Rocky Mountain Ranches, Ltd., Joe Monchelli

Specializing in trespass fee hunts, Joe Monchelli’s operation offers hunters exclusive access to a variety of private properties ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 acres, effectively eliminating the overcrowding often found on public lands. These ranches are managed specifically for wildlife habitat, providing a low-pressure environment for Elk, Mule Deer, and Pronghorn Antelope. Because the properties are located within 4-point or better game management units, hunters have a significantly higher chance of encountering mature, trophy-class bulls.

The outfitter categorizes its properties into “High Country” and “Moderate” ranches to accommodate different physical abilities and terrain preferences. High Country ranches reach elevations of 9,000 feet and feature classic “wilderness” terrain—dark timber, aspen glades, and alpine meadows—while Moderate ranches top out at 8,000 feet with rolling oak brush and sage, providing high success rates with less strenuous hiking. A key benefit of hunting with Rocky Mountain Ranches is their vehicle access policy; while interior travel is restricted to keep elk calm, hunters are permitted to use trucks or ATVs on main ranch roads for game recovery, making the logistical challenge of harvesting a 700-pound animal much more manageable than in a typical wilderness setting.

For those seeking a more traditional guided experience, the operation also offers a limited number of Ranching for Wildlife (RFW) hunts. These highly sought-after permits allow for 100% success in obtaining tags (no draw required) and offer extended seasons that often coincide with the peak of the elk rut. Whether you are a solo archer looking for a quiet high-desert mule deer hunt or a group of rifle hunters targeting the famous White River elk herd, Joe Monchelli’s “DIY-plus” approach provides the maps, the insight, and the private acreage necessary for a professional-grade backcountry adventure at a fraction of the cost of a fully guided trip.