preparing the ranch to host a wedding that day and let her know of our success.                      No question, I will return to hunt this ranch again and most likely for an elk.                         Thanks for a great experience, Aleka, we really appreciate your graciousness and a hunt my grandson will remember for his entire life.    Tom, Marcia Wilson and Luke.

                              **************

 John Chapin and son John P. wrote:          Thank you for all your generosity and kindness. We had a great time hunting and hope to be back next year.

                             ***************

Tiana Nichols wrote:

Thank you so much for allowing me to come and hunt on your land! It is, for sure, one of my favourite places to hunt at. Thank you.

                            ****************

Pat and Steve Weaver wrote:

Just a note to "Thank you" both for a great time at the "Y Lazy S Ranch". We loved our cabin- equipped with everything anyone would need!

We so enjoyed the meals you fixed for us - we were really spoiled. Of course the highlight of the trip was the beautiful country. We never tired of seeing all the wildlife. So special. Again, thanks for inviting us to stay and experience Colorado hospitality. Love from your California friends.

                        ******************

John Pultorak wrote:

Dan and I had a wonderful stay at your ranch. The hospitality was a highlight and I now consider us friends. You assisted us at every turn and made our trip truly memorable. The accommodations were top notch. The beds comfortable and the cabins warm. Very convenient location relative to town and truly remarkable amounts of game.A piece of Heaven on Earth.

                       ******************

2018 comments

It is definitely a blessing to live on this beautiful ranch. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I have an ongoing love affair, with this land, this County, this State and this Country. I came  as a young girl and have spent over a half a century here, raising a family, working, dreaming and yes, sometimes, crying. It has not been easy. It has been very hard and sometimes, impossible to live here and unbearably difficult to carry on. And yet, I would never trade this, my beautiful home, for any other place on the face of this earth. 

It is truly rewarding to see that others also, come to know this ranh, this land and they fall in love with it much like I did fifty plus years ago. This fact is evidenced by the returning of so many friends and customers, who delight to call this place "home, away form home" even if it is for just a few days each year.

Thank you, my friends, for coming to enjoy this beautiful place. Thank you Ron and Steve and Carl and Larry and John and Walt and Jim and so many more of you. I work very hard, as you well know, to get ready for the few days you will be here. And my obsession is that everything needs to be perfect. It is so, because I truly believe that you, my friends, are the best, And I need to do my utmost for you. 

It is truly rewarding to welcome all my old friends and many new ones each year and share with them this small piece of paradise for a few days.

Please, know that your arrival is most anticipated for many months each year.

But, no matter how hard we work to have everything perfect for the arrival of all the special guests, new or old, there are always elements which interfere with the plans turning out perfectly well. I am referring to the weather, which, without doubt is no longer the same as it used to be over the length of the time I have been here.

Our weather has definitely changed and that affects the movement of wildlife. Our mule deer and the pronghorn antelope hunting is as good as ever, and the herds are getting bigger, healthier and higher quality animals for both species are getting to be more common. We are harvesting older, bigger bucks. Bucks that offer fantastic wild meat and a very respectable trophy to be prized.

Of course, there is nothing that can affect the growth of the numbers of mule deer and pronghorn antelope. Our success continues to be unbelievable in both species and the quality of the animals is consistent. 

But, the last few years have been enormously disappointing as far as the elk migration movemement and the eventual elk hunting success.

Although, we continue to harvest numerous elk each year, our success rate is not near the 100% that used to be, even a couple of years ago. We did harvest a few elk in 2017, but, our success was nowhere near as hoped and anticipated. Not as many as I had wished and hoped for.

Everybody is telling me that we are at the tailend of the weather cycle causing this weather change and sooner rather than later we are going to start seeing again the heavy snows in October and the earlier migration to the west of the elk herds. It is a well known fact that the elk herds of Northwestern Colorado are the biggest in North America. The herds are definitely increasing further, due to the lower harvest quota and the minimal winterkill, due to the mild winter weather.

So, my advise to all who are interested is, do not give up on Northwestern Colorado. We have a tremendous amount of game and all of you who have been here before, know how much fun it can be to find yourselves surrounded by thousands of majestic wapitis. Nothing else can top the feeling.

So here we are, another new year, but, this time we have to endure the new changes made by the Colorado Division of wildlife. So, everybody, make sure you log on to their website and follow instructions for new registration and new new ways of applying for your licenses.

COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW)

6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216

   tel 303.297.1192   www.cpw.state.co.us/CPWshop

Please, do NOT forget the application DEADLINE

SO, let's dream and plan. Until next fall. 

2016 comments

And, again, against my best expectations, I am very late updating this website.

I write the above every year.

It is so hard to shake off the "Christmas" lazy, festive spirit and get down to get some work done. But, sooner or later, I get it done; so, here I am again, trying to come up with something creative to describe what I would call "the most exceptional year yet". Yes, 2015, was a definite year of extremes".

It started with the exciting plans of trying to put together the land deal for the purchase of the "Chapman property". And, on March 16, 2015, we were successful with the purchase of this wonderful piece of land, consisting of 1,018 acres. WOW, it was a breathless experience to be able to get up at "Roberts Roost" and look to the East for several miles knowing that we owned it all. What a worthwhile effort, since, the putting together of the "OLD" Butler Ranch and the Chapman Ranch combined, paid off with the new opportunities of being able to hunt without worrying about fences and borders between the two properties. The cabin that came along with the property was highly outdated and in need of a serious facelift.

So, Monte and I, spent the summer remodeling that cabin. We gutted the whole thing, pulled new electrical wiring, redid the plumbing system, the kitchen is new from bottom up, and even offers a dishwasher for our spoiled guests. We still need to paint the new siding outside and lay the tile on the floor in the big room; but, that will happen, also.

So, now with a total 6,500 under this ownership, it's easier to spread out our hunters , and be assured of the ultimate success.

Here at the NW corner of Colorado, we ontinued to experience the long drawn effects of a drought that is stubborn and persistent.

Once again, early in the year, the snowfall was minimal and therefore, we entered the summer months without any significant deep moisture in the ground. We had a few gentle rains in May and June, but, without the deep moisture, the plants in our hay fields remained stunted and failed to grow enough for us to be able tp put up a respectable crop of hay. Once again, we found ourselves staying really busy by moving all the power equipment to the many different ranches, wasting many man-hours and much fuel, only to then decide that we would have been much better not having moved there at all. We didn't put up enough crop to matter. So, our "farmer" hopes were crushed again, but, almost immediately, I overheard myself sigh in an undertone: "Hopefully next year it will be better". 

Eternal optimistic farmers!!!!!

Oh, but, then, we have to boast about the fantastic hunting year we had.

What a year it was!!!!

Great success with pronghorn antelope and mule deer during archery season.

And during the regular second, third and fourth deer and elk combination seasons, we had 100% success on the mule deer, and would have been the same with the elk, if a small handfull of hunters didn't miss repeatedly; many shots misfired and many beautiful, big bulls are still running around and getting bigger.

My hope for this new year is that the drought will be a thing of the past. We are having a great start with the help of "el nino"; there is a lot of white fluffy snow out there and it's getting (ever so slowly) deeper everyday. More snow would mean better crops on this ranch, better and happier attitude by this landowner, more feed for the wildlife and prettier sights of this country site. No doupt we will continue to work hard to improve the wildlife habitat, so that this will always continue to be the prime secret spot of those, who for so many years continue to return and enjoy this magnificent part of the world.

For those newly interested ones who want to partake of this ultimate experience, we have the "Contact Us" page, where you can request further information about making your reservations early, so that you can be assured of a spot.

If you'd rather call, the number is 970 824-6668.                           ********************

 Luke Dobbs said on Oct 6th, 2015                    "I have been a guide for 26 years and this is one of the nicest little places I've been to.Very warm and welcome feeling and the hunting is unbelievable".

Stephanie Schaubin said on Dec 2, 2015:         "I want to send my many "THANKS" for the recent successful hunt on your beautiful ranch. This was my first elk hunt and I'm sure it won't be my last. I was fortunate to be able to spend a woderful week with my Dad and my cousin and that, I will remember always!! Not only did we have by far the best accommodations but you provided expert knowledge to assist us in being successful. I must say, you went above and beyond. You made us feel welcome like family. Everything, from the fantastic wildlife, gorgeous views, warm hunting blinds, lodging, and let's not forget the gourmet meal you prepared and shared with us. What an experience, to be able to sit down with you, your grandson and the other hunters and enjoy the company. Again, THANK YOU!!!!!

2015

comments

It's January 15, 2015.!!

And, against my best expectations, I am very late updating this website.

Just a couple of days ago, I was finally able to get the 2015 dates from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, so, here they are.

