FAQ - Sportsman's Getaway
Can I come if I am not a committed Christian or have never been to an MPM event like this before?
Yes!  We think that any natural born man would really enjoy this retreat.  It will also help if you are open minded to the claims of Jesus, and are willing to listen to several men share stories about how God changed their lives and willing to listen to engaging messages from the Bible.  Please note that there will be no alcohol at the Cascade Lodge and we are aiming to cultivate a God honoring environment.
What is Master Plan Ministries?
​Master Plan Ministries is a non-denominational, evangelical, Christian ministry that exists to glorify God by helping fulfill the great commission.
You can learn more at this link.
Is Master Plan Ministries an outfitter?
No we are not.  The cost to attend the Getaway covers only MPM’s costs involved in conducting the Getaway with no MPM staff receiving any compensation from the funds paid for or raised at this event.  The hunting and fishing activities are self-directed at each participant’s discretion.  MPM is not a licensed “Outfitter” as defined by Colorado law and cannot engage in, nor be compensated for, guiding or supervising hunting and fishing activities nor providing gear for such activities.
Is this event for men only?
​Yes, biologically speaking.  We are trying to give men a chance to escape the typical daily routines, and be authentic and real with each other.  While we love our wives and are thankful for women, this is a "men's getaway".  Master Plan does host other women's only events as well.
Can I bring my ATV, boat, or RV? 
Yes, but we need to be sure that we have enough space to park them.  Please call Russ or Austin to confirm.
Do I have to go to the Bible study?
Yes.  We recommend that you hunt closer to the lodge if you want to hunt as late as possible in the evening so that you can be back for dinner at 6:30PM.  We want all the men who come to value the Bible discussion at 7:30PM, even if they are eating with dinner on their lap.  If you miss a Bible discussion due to a close encounter with an elk, or a harder than expected hike out, its not going to hurt our feelings.  However if you plan to skip all the Bible discussions, this getaway is likely not a good fit for you.  We are working to encourage an environment of real Christian fellowship.  This is a big way to honor the Lord who is the giver of every good gift, including successful hunts.
Can I bring my son?
We think that a young man age 11 and older can have a lot of fun and meaningful time at this getaway.  We expect them to participate in the evening Bible studies, and if the discussions are PG-13 due to the seriousness of life, you will be responsible to debrief with your son about the content to help him process becoming a man.  There may be a youth sportsmen discount this year - contact Austin for details.  Small game such as rabbits, grouse, and squirrels abound in the area.
What should I bring?
Please see our suggested packing list here.
Who are the hosts?
Russ Akins and Austin Krokos

​Russ is the founder of Master Plan Ministries and grew up in this part of Colorado as an outdoorsman.  He founded Master Plan Ministries in 1985, and has conducted dozens of men's retreats in this area over those 30 years.  Russ has been hunting elk in this area since he was a teenager.

Austin is the President of MPM.  He came to Durango from PA in 1997 and has been climbing mountains, chasing elk, and enjoying the CO outdoors since then.  Austin has been serving on staff with MPM for since 2002 and has been hunting in SW Colorado for just as long.
Can I come late or leave early?
Yes, just let us know your plans.
I heard that you bring horses and butcher animals that are harvested on site.  Is that true?
While Russ has historically brought his horse and mule, a meat grinder, and cutting boards, etc. past history not a promise or guarantee of any future Sportsmen's Getaway.  We are not an outfitter or official guides.  All outdoor activities are officially self guided.
What is the cancellation policy?
The "Decision Deadline" is 28 days before the Getaway start date.

If you need to cancel for any reason up to the Decision Deadline, we will refund your deposit minus the transaction fee charged by Eventbrite (approximately 7%).
 
If there are not 6 Getaway deposits made by the Decision Deadline, MPM reserves the right to cancel the event due to lack of interest, and we would notify men immediately and refund your deposit in a timely manner.  Further, we will also notify you that we are confirming the Sportsmen’s Getaway on the day following the Decision Deadline.

If you cancel after the Decision Deadline, we will NOT plan to refund your deposit.  However, under unique circumstances, and solely at our discretion, we may offer a refund.
Can we smoke and drink beer?
There is a "no-alcohol" policy at Cascade Lodge.

While we strongly disagree with smoking, if you need to smoke, you may go for a walk outside.

Still Have Questions?

Contact Austin or Russ

Austin Krokos - MPM President
[email protected]
970-749-7873

Russ Akins - MPM Founder
[email protected]
970-769-7620

For any legal hunting questions, please see the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website here: ​www.cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting