Stories from our hunters

I have hunted with a few different outfitters before, but Dry Creek Outfitters were amazing.  They had good communication which was helpful as I was coming from out of town. But the best part was they were prepared for my hunt.  They had plan A,B, C and D if needed.  They knew where the animals were and planned for how to intercept them.  I did a turkey hunt and Kolten did an amazing job calling in a big Tom.  While I know hunting often takes days to get a harvest, we were blessed to harvest on my first day.  Kolten and Trayton were both salt of the earth guys. I can't wait to come back for my next hunt with them.

Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters provided us with a trip of a lifetime. My wife and I spent our honeymoon together in the mountains of Colorado during the first rifle hunt of the 2024 elk season. From the second we arrived in Colorado Kolten and his team greeted us with southern hospitality and immediately began to provide us with exceptional care. We rode in horse back 13 miles (roughly 8 hours) and arrived at a pre-set camp site that included a canvas tent with cots, a wood burning stove, and fire pit with chairs outside. Our guide, Macray, was unmatched. He was patient, personable, knowledgeable, incredibly skilled, and hard working. Due to Macray’s knowledge of the area and wildlife my wife was able to fill her bull elk tag on the first morning of the rifle season and I filled mine on the 3rd morning. Macray ensured that my wife and I had everything we needed at all times and kept us informed on the decisions he made regarding our hunt. This hunt was physically challenging, as the terrain was incredibly tough but having the assistance of a guide, the horses, and the additional supplies provided by the outfitters we had the perfect combination of a public land hunt with an outfitter. We built friendships that will last a lifetime and made memories that we will never forget, we will be lifetime customers of Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters.

I was looking to finish my slam with only two weeks left in the season and happened to come across these guys. I called Trayton, and he said, "Come on out." I'm sure glad I did.

We got it done! What an amazing experience it was. Kolten and his team are absolutely top-tier. I can't say enough good things about them. From their relentless scouting and dedication to keeping their clients in the game, to being a super friendly, down-to-earth group of professional guides, they exceeded every expectation.

Their hard work, knowledge, and commitment to providing a great experience really show. If you're looking for a quality hunt in Colorado with people who genuinely care about their clients' success, Give Dry Creek a call.

I can guarantee you'll leave booking another hunt with Dry Creek Ranch in the future!

I want to send my thanks and gratitude for a great 2024 Elk hunting experience in Colorado hosted by Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters. I had the privilege spending an entire week with my son, Colton, in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Our guide, Dakota, was outstanding, he was professional, timely, knowledgeable, and experienced. We had an unbelievable week of hunting where we got to see many species/wildlife. We got to see Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, Big Horn Sheep, and Grouse. This trip was one to remember and I thank Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters for making it happen.

Thank You!

This past week I  had the pleasure of hunting the Merriam wild turkey with Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters in Westcliff CO.  I want to express my gratitude to the entire team , especially my guide Trayton Nelson, for a hunt of a lifetime. All the guides were top-tier and due to their knowledge I was set up for success day one.

Trayton, though only 22 years old, was a fantastic guide that really knew the area well and was wise beyond his years when it comes to calling. He was patient and knew the late season tactics required to harvest a gobbler. He put us in the perfect position
To be successful and we were the first morning. We harvested a beautiful mature Merriam around 9:20 am.

I would highly recommend them to anyone, experienced or novice. I will definitely be going back next year.

  Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters owned by Kolten Johnson is the real deal if your looking for a guided hunt.  Kolten has quite the crew of guides and ‘eyes everywhere’ to find whatever your hunting?  

We being old ‘boomers’  opted for Cow hunts on a private ranch(s) around the Greenhorn mountain area.  We pulled ‘Damage’ tags and Kolten was pretty confident we would find both small and large herds!  The first pre-dawn look, Kolten spotted a lone Cow and the chase began.  This guy could run a marathon fully geared up and was not easy to follow!  I finally had the Cow in sight but lost her because I was not focused inright!  So we followed her and saw a small herd (6-7) about 250 yards away.  By the time I got set, they were moving through the juniper trees and I decided not to take the shot.

Next two days were spent glassing for herds with no avail. Meantime down on the private lands,  Charlie found fresh tracks when we went down a plateau to a large open area and walked the tree line.  Charlie decided these two Elk were heading to a bedding area and would catchup with their herd next day.  

The forth day (early AM) we were back at the same area with Dakota when he got a call that a LARGE herd was near our base camp.  We high tailed it over and met Kolten who literally jumped into action as we snuck up on a herd of 30 or more about 300 yards away! Both myself and my hunt buddy were total out of breath as we arrived at a fence and Kolten said to take aim and SHOOT!  George took the first shot and dropped a large Cow.  I took a shot after and hit one in the neck?  She took off but dropped after a short distance.  The herd took off but stopped maybe 1000 yards away along another fence line.  They remained there as we walked up and inspected our kills.

I have to give Kolten credit for these kills, he knows where the Elk are and how to approach them and he’s FAST so the only way your not going to get a shot is if you can’t keep up!  There was another 2nd season group of two that got their Mule Deer tags filled the same way but with other guides.

Can’t say enough for Kolten and his crew.  They want you to fill your tag but without ‘killing’ yourself in the process!  I would recommend ‘Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters’ to anyone serious about taking home some MEAT!