We are making some noteworthy changes beginning with the 2015 hunting seasons.

Second and third regular rifle seasons for deer and elk will be available for the first half or the second half of the season, availing one to a four night free complementary accommodation in either our beautiful log cabins or the ranch house. But, if a hunter is hunting both species, then, the trespass fee paid, along with the complementary accommodations will be honored for the entire nine day length of the regular season. So, simply, any one species, four nights lodging and hunting, any two species, the length of the season.

Last year, 2014, was another markably drought stricken year that disappointedly, did not allow us to harvest a crop. Whatever grasses grew on the fields were left for the wildlife, deer, antelope, elk and small game.

We did get some nice rains late in the fall, and many of the hunters noted that it was unusually green for so late in the fall.

We are hopeful that 2015 will reward us and our farming neighbors with the well deserved and highly anticipated moisture so that we can all recover some of our otherwise mounting losses. So far, we have small amount of snowcover, but, not what we actually need.

We are also looking forward to another good harvest of game in the upcoming hunting season in the fall of 2015.

Art Smith wrote:

I just want to take a moment and "Thank you and Monte" for a wonderful hunt. The accommodations were excellent and the new addition of flat screen TVs in all the cabins were very much appreciated. I wish the storm would have been stronger which would have more than likely moved the elk into the area where Glenn and I were hunting. I hear that there were numerous elk over where Larry and his crew were hunting.

Richard Pass wrote:

Dear Aleka and Monte,

I want to tell you what a wonderful time we had on your ranch, during the 2014 third season elk hunt. From the beginning we were treated as cherished friends, not simply clients. The accommodations were FIRST CLASS all the way. We were truly not prepared for the sumptuous accommodations.

Hunting elk that time of year can be very difficult, if the weather does not co-operate. You did your utmost to see that we were successful. I was lucky enough to get a bull within range and complete the deal. Unfortunately, Larry was unable to get a bull within rifle range. I especially liked the way you fostered a sense of co-operation among all the hunters. People hunting deer would provide information to elk hunters about elk they had seen and vise versa. The time we spent in the field was wonderful and we look forward to returning for many years. Anyone looking to hunt deer or elk in NW Colorado should contact you first thing. The large number of good sized deer and the amount of property you have, makes the "Y Lazy S Ranch" the premier hunting location in the Craig area.

Again, we had a marvelous time and we hope to be able to return for many years.

I rate your operation FIRST class all the way.

Thanks for such a memorable time.

Richard and Linda Pass and Larry

Tom Shepard wrote:

Dear Aleka,

I wanted to take time to thank you and your staff for a great hunting experience. Your hospitality and your land provided us with what we have been looking to find for years. Our hope is that we draw your area again, so that we can return. Thank you again.

Tom Shepard

Jess Herrera wrote:

Dear Aleka and Monte,

Kerry and I had a great time at your ranch this year. I can't believe what you have done with the ranch to make our hunt so enjoyable and comfortable. It was just what I was lookigng for, a hunt and a vacation. We are looking forward to returning again.

Thank you so much, Jess and Kerry

Hanno Holm wrote:

Dear Aleka and Monte,

Alex and I want to say a big "Danke" and "Thank you" once more for this wonderful hunt that led to Alex's first ELK harvest.

We really appreciate the way that you looked after us personally, and even changed your personal plans to allow us to start one weekend earlier than originally planned. We saw many herds of hundreds of ELK on your beautiful land and getting near enough was a very "fair chase" challenge on the open land. The stands you have built are a great help in spotting deer and elk, without disturbing them. All in all, you have a great setup for hunting, and we could certainly feel the benefit of your focus on hunting versus ranching and/or farming. That is very rare in Colorado.

If you look closely at the pictures of Alex after he downed his first cow elk, you can see that he is holding a branch in is right hand. This branch, covered in a little blood at the exit wound, is called a "BRUCH" in german and is the traditional gift to the successful hunter in Germany. He will keep it for life to remember this day and his successful first harvest. In fact, Alex is stepping directly into at least five consecutive generations of "Holm" big game hunters. He will certainly never forget this unique experience on the "Y Lazy S Ranch" - as I remember the first buck I shot with my father as if it were yesterday.

All the best and hoping to draw the right tags so we can come back next year.

Hanno and Alex Holm

2014

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It's January 1, 2014.!!

Wow, where has my lifetime gone. The years are going just too fast. Michael brought in the New Year with an impressive display of pyrotechnics, that lasted almost 30 minutes. It's a Michael/Annabelle and friends' tradition, that they have been putting on for the last 10 years. It was magnificent. So, at least the pain of realizing how quickly I am getting real old, is eased up with this grand display of pyrotechnics.

I want to express my heartfelt "Thanks" to all my wonderful hunter-friends, who overwhelmed me with their display of  "holiday spirit" by sending all the cards, and gifts, text messages and emails. Thank you, to ALL.

Finally, all hunting has ceased on the "Y Lazy S Ranch". Dec 31 was the last day for cow elk season. During the late November and month long December hunt we were extremely successful. Almost everybody that hunted, went home with the game. That is, almost everybody. Because a group of hunters from PA and WV, chose to leave early and empty-handed. I was so disappoined and sad for that. I wish they would have stayed and taken what they came for, from such a long way away. These late season cow hunts are so much fun. Mainly, because there aren't as many hunters around, so one has the run of the ranch. There is so much game that it is unbelievable to even imagine that there would be so many animals here. It's not unusual to see two or three herds at once, of anywhere from 200 to 2000 in each herds. I would like to encourage all those that would consider a cow hunt to apply for December and come and enjoy this beautiful country, this fabulous ranch, when there are no other hunters around.

The 2013 seasons were once again, exceptional. We got very many nice buck deer, quite a few bull elk and all the pronghorn hunters filled their tags. The most outstanding kill was the buck antelope taken by Tim Keating, on his birthday. That animal was 17.75 " and a very high score.

Larry again, got a beautiful buck as did Chuck Mosier. In fact, Chuck was determined to get a real nice big buck, and held off until it was time to leave. They packed up. and were ready to roll out when I convinced him to go for another drive. Less than five minutes later, he had his buck. What a beauty!!

The guy that should get a medal for effort, though, is Vince from Wisconsin. He opted to hunt on the mountain property and camp out there. He no longer got there, and it started to snow. It snowed for two or three days. Several feet of snow. But, that did not discourage Vince. He got a beautiful bull elk, but, it took him two full days to pack him to the Camp. Once, he got back to the Ranch, he also got a nice buck deer. I thought that after that experience, I would never hear from Vince again. But, to my pleasant surprise, Vince has already made reservations for next year, and plans to do that same hunt again!!! Whether it snows or not.

Our hunter who traveled the longest distance to come hunting this year, was John Spain. He flew in from Kuwait. But, it paid off. He harvested a beautiful buck and a great bull.

Dominick Tofolo from New York, flew into Denver, drove out to the ranch with his son and spoiled his hunt within a couple of hours, by taking a beautiful 5x5 bull, opening morning.

Then, he wrote:

We had an unbelievably great time and want to "Thank you" again.

A very special treat for two friends, Dave Thomas and Paul Rodondi. They simultaneously shot their two bulls from inside the hunting stand at the Cummings Place. They will be telling that story for a long time.

So many successful stories. The only thing that matters to me, is that the hunters get what they come here for. And I work very hard trying to please everybody. They all seem to enjoy our get-togethers and the BBQ food that Chef Don prepares. Also, I am so pleased to know that all our hard work and the big investment of the Cabins construction is paying off. Everybody loves the cabins and I promise that I will continue to add more comforts as the years go by.

This year again, I received many nice comments from the many wonderful friends. Here are some:

Tom Shepard from California wrote: "Dear Aleka, I wanted to take time to "Thank" you and your staff for a great hunting experience! Your hospitality and land provided us with what we have been looking to find for years. Our hope is that we draw your area again, so we can return. Thank you, again."

Dominick Tofolo wrote: "...we had an unbelievably great time and want to thank you again".

Dan Fisher from PA wrote: ".....can't tell you what a wonderful time I had with my son on your ranch. Truly a trip of a lifetime for a father and son. Biggest "Thanks" to you and Monte for making us feel like family".

Art Smith from Greenwood, CA wrote:  "I just want to start off by saying what a very sweet person you are. You went out of your way to make sure we had everything we needed. Glenn and I had a great experience hunting your ranch. The accommodations were excellent with the cabins being in great condition and super clean. There was everything a hunter could ask for within the cabin. You have certainly understated on what to expect at the "Y Lazy S Ranch". The property is one of the nicest that either Glenn or I have ever seen. The amount of deer on the property is just unbelievable. Neither one of us expected to have access to the numerous hunting blinds throughout the property, which added to our hunting experience. In speaking with some of the other hunters, they were also impressed. Glenn and I want to "Thank you" and let you know that we will certainly be back next year.

