1. Complete Your Waiver

When you book any guided experience with us, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to complete Aspen Outfitting Company’s Release of Liability Waiver. Please Complete this waiver BEFORE you show up for your trip. Completing this mandatory waiver prior to your trip will save you time while checking in and maximize your time on the river.

Click here to complete your waiver.

2. Review Your Itinerary

Your booking confirmation email will include the date, time, number of participants and departure location for your trip. Please make sure that the information on your reservation is correct. For questions regarding our cancellation policy and booking alterations, please visit our FAQ page.

***PLEASE NOTE - All trips depart from our Woody Creek Shop unless alternate arrangements have been made at the time of booking. 

1. Meet your Guide: On the day of your hunting trip, your guide will arrive at the pickup location 15 minutes prior to your departure. Please have all of your paperwork completed. Your guide will do a final check of all relevant documents before you hit the road.

2. Depart from the Shop: After check in, your guide will drive you to the hunting location! Our hunting spots are located between 1.5 and 2 hours from Aspen in areas that provide excellent habitat for the birds that we hunt. Guests tell us that this scenic drive is one of the highlights of the trip. While on the road, your guide will review the fundamental concepts of bird hunting, gun safety, and field etiquette, as well as familiarize you with the history, geology, and biology of Colorado’s beautiful Western Slope.

3. Start Shooting: Safety is our number one priority when out in the field. Your guide will make sure that everyone is comfortable with safety protocols, firearm operation and safety, and how to interact with hunting dogs in the field. They will also help you determine the appropriate firearm for your hunt. We have a wide selection of side by side, over under, and autoloader shotguns from 12 to 28 gauge. Once you’ve reviewed safety and have a gun that fits, it’s time to break some clays.

4. A Day in the Field: Hunting behind pointing dogs for upland birds is one of life’s truly great experiences. You will spend approximately 5 hours in the field, divided between a morning and afternoon hunt. You will take a break midday for lunch, generally at one of the unique local eateries (each of our guides has their favorite – please let us know preferences and any dietary restrictions at your earliest convenience.) Once your second hunt is complete, your guide will clean and package the day’s harvest. Take it home with you if you want, or leave it with your guide, it will be enjoyed regardless. For those with accommodations that include cooking facilities, your guide will provide a couple of easy recipes for you to try.

5. Return to Aspen: You won’t want to leave, but the fun has to end at some point! Our standard Upland Bird Hunting Trip is 8 hours door to door. That means that you’ll take that final group photo, break the guns down, and your guide will offer you a beer or other beverage for the ride home. As with many services in the hospitality industry, a gratuity for your guide is customary and always appreciated. The amount is at your discretion (we generally see a gratuity of 20% or more if the trip was extra special!)

Upland bird hunting is a blast, but having the appropriate gear can turn a good experience on the range into a great one. We offer bird hunts from fall through early spring, so adjusting layers and equipment accordingly is essential.

Many products that we recommend can be purchased in our online store prior to your trip. Just select “Pick up in store” at check out, and we’ll have your order ready for you on the day of your outing.

What we provide:

• Shotguns
• Ammunition
• Clay Targets
• Hearing Protection
• Eye Protection
• Hunting Dogs and Handler
• Friendly, fun and Knowledgeable Hunting Guide!

Although we provide everything that you need to shoot, bringing along the following items will help you focus on hunting instead of staying comfortable.

Highly Recommended Items for Upland Bird Hunting

• Appropriate Layering 

Upland Bird Hunting is an active pursuit, so having comfortable layering options will ensure your comfort while in the field and help you bag more birds.

• Hunting / Hiking Boots

Make sure that your boots are comfortable, supportive, and waterproof if possible.

• Hunting Pants

Upland bird hunting entails walking through brush, so a durable pair of pants is highly recommended. We sell Ball and Buck Field Pants in Signature Canvas or Camo Duck. Jeans or even ski pants will work, but you'll be much more comfortable in proper hunting pants. 

Our favorite(s):

• • • Field Pant FG Men’s
    • Field Pant

• Thermal Layer

We will start with temps in the teens in the morning, but should see the lower 40s by mid-afternoon. That being the case, it is a good idea to wear warm socks and a long-underwear type base layer. Ski thermals are ideal.

• Shooting Shirt

A bright colored shirt from Ball and Buck is a good idea to maintain visibility in the field. We suggest either the Active+ Field Shirt or the Sportsmans Shirt, depending on your preferences.

• Warm Layer

Again, you'll be happy for an extra layer in the cold early and later hours of your hunt. My favorite item this year has been the Duck Camp DryDown Vest. It isn't bulky, and it is reversible -- so you get twice as much use out of it!

• Field Hat

I like to have my clients wear a brightly colored hat in the field for safety. We sell a cool blaze orange hat with our branding that makes a nice memento of the trip.

• Sunscreen

Protect your skin – You can burn in a matter of minutes when you’re up here in the mountains! We always recommend using high spf (40+?) sunscreen when getting out on the water. 

Our favorite:

• • • Supergoop!