Mountaineer Outfitters, LLC, Cassie and Greg Moats

Mountaineer Outfitters is a specialized, low-volume operation based in Western Colorado, primarily serving hunters in the wintering range of the state’s largest elk herds. They operate in a unique and rugged landscape that spans from pinyon-juniper woodlands at 4,300 feet to high-alpine spruce and aspen forests reaching nearly 9,000 feet. The outfitter is particularly well-known for providing access to Game Management Unit 30, an area where they offer specialized drop camps for trophy mule deer during the rifle seasons.

The operation focuses on high-quality, personalized service, intentionally limiting their fully guided hunts to just 18 hunters per year to ensure an uncrowded and memorable camp atmosphere. Their primary offerings include:

• Fully Guided Elk & Mule Deer Hunts: 5-day all-inclusive trips that feature 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 guiding, comfortable camp accommodations, and hearty meals.
• Mountain Lion Hunts: A family tradition for the Moats, these hunts utilize their own line of bred and trained hounds to track cougars across the San Juan Mountains and Uncompahgre Plateau.
• DIY Drop Camps: Targeted toward self-sufficient hunters, these camps are located in either high-mountain or high-desert environments and include logistical support for game retrieval.

A hallmark of the Mountaineer Outfitters experience is their emphasis on physical preparation; they rank the ruggedness of their hunting territory at a 20/185, warning clients to expect steep, rocky terrain and significant time on foot. Despite the physical demands, the Moats are praised for their hospitality, often turning clients into lifelong friends through shared time around the campfire. Whether you are a bowhunter looking to call in a bull during the rut or a rifle hunter pursuing a 6×6 bull in the late seasons, Cassie and Greg provide a professional, family-oriented service rooted in decades of cross-country hunting experience.