P.S. The BBQ on Sunday night was beatifully prepared and it was amazing that it could be put together, considering the amount of snow we had.

2013

comments

What a year 2012 was!!! It will be remembered for many decades as the "worst drought the people of this County have ever seen". It started early, in the midst of a cold but snowless winter, only to be followed by a  Spring that brought no wildflowers, no grass, but worst yet, NO crops of any kind. There were no April showers, no summer rains and amazingly enough, the trees never leafed out.

But, the deer does went ahead and had their fawns; twins mostly, but, even some sets of triplets. There were, indeed, an amazingly large number of deer and antelope fawns in the lower country and elk calves in the high country. All summer long, we kept seeing unusually large numbers of animals. 

Antelope season was once again really great. We harvested a couple nice bucks during archery season and numerous large bucks during the regular rifle season.

Second and third rifle Deer and Elk combined seasons, brought us many new hunters, many new friends. Once again, we had 100% success deer hunting, bagging some very respectable bucks and we got a couple bull elk, but, the elk were rather small bulls.

During the fourth combined season, we had no deer hunters. The elk hunters had to work a little harder; we got several cows and a couple of bulls. Some of the hunters had to go back home emptyhanded. After all, it was still summertime in November. The climate change is truly affecting the hunting success. It was still summerlike weather here until Thanksgiving. 

And then, as soon as December arrived, so did the winter weather. And as soon as the snow started piling up in the high Country, the elk started to move westward, towards their wintering grounds. 

Herd, after another large herd, they left the high country and they moved on to our ranch. The late cow season, which lasts for the entire month of December, proved to be extremely successful. We harvested many cows and yearlings, and a lot of hunters left extremely happy.

The month long (December) cow elk season is a prime time for elk hunting. The numbers of the animals are unbelievably high, the elk are comfortably resting on the "Y Lazy S Ranch", and since the season is long, we can space the hunters so while they are here hunting, they don't have to compete with others. If anybody considers a fun hunt, with almost guarranteed success, I would highly recommend hunting this season.

Life on the "Y Lazy S Ranch" is always busy.

In 2012, even though, there were some rather serious health issues present, we completed several projects and purchased some more land adjacent to the Mobley Place on 22.

We enjoyed very much the new friends and customers we were blessed to meet. We had some good laughs with the wonderful company of many, included the hunters from down under. Unfortunately, in 2012, a couple of our older friends and customers, passed on and I wish there was a way I could say to them: "I already miss you". Especially, Duke, he had been my friend for 30 years.

Unfortunately, the snow was slow coming and so were the elk. So, we didn't harvest as many elk as we had wished. But, once again, we got some great Mule Deer Bucks, and several nice antelope bucks. For a long time I have been a little confused as to what the Colorado Division of Wildlife has been doing. I guess they are a whole lot smarter than me, because, whatever they have been doing and however they are managing the dispensing of licenses, is indeed working out. I believe that, it is solely the management of allocating tags that is responsible for the bigger and better bucks we saw in 2012. We always had respectable bucks here, but, this year, the number of aged and bigger bucks was indeed impressive. A Bravo to the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

We are looking forward to another season, another year. We hope that 2013 will be a whole lot snowier, so that we can have some kind of crop, anyway, and that the snow will cover the ground early in October, so that it will drive the elk to the lower country about the middle of that month.

We are also looking forward to see again old friends and meet some new ones. This year we will be honored to have here some hunters from Europe, Kuwait and possibly the Aussies may be coming back. We certainly loved having them here.

 2012

comments

Let the hunters tell the story:

David Knick..... wrote on Feb 26, 2012:

"Aleka, Your ranch is an exceptional experience and your hunters have taken some really nice "Deer and Elk". We are looking forward to coming back and getting the "Big One"!!!!! We have two hunters in our group this year that have never taken a deer. One is my son-in-law Mark and the other one is Bob. Mark and Bob have never had the opportunity that your ranch offers, so they are going to be so spoiled by all the game you have." DK 

Steve W... wrote on Nov 4, 2011:

"Late sending this, but, please, accept the "Thanks" of Jim S... and me for one of, IF not the "BEST" deer hunt I have ever had. It is not because we got our deer so early the first morning, either. The reason is because of the way we were treated by ALL of you.Having run Banks for over 30 years, and working with ALL sizes of business, I am a stickler for customer service, and YOU folks, excel at it. We were treated as guests in every way, shape and form and NOT treated like "now we have their money ( even if the check I gave you was $200.00 short and I had to write another one), we have to put up with them". Little things made us feel that we were with family. The pork was cooked perfectly by your caterer. Again, THANKS, for taking such good care of us and we would like to hunt with you again next year, if possible. We would like to work on the opportunity to also harvest an ELK, which is something neither of us has done before."