Kolten,

   Thank you for the hospitality last week in CO. I've hunted with a lot of outfitters over the years, I can confidently say that my time with Matt last week was the best experience I've ever had working with a guide. Not because we killed, but because of how we collaborated and worked together. Matt is a knowledgeable, hard-working killer, but also someone who knows how to make you feel welcomed and comfortable with his engaging personality. After the 1st hour on the first day, I knew we were going to have a good time no matter our luck. Even with our bad luck on weather and other circumstances, Matt never lost his positive attitude and faith we were going to get it done. Sure enough, our last morning was a textbook turkey hunt and a core memory I will not forget. 

Outside of the hunt with Matt, I really enjoyed spending time with you, Trayton, Chris. and Kolby. You guys didn't have to cook steaks for Coleman and I but we loved hanging with yall and cutting up a bit. I hope we can stay close and figure out a time to chase some bigger critters in the future. 

I just got back from the most incredible turkey hunt at Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters, and I can't recommend them highly enough! This was hands-down one of the most fun hunting experiences I've ever had. From the moment I arrived, everything was top-notch, and the entire trip was filled with excitement, laughs, and unforgettable moments in the field.

The turkey hunt itself was an absolute blast! We had birds gobbling all around us, and the action was nonstop. It was pure adrenaline and pure joy. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just looking for a great time, this is the place to be.

What really sets Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters apart is how hard their guides work to make every experience fun and successful. These guys pour their hearts into it, scouting tirelessly, setting up perfect sits, and adjusting on the fly to give you the best possible hunt. They're true professionals who genuinely care about their clients having an amazing time.

My guide, Matt, was outstanding—an absolute expert in the woods and incredibly fun to hunt with. He knew exactly where the turkeys would be, shared fantastic stories and tips throughout the day, and kept the energy high even during the quiet moments. Hunting with Matt felt less like a guided trip and more like spending the day with a great friend who happens to be a turkey-hunting wizard. Thanks to his knowledge and enthusiasm, I had one of the most enjoyable hunts of my life.

If you're thinking about booking a hunt, stop thinking and just do it. Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters delivers an unbeatable combination of great hunting, top-tier service, and good old-fashioned fun.

Thank you, Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters, and especially Matt—you guys made this trip one for the books!

Hunting with Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters was a great experience! The guides went out of their way to put us in good opportunities to have a successful hunt. Trayton and Kolton were great! They arranged for transportation from where I was staying and communicated about what to expect for each days hunt. They were very personable and it felt like I was hunting with friends! I would highly recommend this outfitter!

 I recently had the opportunity to hunt Merriam's turkeys in Colorado with Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters, and it exceeded every expectation I had.

From the moment I booked the trip, Kolten was extremely responsive, professional, and helpful. He took the time to answer all my questions before the hunt and made sure I felt prepared before arriving. Once in camp, it was clear that Kolten is passionate about what he does and works hard to give hunters the best experience possible.

What made this hunt even more impressive was that it took place late in the season under some very challenging weather conditions. The birds had been pressured, the weather was unpredictable, and conditions were far from ideal. Despite those obstacles, Kolten's knowledge, persistence, and determination never wavered. He adapted to the conditions, stayed positive, and continued to put us in the best possible positions to find success.

The conditions were tough enough that I ended up extending my trip in order to tag out. Even with the extra days required, Kolten stayed committed and worked just as hard on the last day as he did on the first. That level of dedication says a lot about both the outfitter and the person behind it. He never gave up, continued adjusting the game plan, and ultimately helped make the hunt a success.

I also want to recognize Kolten's outstanding guides—Matt Trayton, Chris, and Kolby. These guys were absolutely incredible to hunt with. They worked hard every day, stayed positive through difficult conditions, and genuinely cared about making sure everyone had a great experience. Beyond their skills as guides, they were simply great people. We shared a lot of laughs, great conversations, and special moments in the mountains that I'll remember for the rest of my life. The camaraderie and friendships that developed during the hunt were just as meaningful as harvesting a bird.

Colorado Merriam's turkey hunting is an incredible experience, and Kolten knew exactly where to be, when to be there, and how to work the terrain and birds. His calling was outstanding, and watching a mature Merriam's tom come strutting into range is a memory I'll never forget.

What impressed me most was how hard everyone at Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters worked throughout the hunt. They weren't just trying to get me a bird—they genuinely cared about making sure I had an unforgettable experience. Their knowledge of the area, attention to detail, and commitment to their hunters were evident every day.

Beyond the hunting itself, the scenery was breathtaking. The mountains, wildlife, and overall atmosphere made this a true western hunting adventure. The hospitality and overall organization of the trip were top-notch.

If you're considering a Merriam's turkey hunt in Colorado, I highly recommend Dry Creek Ranch Outfitters. Whether you're an experienced turkey hunter or chasing your first Merriam's, Kolten and his team will work tirelessly to give you the best opportunity for success. Even during a difficult late-season hunt with tough weather conditions, they remained dedicated, adaptable, and determined to help me fill my tag.

What started as a guided hunt ended up becoming much more than that. I arrived as a client, but I left feeling like a friend. The memories, friendships, and experiences from this trip will stay with me forever, and I can't wait to get back out there this fall with Kolten and his team again.