Question & Answer Page

What is the condition of Medicine Lodge Road?

*Great question, Medicine Lodge Road is part of the Big Sheep Creek Scenic By-way. It is maintained (graded) during the spring and again in the fall usually depending on condition. The road is usually not passable by truck all the way through to Dell from December 1^st through May, sometimes even later into May depending on snow fall. The road is not maintained for winter travel all the way through. Springtime, depending on moisture content, you will likely run into some rutty mud spots. It is a dirt road, if there is moisture, it turns into a slimy mess is some areas because of the clay. Most of the road is good. Summertime, it is pretty good other than a few washboards and potholes. Fall is the same as the spring, moisture depending, the road can be muddy, icy, drifted on pass or dry dirt. Be prepared for all weather conditions anytime of the year, this is a remote area with no cell reception. Be prepared with emergency supplies, good tires, spare tire or tires, chains, extra food and water. Be smart, be safe with your speed. Medicine Lodge Road has many blind corners and hills, sharp turns, and the conditions of the gravel road can vary and change quickly. 

Are there access roads to the forest, BLM and state lands?

*Yes, there are several public access roads, all easily accessible from the county road. Most of these roads are in very good condition. There are a few roads to the west and a few to the east side of Medicine Lodge Road. These roads can be traveled by a high clearance vehicle, ATV or UTV.

Can I use your RESTROOM/SHOWER facility if I am camping in Medicine Lodge?

*Yes, the public is welcome to use our shower facility located at the Hansen Livestock ranch headquarters (4100 Medicine Lodge Road). Shower cost is $10 per person; towels and soap are provided. You may refill drinking water supplies as well.

What kind of wildlife could we see if we drive through Medicine Lodge?

*We have abundant wildlife in Medicine Lodge. You could see elk, antelope, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, bears, all birds of prey, jack rabbits, cotton tail rabbits, mountain songbirds, sage chickens and badger. Early mornings and evenings are the ideal times of the day to see larger animals during summer heat, however, they can be viewed at any time of the day. 

Do we have bears?

*Yes, we have a very healthy black bear population, they can be seen anywhere, including on the county road or alongside it. Grizzly bears are prevalent, sometimes passing through. Be BEAR AWARE, no matter the location, conditions or season.

Most asked questions during HUNTING SEASON:

Does renting a cabin allow me to access private property during hunting?

*No, renting a cabin does not allow access to private property during hunting season.

Can I access public ground by asking permission to drive or walk through private property during hunting?

*No, we are sorry you cannot access public ground through private property. If this pertains to hunting, we have employees, friends and family on private land.

Do we have elk and deer?

Yes, we have an abundant elk population. We do have deer, but a small population.  We have mostly Mule deer and very few Whitetails.

Where are the elk?

*Elk location depends mostly on weather conditions. If weather is mild with little snow, you may find them anywhere from the valley floor to the mountain tops. If weather is winter-like with heavy snow and cold many times they will be out on the rolling hills or valley floors foraging easier food sources. Basically, elk can be anywhere!

Do you have someone that can pack out an animal if you harvest way back in the mountains far from your vehicle?

*No, we do not have anyone to pack out your animal, nor do we know anyone waiting for “THAT” call.

How do I get permission to go through a locked gate?

*Locked gates are locked for a reason, to limit access to the public for many reasons.  We have locked gates to limit noxious weed spread, limit high traffic in sensitive areas, livestock behind locked gates or employees, friends and family are hunting.

If I harvest an animal and it jumps the fence or runs onto private land, can I get permission to retrieve it?

*Permission is highly recommended to avoid an altercation or from being turned into FWP for trespassing. The hardest part will be getting a hold of an owner to ask permission. Fall time is a very difficult time to get us on a phone in a timely manner as we are usually gone at daylight and back in the house close to dark in the evening. All contact phone numbers are landlines. We do not receive messages until we get home at night. We do not have cell service in Medicine Lodge.

Are there any meat processors around your area that we can take our animals to?

Yes, there are two that I am aware of. One is in Dillon; Beaverhead Meats takes in wild game, the other meat processor is, Top of the Hill Meats in Polaris.

If we harvest an animal, do you have a place we can hang or store our animal?

*No, we do not have a designated place for the public to hang or store their harvest until it is time to depart.

When we arrive to our cabin, can you meet us to discuss where the elk are located, or can you give us some tips for success?

*No, I cannot meet you at your cabin, it is a very busy time of year for us. My advice is; hunting, being prepared with maps and the correct equipment such as vehicle chains and a high clearance vehicle is your responsibility. During the fall season, ranchers are busy daylight till dark with our own responsibilities.

What is a good map tool to use out there?

*Some folks have a GPS; a lot of folks use the onX hunt app on their phone. The onX hunt app has several tools at your fingertips for land ownership showing public and private land ownership boundaries, GPS mapping, weather and more. We have found this app to be fairly accurate within a few feet.

contact us at (406) 681-3244