Andrew L.... wrote on Nov 30, 2011

"I wanted to "THANK YOU" for a wonderful hunt during the 2011 4th season. The accommodations at cabin #1 were GREAT - hot showers, warm cabin, comfortable beds and great kitchen. The hunting was great as well. I saw more mule deer than I could count, too bad I didn't have a tag. Fortunately, I did have an ELK tag. I saw numerous ELK and was able to connect early Saturday morning, thanks to your suggestion of spending the night in the hunting blind. The night was cold and snowy, but, I slept well in the hunting blind atop one of the ranch's high spots. That was the right call, as the bull I killed moved into the area during the night. I woke and waited for daybreak. About ten minutes after legal shooting time, this BULL crested a hill near the blind I slept in and shortly after I was working on a down ELK. One of your other hunters, Owen from California, was kind enough to help me get the elk loaded up. All in all, it was a great hunt and I look forward to visiting the ranch again in the future - maybe with a mule deer tag in my pocket next time." 

Katie ...., 12 yrs old, wrote:

"Thank you so much for everything. I had the best time ever on this trip. I cannot think of a better place to spend a week. I am looking forward to seeing you next year."

Greg, Katie's Dad wrote:

"Thank you for giving my daughter and I a great hunt and experience. Thank you for making Katie's hunt and first deer very memorable. Hope to see you next year!"

David K......, wrote on October 7, 2011

"I really had a great time. I did get a little worried about the incoming weather. It would not have bothered me, had I not been alone. I sure would like to become a regular antelope hunter for you. I truly love the property that I hunted. I saw several animals. I made a good stalk and a perfect shot. Last night my wife and I ate the tenderloins for dinner. Tasted GREAT. I cannot "Thank you" enough for the opportunity to hunt the "Y Lazy S Ranch". I wish you good luck for the rest of  the 2011 hunting seasons."

Brad K...... from FL wrote on Oct 31,11:

"Just a note to say "Thanks" for a remarkable hunting experience. When I got home, I tried some of the venison and it was the best I've ever eaten. Looking forward to coming back."

Randy G.....wrote on August 24, 2011:

"I've enclosed a picture of the buck I shot this year. I shot him at 5 yards on one of the water holes at the Cummings place. The hunting was a little tougher this year than in years past; I think this was due to the fact that there was good food and water everywhere. The antelope herds look great, with most of the does having 2 fawns, the mule deer herds look fantastic, too. I saw hundreds of deer including 3 bucks on the Cummings place that would score 180 or better and several others that would score over 150. I also saw a small handful of elk at both the Cummings and the Mobley place.

I had an incredible time hunting on your ranch; the quality of game I saw and the beauty and peace and quiet I experienced was as good as it gets. Thank you very much for letting me hunt and stay on your land."

 "I recently learnt that the "mule deer" is also called the "Burro Deer" (...donkey???? deer).

Did anybody know that?

2011

comments

January 2011 brought us some real COLD weather. The temps have been as low as -39F for quite a few days in a row and it has been snowing relentlessly. We have more snow on the ground right now than we've had for several years. Even so, some elk are still hanging around and can be seen from the ranch house. We are very busy putting up the LODGE and as of the end of January ALL the logs are in place. Now, we are going to concentrate on the roof system, so that we can close the door and turn up the heat. It's been very difficult getting this far along, but, hey, we're tough folks....

"Losers visualize the penalties of failure, Winners can ONLY see the rewards of success" . 

I don't expect this project to be completed by next fall when all my friends, the hunters, will be here, but, beginning with the 2012 year, we should be able to also serve meals on the premises and provide everybody with the ultimate HUNTING experience.  

Did you know that COLORADO has the largest ELK herd in the world? Did you know that Moffat County has more elk than any other County in Colorado?

......and, did you know that Colorado is the only State where you can buy an over-the-counter bull elk license?

