Ranching for Wildlife
For many years the Murphy family only hunted during the three scheduled regular seasons. They always did well, however, the hunts were larger and significant pressure was put on the property in fast succession.
This always bothered Lawrence. He preferred smaller groups, allowing the property to rest between hunts. This is especially important on his deer hunting property. He really preferred to limit human contact, and worked hard improving habitat, controlling weeds, and keeping adequate water flowing.
When Colorado started the “Ranching for Wildlife” program, he felt he could take smaller groups and spread out the hunts. Since changing to this program, the hunts have only gotten better.
There are more advantages to the Ranching for Wildlife program. The ranch gets vouchers for deer, elk and antelope. Hunters don’t have to draw licenses, and can redeem these vouchers when purchasing a license.
In addition Murphy Ranch hunters start hunting in early September and continue into the first week of November. Stretching out the hunt allows them to take advantage of better weather, hunting during the elk rut, and being in the right place at the right time after the first regular “elk only” season. The strategic location of the Murphy Ranch catches a large amount of elk leaving the national forest after the first regular rifle season.
Big Game hunting is not always a sure bet. Mother Nature, weather, fire and all sorts of unforeseen things can toss us a curve ball, but all things considered the Murphy Ranch is a great place to hunt.
This always bothered Lawrence. He preferred smaller groups, allowing the property to rest between hunts. This is especially important on his deer hunting property. He really preferred to limit human contact, and worked hard improving habitat, controlling weeds, and keeping adequate water flowing.
When Colorado started the “Ranching for Wildlife” program, he felt he could take smaller groups and spread out the hunts. Since changing to this program, the hunts have only gotten better.
There are more advantages to the Ranching for Wildlife program. The ranch gets vouchers for deer, elk and antelope. Hunters don’t have to draw licenses, and can redeem these vouchers when purchasing a license.
In addition Murphy Ranch hunters start hunting in early September and continue into the first week of November. Stretching out the hunt allows them to take advantage of better weather, hunting during the elk rut, and being in the right place at the right time after the first regular “elk only” season. The strategic location of the Murphy Ranch catches a large amount of elk leaving the national forest after the first regular rifle season.
Big Game hunting is not always a sure bet. Mother Nature, weather, fire and all sorts of unforeseen things can toss us a curve ball, but all things considered the Murphy Ranch is a great place to hunt.