THE RANCH

50,600 Acres of Colorado's Most Pristine elk habitat

Bar none, the Banded Peak Ranches are some of southwestern Colorado's most pristine ranches. The ranches are managed for landscape-scale ecological sustainability with the health and viability of our elk and deer populations of utmost importance. Banded Peak Ranches consist of three equally sized smaller ranches: Banded Peak Ranch, Catspaw Ranch, and Navajo River Headwaters Ranch. The ranches are collectively known as the Banded Peak Ranches. Historically, the isolated ranches were used for homesteading, cattle ranching, timber sales, and oil production. For the last two decades, the Banded Peak Ranches' 50,600 acres have been managed for improved wildlife habitat and optimal ecological health.

From River Headwaters to Mountain Peaks: Complete Habitat Diversity

The ranch encompasses the headwaters region of the Navajo River and boasts some of the finest habitat in the West for elk, mule deer and a variety of other species. All three ranches are available to hunt and provide undeniable adventure. Colorado’s last known grizzly bear was found in this valley. The ranch spans from oak groves, ponderosa forests, and meadows at 8,000 feet, through thousands of acres of aspen, to deep dark timber in the high country, topping out at over 12,500 feet. The ranch holds an abundance of water in springs, ponds, creeks, and the Navajo River. The ranch is the perfect setting for an unstoppable elk and deer hunting experience.

Our Staff

Frank Simms
Outfitter

For over thirty years, Frank Simms has been a true fixture in the field of world-class commercial big game outfitting. He has hunted from northern Alaska to southern Africa, and as a third-generation New Mexican, Frank has been involved in the ranching business in New Mexico, Texas and Colorado all his life. In 1994 he founded Rio Brazos Outfitters, Inc., which is now the official operational representative for Banded Peak Ranch Outfitters. It is a true honor to have Frank on the BPRO team and his professional reputation is more than deserved.

Tim Haarmann
General Operating Manager & Camp Boss (Low Camp)

Tim Haarmann has 30 years of experience in natural resources management. He serves as the Ranch Manager of the Banded Peak Ranch and the General Operating Manager of BPRO. He has a PhD from the University of New Mexico in Biology with an emphasis in Ecosystem Ecology. Before coming to the Banded Peak Ranch, Tim worked in New Mexico as Ranch Manager on the 89,000 acre Valles Caldera National Preserve and at Los Alamos National Laboratory and was responsible for projects in natural resources management and planning, wildlife management, and forest/fire management. Tim coordinates all aspects of the hunts and is meticulous about providing our clients with an uncompromising hunt.

Randy Slaughter
Hunt General Manager

Randy has been a professional hunting guide for 17 years and is well known throughout these parts. Randy serves as the Hunt General Manager for all three ranches. Randy and his team "the wolf pack" of guides are dedicated to seeing that your hunt on our ranches is as memorable as possible. Randy strives to do everything within his power to ensure you have the quintessential high-country adventure.

Seth Schaner
Camp Boss (Upper Camp)

Seth has been working on the ranches for almost a decade. Over the years, he has developed a broad knowledge of the upper ranches and has a true passion for the land. His on-the-ground experience as both the Ranch Manager of Catspaw Ranch and hunting guide makes him the ideal Camp Boss. Seth works closely with BPRO leadership to provide a once-in-a-lifetime hunting experience in one of the wildest corners of the Rockies.