2010

comments:

Well, it's the middle of January and it's cold; there is a lot of snow out there and even the elk are sluggish. By now, they are tired of running, tired of hunters and those who survived may be wondering why? When the temps get -20 and -30 they may feel that it would be best if they were spending the winter in a ...warmer ....freezer. Yes, the elk are here and their numbers are very good. Several thousand again. Multiple herds.

I just happened to see the "5 year Big game season Structure" that the Colorado Wildlife Commission approved on September 10, 2009 and I am very excited. They have chosen to do exactly what I have been talking about for the last 4-5 years. At least for the first couple of years, the seasons are pushed later by about a week. So, there you go. In 2010, everybody will be driving in two feet of snow, fighting the elements of nature, but, totally surrounded by elk and huge timber bucks.

Are you ready, hunters? Are you getting excited yet?

The deadline for your reservations to hunt on the

                  "Y Lazy S Ranch"

is the day before I am fully booked. So, don't hesitate to call me and book your hunts on the ranch and your stay in the cabins.

2009 comments:

January 15

What an amazing sight it is!!

As I am standing by the main entrance gate to the ranch, on County Rd 3, I gaze to the west and  see at least two to three thousand head of elk grazing on the land that they are accustomed to spend much of their time in late fall and winter as they migrate to the west towards Maybel, Elk Springs, Brown's Park where their winter feeding grounds will provide feed and shelter during the harsh winter months.

Look at this herd, I'd say around a couple of thousand head. Just, up the draw from our house.

During the past couple of years hunting elk in Moffat County, Colorado, has been disappointing to hunters, landowners, outfitters and the Division of Wildlife alike. While some of the locals (and many of the hunters) have been talking about  the lessened herds during the severe winter of 2007-2008, I have maintained my strong conviction of attributing the non-appearance of the herds to their usual migrating and grazing grounds, not to extra-ordinary losses of animals due to weather conditions, but, to the fact that the weather pattern is no longer what it used to be years ago. When, the middle of November resembles late August, it's no wonder that the elk choose to stay up high in the forest, under the cover of heavy timber and wait for later-timing to go into migrating mode...If, at all........

These specs in the snow? A whole bunch of elk. 

So, now towards the end of January, the herds of elk, ever so lazily, have decided to move. Of course, there is no hurry to rush anywhere. They, by instict alone, know that the hunting seasons are all over with; and they know where the feed is. Of course, on the          

                        "Y Lazy S Ranch"

much closer than their westward wintering grounds.

So, the elk have been here since about the middle of December and they are hanging out, basking in the sun, to the torment of the "Ranching for wildlife" hunters, who cannot hunt them due to regulations, and they would not, anyway, due to the fact that, I will not do anything to get the elk moving. I am stubbornly convinced that the elk have been hunted for just TOO LONG, and they need their much deserved rest on this refuge, and a bit because I think that ranching for wildlife is a highly unfair program to the masses of hunters, those, who want to enjoy a good hunt at a nominal cost. Those hunters find themselves highly frustrated and unsuccessful, only because CO DOW refuses to keep the game moving. So, on my turf, I enjoy seeing the "Ranching for wildlife hunters" equally frustrated and just as unsuccessful.

So, my message to the hunters who love to hunt on my ranch, is:

"Don't give up on Colorado".

Craig, Colorado is still "the Elk hunting capital of the world". The elk are here. We just need to convince the Colorado Division of Wildlife that, in order to achieve their goals in controlling the numbers of elk, they need to push all the hunting seasons later by 2 to 4 weeks. Due to the changing weather patterns we need to adjust the timing of the hunting seasoons and they need to do that NOW. They cannot afford to make that change in 2, 4 or 8 years.

Those of us, who rely on the returning visiting hunters to make our living, will certainly end up having a serious financial problem, as also will the entire State of Colorado, including the CO Division of Wildlife, having to resort to previous methods of controlling the numbers of elk by having mass executions of these majestic animals and then wasting the meat away.

Please, call us for information regarding:

availability on hunting spots, hunting fees, accommodations and full care while hunting on the

    "Y Lazy S Ranch Llc"

Aleka's cell phone              

303 884-5883

email:                         aleka@ylazysranch.com

A real nice bull elk.

 A lazy herd of elk enjoying the winter day directly behind the ranch house, on the "Y Lazy S Ranch".

Beautiful day for a hike on the "Y Lazy S Ranch", for this hunter from Oregon.

