Cherokee T.P. Outfitters LLC, Tammy Merklien

Cherokee T.P. Outfitters specializes in providing “off-grid” wilderness experiences in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest and the San Juan Wilderness. Operating with a basecamp at 9,500 feet in Jasper, Colorado, the outfit holds exclusive permits to guide in Game Management Units 80 and 81. This region is characterized by spectacular views and rugged, high-alpine terrain that demands a “hunt hard” mentality, though Tammy and her team are known for tailoring expeditions to the physical abilities of their clients.

The operation offers a tiered selection of hunting packages for Elk, Mule Deer, and Black Bear, designed to accommodate different levels of support:

• Fully Guided Hunts: These all-inclusive five-day trips feature 2-on-1 guiding, lodging, and hot home-cooked meals. Guides typically transport hunters by vehicle to various trailheads before continuing on foot or occasionally by horseback to reach active game areas.
• Semi-Guided Hunts: Designed for the more independent hunter, this “upgrade for DIY hunters” includes lodging and meals at the Jasper basecamp along with professional advice on scouting and daily hunt locations, but without a guide in the field.
• Wilderness Drop Camps: For those seeking total immersion, the outfitter provides both horseback pack-in and 4-wheeler accessible drop camps. These camps include essential camp setups like wood-heated tents and initial supplies, with the outfitter handling the heavy lifting of packing in gear and packing out harvested game.

Beyond the fall big game seasons, the outfit offers wilderness camping and fishing trips from May through September, allowing families and groups to explore the Rio Grande forest during its most temperate months. Whether you are navigating the steep timber of Unit 80 in pursuit of a bull or enjoying a quiet summer fishing trip, Tammy Merklein and her team provide a professional service rooted in 35 years of local expertise and a deep respect for the Southern Colorado wilderness.