Sawbuck Outfitters LLC, Joe Cisler

Sawbuck Outfitters provides a quintessentially rugged Colorado experience, specializing in wilderness horseback adventures and big game hunts within the Gunnison National Forest. Based out of Crawford, Joe Cisler’s team operates primarily in Game Management Units 53 and 521, focusing on the pristine and remote landscapes of the Raggeds Wilderness and the West Elk Wilderness. These areas are renowned for their steep, timbered ridges and high-alpine basins, providing world-class habitat for Elk and Mule Deer.

The hunting program at Sawbuck is centered on the horseback drop camp, a service designed for self-sufficient hunters who want to be packed deep into the backcountry where motorized vehicles cannot reach. These 7-to-8-day expeditions include a professional pack-in and pack-out service, a fully outfitted camp with wall tents, and the packing of harvested game. By utilizing traditional horse-and-mule strings, the outfitter allows hunters to bypass the crowded trailhead areas and set up camp in the heart of “elk country,” significantly increasing the chances of a successful harvest during archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons.

When the fall seasons conclude, Sawbuck Outfitters transitions into a premier summer destination for wilderness recreation. They offer a wide array of non-hunting services, including half-day and full-day trail rides near Crested Butte, as well as multi-day overnight pack trips that include meals and backcountry lodging. For those seeking more solitude without a guide, they provide “Hikers Hideaway” and “Horseman’s Hideaway” overnight wilderness camps, where they pack in a group’s gear so guests can enjoy a remote basecamp experience with minimal heavy lifting. This versatility, combined with Joe’s decades of local knowledge, makes Sawbuck Outfitters a cornerstone for those looking to explore the most untamed corners of the Colorado Rockies.