This hunter from Australia enjoyed hunting with his father on the "Y Lazy S Ranch". 

The hunter from North Carolina stalking his game. 

Mike from North Carolina. Happy with a nice buck

 Two of the many babies I raised.

 A Californian smiles. He's happy with his buck. I believe though, that his wife's buck was bigger.

 Another young bull elk.

 A very nice symetrical pronghorn buck.

 A young bull taken by this Colorado man.

 A real nice pronghorn buck.

 This doctor from California got a real trophy.

Erich, from California, with a real heavy mulley.

A hunter from Australia harvested this beautiful buck.

 A young man's first buck. With his Dad and sister.

BELOW 

FOR YOUR

CONVENIENCE

 AND

INFORMATION

 AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

COSTS AND CONTACTS

FOR LICENSING 

RANCH

TRESPASS

 FEES,

(COST OF 

hunting including

 ACCOMMODATIONS, always upon availability),

 INFORMATION

ON

AVAILABILITY

OF LANDONWER

OTHER SERVICES

Please, check with COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE TO VERIFY DATES FOR ALL SEASONS FOR  

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK , MULE DEER, PRONGHORN ANTELOPE 

www.cpw.state.co.us

Note:

All Mule Deer licenses are by draw ONLY. 

All Pronghorn Licenses are by draw ONLY.

Second and Third Season Elk licenses can be purchased  over the counter.  

The hunter is ALWAYS responsible for applying for his own license. We can help you out with information about licensing, although we will never be responsible for abtaining a license for you.

 We are in unit 301

We will have some landowner vouchers available.

 For license information, please, contact:

COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE

6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216

800 244-5613 or 303 297-1192

www.cpw.state.co.us

Some other useful websites:

www.craig-chamber.com

www.craigdailypress.com

www.craigcolorado.com

www.northwestcolorado.com

www.museumnwco.org

THE “Y LAZY S Ranch”

has 6,500 acres ALL private land solely owned by your hostess Alexandra (Aleka) Butler,

in GMU 301,

plus 40 acres in GMU 4,

    adjacent to Routt National Forest.                                                                                              

THE RANCH TRESPASS  FEES  WILL  BE AS FOLLOWS, beginning January 1, 2022:   

Pronghorn Buck             $ 2,000 

ARCHERY OR RIFLE

4 day hunt/ 5 night accommodations

upon availability

Doe  Antelope                       $    500

ARCHERY OR RIFLE

No accommodations for DOE hunting

Mule Deer  

ARCHERY ONLY

4 day hunt / 5 night accommodations upon availability                           $ 2,500

ELK                                        $ 3,500

ARCHERY OR FIRST SEASON RIFLE

 ---------------------------------------

Cow ELK                               $ 2,000

OFF the regular Seasons (DECEMBER)

 4 day hunt / 5 night accommodations upon availability                      

 (For additional night accommodations , please, make the necessary arrangements with the management) 

CALL FOR AVAILABILITY OF landowner’s vouchers FOR ANTELOPE ONLY

Housing accommodations (in our GORGEOUS LOG CABINS,

THE CHAPMAN CABIN OR THE UPSTAIRS OF THE RANCH HOUSE) for a maximum of five, six or nine nights (depending on the season),

upon availability. 

CAMPING anywhere on the property    $250.00, per campsite (no use of bathrooms), any number of hunters.

If there are NO available accommodations, hunters may stay in town at their own cost or take advantage of our CAMPING spaces available WITH FULL & UNLIMITED USE OF HOT SHOWERS & BATHROOMS  AT THE HEADQUARTERS', 

NON-HUNTING

companion fees:

five-night         $500.00

Other services available on a per day or per hour basis.

ASK US.

 CONTRIBUTION:

The man has been seen alone in the wilderness, on ridges, in valleys and in between.

He has been drinking from the cold mountain streams.

He spends his nights in his tent, with rifle on his side.

He rises prior to first light.

With rifle in hand and knife on his side, he blends in with the mountains, as he leans into a giant evergreen or as he sets on a massive green brown moss covered boulder.

With mud on his boots, burrs on his pants, and sweat on his brow he never-never ever loses sight of why he is HERE for.

ELK is in his dreams.

Herds of them, he has seen.

He searches endlessly.

His thirst insatiable, until his gun's pin is set and his gun's barrell smokes. 

(Contributed by Dr. Paul Roemer, below)