In a phone interview near press time, McCollum admitted he has no big game guiding experience. But he did point out that he has lots of experience with international hunters. He says he knows how to meet their needs. At this writing, he says he is hiring local guides and setting up shop for an exploratory hunt this spring for turkeys. He is also paving the way for an exploratory Coues deer hunt next December.
The properties McCollum has locked up are all working cattle operations ranging up to 55,000 acres in size. They are at elevations of about 3,000 to 4,000 feet and feature steep hills, open grass fields and some woods. (See photographs on our web site under Durango Coues Deer Operator.) McCollum says the properties have never been hunted commercially and that the landowner has not hunted them much himself. There is a ranch house on one ranch, he says, and some cabins with electricity and hot running water. That's where he plans to base his hunts.
He is unsure of trophy quality, and at this point is simply looking for a couple of experienced and adventurous Coues deer hunters who would like to join him on the property to explore its deer hunting potential. Interested hunters or experienced guides interested in helping to build up a new hunting destination can contact McCollum on his cell phone at 618-513-0891;........(continued)
