At the Hideout we do not take our resources for granted, but try to make good use of what nature and the environment gave us.

Rotating grazing

For years the Flitner Ranch, Trapper Creek and The Hideout have practiced rotating grazing. Rotating grazing can be defined as the selective use of grazing to allow the diversity of grasses, plants and herbs that the region offers an opportunity to flourish. Certain areas are grazed, (or not grazed), during various periods of the year to respect different plants flowering times as well as the birds and animals that thrive on these plants during those periods.

We do not overgraze, and we constantly rotate our cattle from area to area, allowing us to leave plenty of forage for wildlife. We invest heavily to bring water to dryer areas for our livestock. The combination of access to water and rotating grazing has attracted an increasing amount of wildlife to the properties we manage.

When riding on the range or ranch property we encourage our guests to spread out across the land, instead of “nose and tailing”. This is not only more enjoyable for the guests, it also means less stress on the soil by everyone riding over different areas.

Low stress stockmanship

We use low stress stockmanship, resulting in healthier livestock. Less stress for the animals results in less need for drugs and medicines.
If you are interested in learning more about this, contact The Hideout for information about our guest training opportunities in Low Stress Stockmanship.

Boer goats to control weeds project

In the 2009 season we are putting a test project in place, using Boer goats to keep weeds under control instead of spraying. As goats are master Houdini’s, it takes special fencing and wire to keep them in. If this projects works well, we will expand the uses of goats to other areas.

Protecting our streams

At Trapper we are working with The Game and Fish Department to fence off pristine Trapper Creek from livestock and horses. Cows are especially notorious at “parking” themselves on the banks of rivers and streams, destroying trout habitat. David Flitner started this initiative, which includes fencing off 35 feet of Trapper Creek. Our next step is to plant indigenous shrubs and trees along the creek and selectively place big boulders in the stream to create rapids and improve hatching areas in the creek.

Weeds & Russian olive Project

David also spearheads another environmental project. Over the years certain shrubs and plants not indigenous to the area have invaded, thus crowding out the native plants. The Russian Olive tree was introduced in this area over a generation ago, but the Russian Olive has now become a pest and is listed as a weed. To be certified weed free, one needs to clear the Russian Olive and other species from one’s property. This winter we will start clearing our lands of these species, both below The Hideout as well as on some of the neighboring property.

Cardboard & Hogs

At Trapper we recycle our cardboard and tins cans and are exploring other recycling plans. One idea is to use hogs to clean up the green waste of the kitchen.

Fishing
We encourage those fishing on the property to use barb-less hooks and to catch and release. We teach our guests the technique of releasing a fish in such away it can survive.

Hunting

We outsource the management of our hunting to the Powers family out of Sheridan, (Powderhorn Outfitters). For 2 generations this family has been an excellent steward of our land and hunting property. They practice low stress hunting techniques, study and monitor game closely, thus enabling all age classes to flourish within the herds of elk and deer. This is needed to insure that correct breeding is taking place. The hunt for trophy animals has destroyed many older animals; therefore, younger animals seldom get the chance to grow to mature and strong bulls or bucks. 

Part of low stress hunting is not chasing or hunting animals in the canyons where they hide or feel safe.

We teach our hunting guests that the hunting experience is as much about stalking, watching and laying low then harvesting. We work with our guests to teach them they should only shoot an animal when it is the right one, not just shoot to shoot. We respect the lead cows, who lead their herd to protected winter and calving areas.

None of our hunting clients go out without having calibrated their rifles on a professional shooting range under the guidance and watchful eye of experts. Rifle calibration is very important to limit unnecessary stress to the herds by reducing the number of wounded animals.

Environmental cleaning products

We constantly experiment with new cleaning products that are both environmental friendly and healthier for use by our staff.

Other initiatives

We are currently looking into the possibilities of using solar and wind energy. However, due to our location it is difficult to find specialized technicians and companies who could help us with this.