Important Information About Our Hunting Activities

All cabins are located on private property owned by the Massey family. Cabins are clean and rodent free. Pictures of the cabins are located in the gallery. They sleep 6 to 8, you provide your own bedding. They are equipped with water for dishes, pots and pans, dishes and trash containers. Storage for pantry items. There are outside tables and outhouses. Mr Buddy Heaters or wood stove if you prefer. You will have to provide wood and/or propane. You will also need to bring your own water. You will be able to lock the door.

Information about pack in’s and game retrieval

Elevation: 7,000 to 8,900

Country: North End of Unit 61 (Mesa County)

Oakbrush and Aspen groves with some black timber. Some steep country - most hunted from top down. Not as steep as in southern part of unit. If you have trouble with hiking/walking, we can adapt to your abilities.

How we hunt: Pre-scouted, spot and stalk, usually less than 1 hour to location of hunt and 1 guide per 1 hunter. Leave camp early in vehicles or UTV's, usually stay out all day. Expect to walk 3 to 5 miles a day.

After 18 years of applying for an elk tag in the northwest corner of Colorado, I realized that I was not going to get that tag at an age that I could really enjoy it, so I started researching alternatives in Colorado for 2012.  I settled on Unit 61 and after talking to several guides, settled on Austin to help me with the long anticipated hunt.  The deciding factor was his willingness to adapt the hunt to my preferences and specifically his recommendation that I come out early if possible to do some pre-season scouting with him so I could get to know the country and have a good idea of the size of animals available.  The Massey family has run cattle in the area for five generations and Austin knew the country in amazing detail.  After looking at a number of bulls in the three days before season, I shot a nice 6 point opening day on a great hunt; we got to watch the bull and size him up for at least 15 minutes before deciding to pull the trigger.

Austin has assembled a great group of people to help his hunters and we thoroughly enjoyed the hunt.  Unit 61 has an impressive diversity of habitat from sage/brushy hillsides to oak patches, aspen stands, and dark timbered canyons, with elk in all of it.  The difficulty of the hunt can be just about any level the hunter wants it to be without losing the expectation of getting a good bull.  It is awesome elk country.

I guess the best recommendation I can give is that my hunting partner who accompanied me on my hunt as a non-hunter is planning to use his 19 points to return to hunt Unit 61 with Austin in 2013.  I think I am looking forward to the upcoming hunt more than I did my own knowing what a great hunt we will be getting.

~Jerry Bernards

In late winter 2011 I decided that it was time to seriously consider applying for a Colorado elk tag.  Having 19 preference points, I thought that I should have a good chance of drawing.  I had originally planned of trying to draw in unit 10 back in 1993 when I started building preference points.  At that time it required 8 points for a non-resident to draw.  Everyone knows how that has changed over the years.

After some researching and also talking with a couple of friends who had hunted in unit 61 during the archery season several year ago, I thought I would check out the opportunities in that unit.  An internet search supplied a couple of outfitter contacts.  E-mails to them followed and phone calls after that.  More conversations with the friends that hunted earlier in 61, confirmed my choice of unit 61.  After a phone conversation with Austin Massey and a couple of follow-up calls to references that he supplied to me, it was a simple decision for me to book a hunt with Austin and Denise.

I applied for and received a tag for the first rifle season in unit 61 for the fall of 2012.  I called Austin to let him know that I drew the tag and I really think that they were as excited about it as I was.  I had also talked to them about bringing along an “observer”, that was not a problem and they welcomed him also.

Fast forward to October 2012.  We are on our way to Colorado.  Anticipation is high but there is also a hint of anxiety, not knowing how the hunt will go.  I have been on a few other outfitted hunts, most have been good, one, not so good.  After arriving in Grand Junction and contacting Austin and Denise any concerns about the hunt were alleviated. After talking to them and their two children over pizza at the local Pizza Hut, I was sure that the hunt would be a success, elk or no elk.  I was not disappointed.

The actual hunt unfolded a couple of days later.  My guide was Nathan Utter.  Nathan had us onto elk within ten minutes of the truck.  We saw elk all day.  Lots of smaller bulls, and a couple that warranted a second look.  One good six point came close to meeting his end but Nathan thought that we could do better.  As it turned out he was right, hunting the same area the next day produced a very good bull late in the afternoon. Nathan stated that ammunition was cheap when you have a good bull in front of you and he was right.  After to many shots at to long a range the bull was down.  I was more than happy with him.

Looking back, the hunt with Austin was the best outfitted hunt that I have experienced.  The people were very helpful and easy to work with, worked hard to make sure hunt was enjoyable and on top of that, they overfed you.  Cabins were warm and dry and the area we hunted was beautiful country with plenty of elk.  If there were any one thing that I would not care to do over it would be the switchback drive up to the camp. Switchbacks are one of my phobias, and there was not much to stop a drop off the edge.  It was worth it in the long run, and if I could draw another tag I would do it again.

Anyone considering a hunt with Austin and Denise, give them a call, you won’t be disappointed.

~Jerry Hovland

Austin and Denise,

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the entire experience last November. My time at your camp was one that I'll always remember. Everything was absolutely perfect, even the weather!

I say this with sincerity, and how much it meant to return and see your Dad and Mom, brothers and their family, and get time with you and Denise.  I first mule deer hunted with your Dad (Oscar) in 1976, with what was a fantastic experience of 5 days on horseback, culminating with a buck for the wall.

Elk hunting with Oscar, you and your brothers in 2004 was another great experience, which again ended with a bull elk on the wall and great memories.  Riding Mike the horse is a memory I will never forget.  Mike was so enjoyable to ride up and down the canyons.

Hearing from your Mom and Dad, that you and Denise had started an outfitter business peaked my interest.  I just had to head back to Colorado and have the pleasure of being previously guided by your Dad and now by you.  THAT WAS SPECIAL !!!

I can attest, by years of contact with a fine family and 100% success, with deer/elk, and their heads on the wall, that there is no one that knows that area better than you.

The accommodations in your camp were first rate.  It was nice to have "all the comforts of home" upon returning from a full day of hunting. I especially want to pass out accolades to the camp cook, thank’s Denise, was delicious meals throughout the week.      At 63, I am starting to slow down, but I want to commend you Austin, for getting me out and about in style.  I never would have believed that a 6-wheeler could go where we went with ease.  Sure beats walking !!!!!  Once again, I want you to know how much I enjoyed hunting with you, and the visit to the cattle round up seeing your family at work.  You can be sure that if anyone asks me where they can have a great trophy elk hunt, I will certainly point them your way! Thanks for everything.  I will be back !!!!!!!

~Sincerely,

~Don