The Hunt

What You Will Learn

Thunder Ranch’s The Hunt course is perfect for those wanting to learn or refine their skills in hunting North American big game, focusing on Mule Deer-sized animals. This course offers a thorough exploration of hunting essentials, including personal gear choices, appropriate firearms, game location strategies, and post-shot care for your harvest.

Participants will have dinner at the ranch house with the staff. There will be a pre-dinner tasting of various regional big game species, followed by a meal prepared from staff harvested game, emphasizing simplicity and fresh ingredients.

The Hunt is a physically demanding class, designed to provide the most realistic hunting experience possible. You’ll spend extensive hours under field conditions, hiking 2-3 miles in mountainous terrain, locating various game animals, and shooting targets in backcountry settings. The course teaches the necessary field positions for making clean shots in uneven terrain.

The ideal rifle for this class is a standard hunting rifle for animals in the 150-250 pound range. A bolt-action rifle in .24 to .30 caliber, non-magnum, with a variable mid-range scope is recommended. Target or tactical rifles are discouraged. For any special caliber requests or questions, please inquire.

Join The Hunt to immerse yourself in the practical aspects of big game hunting, enhancing your skills and enjoying the rewards of the hunt with the guidance of experienced instructors.

What to Bring

• Quality rifle/scope/sling combo capable of hitting an 8” target at 350 yards

• Good physical condition

• Backpack/Daypack to carry your supplies in the field [water food, etc]

• Binoculars

• 160 rounds of hunting ammunition

• Eye protection (at least one set of clear lenses)

• Hearing protection

• Knee and elbow pads

• Hat with a brim

• Magazine pouch

• Range bag

• Sunscreen

• Rain gear

• Durable footwear

• Materials for note-taking

• Cleaning gear

• Special tools (e.g., Torx, hex)

• Manuals for firearm, optics, etc.

  
  

Ammunition Requirements

• 160 rounds of hunting ammunition

  • If you are unsure or have a special caliber request, please ask.

• No green tips, magnums, tracers.

• No steel core, .338 caliber, or zip guns.

  
  

Travel Reminder

When traveling with suppressors and short-barreled rifles (SBRs), ensure you carry the appropriate documentation at all times, especially in case of police stops.

Registration and Payments

All course fees must be paid in full at the time of registration.

Please choose your class carefully. No refunds and no transfers are available.