I got a invite from Aaron Neilson to come out and check out the operation that him and Sean Sanders' run. My trip was scheduled to happen during there rifle season and Aaron wanted me to join him during a hunt, for me to get a better understanding of the operation. The first morning we went out I was speechless with the quality and density of animals on his lease, Some of the deer I had seen were the kind of deer I dream about all my life and soon found out these deer were not big enough, and this was during a drought year when antlers were expected to be down 7-12%. The type of deer they look for are 5 1/2 years or older and would score in the 170's or better (you do the math and fiqure out what a normal year would be). During my 3 days there I got to see lots of the property and quality animals, but we were looking for a big mature deer. On my last morning there we saw a deer that would fit the bill. Aaron made a great plan and everything worked out perfectly and the hunter was able to get a shot off at 110 yards dropping the brute where he stood. I was truly impressed with the whole operation from food and lodging to the intense management of the deer population (even the landowners care about the management of the deer) Aaron and Sean have done a great job over the last 12 years turning these properties into a deer haven. I knew then where I would go to get my big Mule deer (as soon as I draw a tag), they have taken many Mule deer above 200 inches and that is one of my dream animals, then there are there whitetail which one could expect deer in the 180's. I am attaching pictures of some of the deer taken during the time I was there including Aaron's management 8 point. I'm glad I got the chance to visit and I paid attention and learned lots from Aaron that I can use to make myself a better hunter.
Thanks!


Here is the deer that was taken that I was along for.













Aaron's management buck. (nice 8)

Brian - Thanks for posting, we really appreciate it! It was nice having you out with us, and thanks for the help too.

See ya next year!

Awesome deer! Aaron finds some big deer out there in Eastern Colorado.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Brian - Thanks for posting, we really appreciate it! It was nice having you out with us, and thanks for the help too.

See ya next year!

Thanks Aaron, Talk to you soon.

I have had the pleasure of hunting with Sean and Aaron 3 times now muzzle loader, archery, and rifle and have had success each time. They do have quality animals and are a real pleasure to hunt with. I am headed back again in Dec. for another archery hunt with them and can't wait.

Nice deer. Those guys run a great operation. I hunted with them last year and stay in touch regularly with them. Big deer, good people, and fun hunt. I killed a "dink" with Patrick last year. Ha. I had a blast and great hunt with a good friend and we got to share the deer and experience. I hope to get back out with them soon.

Lee

Hey Guys,
Not sure who this should be addressed to, But when is rifle season, and are there landowner tags to be bought, or is it only by the drawings.
Please let me know. This could be a very interesting trip if the dates work.
Thanks,
W.

Archery season starts October 1, muzzleloader season is normally the second week of October and there are two rifle seasons. First rifle season runs the last week of October through the first few days of November. The second rifle season opens December 1st and runs 2 weeks.

Landowner tags are transferable but they have to draw the tags as well. Easiest way to come is to draw the tag yourself. I'm sure Aaron will elaborate more but I know he is hunting. I'm just sitting in the waiting room of my dentists office hoping that a root canal is in my near future.