Why Private Land Hunting in Colorado Just Makes Sense
Is your typical waterfowl hunt a cold, muddy battle for elbow room against a dozen other camo-clad competitors?
If so, you’re experiencing the “traditional” public land grit. While we respect the hardiness of that approach, let’s be honest: you work too hard to spend your precious time off shivering in a leaky, over-pressured spot, crossing your fingers that a few birds might notice your distant decoys.
At Big Thompson Outfitters (BTO), we operate differently. We’re not just a guide service; we’re your premier outfitter, providing exclusive access to prime Colorado hunts right here in Northern Colorado. We combine the thrill of a successful hunt with genuine, uncompromising comfort.
We’re here to give you the real breakdown of public vs. private land hunting and show you why our approach is the ultimate upgrade to your outdoor life.
The Cold Truth: Why The Public Land Grind Is Getting Old
Public lands are the great equalizer—accessible to everyone—but that inclusivity comes with a cost: pressure.
The Public Land Reality Check
Crowd Control is Non-Existent: You spend more time worrying about the guy with the loud dog setting up 50 yards downwind than you do enjoying the sunrise. This intense competition means the birds are constantly flared, educated, and flying high, making close-range shooting a rare event.
Feast or Famine: Game is constantly harassed and patterns are unpredictable. Your success relies more on luck and how early you can beat the traffic than on smart management. Public land conditions, often lacking consistent food or water management, rarely hold birds for long, forcing you into constant, exhaustive searching.
The DIY Hassle: Weeks of scouting, setting up heavy decoys, hauling blinds, and tearing it all down, only to watch a handful of birds fly high and wide. That’s a lot of work for a low return. You invest hundreds of hours and thousands in gear, only to compete for scraps. It’s a hobby, yes, but it shouldn’t feel like a second full-time job with mandatory freezing shifts.
The Clear Advantage of Private Land Hunting in Colorado
This is the key update: When you book with Big Thompson Outfitters, you invest in two things: success and sanity. We eliminate the “hassle” and replace it with a controlled, high-quality experience.
1. Guaranteed Exclusivity, Zero Competition
Our Colorado hunting leases are secured and managed specifically for hunting quality.
You Own the Day: When you book with BTO, your group is the only group hunting that specific, prime property. There are no rival parties, no random public access, and no need to hide your vehicle miles from the action. This solitude allows you and your guests to focus purely on the hunt, the camaraderie, and the stunning Northern Colorado environment.
Confident Game Patterns: Reduced pressure means the wildlife on our private lands establish consistent feeding and resting patterns. They feel safe, they stay put, and our guides know exactly where they are. Our dedicated scouting, performed 7 days a week, ensures we are placing you in the most active flyways and feeding zones, drastically increasing your odds of a successful and memorable day.
2. Superior Comfort: We Don’t Hunt Dirt Pits
This is the BTO motto for a reason. We’ve all been in a leaky, hole-in-the-ground blind. That’s why we raised the bar—significantly.
We Don’t Hunt Dirt Pits: Our custom-built, exclusive luxury blinds (like “The Train Station” or “The Airport”) are heated and furnished. We’re talking about a cozy space that keeps you warm, not just shielded from the wind. These structures provide a level of comfort and safety that is unmatched in the region, ensuring every member of your group, regardless of experience level, has a pleasant and successful day.
All-Day Service: While you’re focused on the sky, our guides are focused on you. Expect a hot, custom-made breakfast, warm coffee, and snacks delivered right to the blind. Some of our blinds even feature TVs and cooking surfaces! It’s the kind of comfort that makes the 4 AM wake-up call feel less like a chore and more like the start of a five-star adventure. We ensure your hands stay warm and your focus stays sharp.
Ready to ditch the dirt? Your ultimate waterfowl hunt starts here. Book your hunt online with us today at bigthompsonoutfitters.com.
The Luxury Waterfowl Comparison: Private Land vs. Public Land Amenities
To truly understand the value of our specialized Colorado hunting leases, look at what your goose hunting package actually includes. The difference is night and day—or rather, a warm blind versus a damp ditch.
| Feature | The Big Thompson Outfitters Experience (Private Land) | The Typical Public Land Hunt |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting Location | Professionally managed, exclusive private leases with zero pressure. | Unmanaged, high-traffic state or federal land with intense competition. |
| Shelter | Luxury Blinds (like The Train Station), fully heated, weather-proof, and spacious. | Makeshift camo nets, leaky dugouts, or shivering in the open. |
| Food & Drink | Hot breakfast served in the blind, coffee, and gourmet snacks. | Frozen granola bars and lukewarm thermos coffee. |
| Scouting | Dedicated guides scouting properties for current game patterns. | Relying on old maps, Google Earth, and guesswork. |
| Post-Hunt | Private Johnstown Lake Retreat, hot showers, gourmet dinner, and a stocked bar available with specific packages. | Driving home exhausted, covered in mud, and eating fast food. |
When you choose BTO, you’re not just paying for land access; you’re paying for a fully managed, premium experience. You arrive, you hunt successfully, and you relax. That’s the unique Hunting & Fishing with Five-Star Amenities promise, ensuring that your time off is truly time off.
More Than A Hunt: The All-Inclusive Retreat Angle
For the sophisticated sportsman, a trip isn’t just about bagging the limit; it’s about the entire experience. This is where Big Thompson Outfitters truly differentiates itself from the competition.
The BTO All-Inclusive Advantage
Booking one of our packages is like reserving a private, outdoor-themed resort where everything is handled for you. Our customizable Special Event Packages turn a guided trip into a true high-end destination retreat:
Five-Star Lodging: Stay at our fully-furnished, private Johnstown Lake Retreat. It’s a comfortable home base perfect for unwinding after a long day in the field or on the water. It offers ample space for groups and corporate teams, complete with stunning views of the Front Range.
Beyond the Field Entertainment: We cater to your downtime with features you simply won’t find anywhere else: a True Golf Simulator, Practice shooting, and private Casino Night with a professional dealer if requested. We believe in providing action-packed entertainment long after the last shots are fired, making us an ideal choice for team building and client entertainment.
Ultimate Relaxation & Wellness: Traveling hard or celebrating big? We offer optional packages that allow you to enjoy the outdoors without fighting the crowds. We make sure you feel as good as you shoot! This focus on recovery is a unique offering, particularly appealing to corporate groups looking to maximize their time away.
Seamless Group Events: Planning a corporate incentive trip or a memorable bachelor or bachelorette party? We organize the entire itinerary, from guided duck hunts Colorado to brewery tours, making us a top choice for party planners looking for a unique, high-end escape. We handle all the logistics so your group can focus on making memories.
Check out Special Event Packages at bigthompsonoutfitters.com/special-events.
The Takeaway on Value
When weighing the costs, remember that a DIY public hunt requires huge investments in time (scouting, setting up), gear (decoys, blind material, heaters), and most of all, risk (low success rate).
When you book your Colorado hunting lease through Big Thompson Outfitters, you eliminate those risks. You pay for guaranteed access to prime, managed land, all the premium gear, expert scouting, and luxury amenities. Your only job is to show up, focus, and enjoy the result of our hard work.
This makes our private, all-inclusive options a more cost-effective and certainly more successful use of your valuable time off.
Don’t settle for the cold, crowded reality of public land. Upgrade your adventure to a comfortable, high-success, all-inclusive luxury retreat because “we don’t hunt dirt pits”.
It’s time to elevate your hunt.
📞 Call Big Thompson Outfitters at 970-420-5137 today or 💻 Book with us online at bigthompsonoutfitters.com
