Master Plan's Sportsman's Getaway
October 23-30, 2026 | Cascade Lodge | Durango, CO
Master Plan Ministries' Sportsmen's Getaway is a week-long Christian men's getaway in the San Juan Mountains just north of Durango, Colorado. We have been hosting this event for decades as our Cascade Lodge is the perfect location to get into the mountains to connect with God and other men.
Decompress in the Colorado Outdoors During an Elk Rifle Season
Each day will have plenty of scheduled recreation time. While men can choose any sport or leisure activity to pursue, we planned this event to coincide with the 2nd big game rifle hunting season, and elk hunting has historically been the go-to activity.
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Each evening we'll gather for about 45 minutes of sharing and Bible discussion, focusing on the most important things in life. This element has historically been a highlight for men who have come to our Sportsmen's Getaway.
Connect with God and other like-minded Christian men from all over the country.
Each year there is a mix of men with no hunting experience, to those who are experts. We are all in this together to share and encourage the new guys, and help each other on the adventure. |
Note: Bull Elk tags and Bear licenses are over-the-counter during these dates in unit 74. Cow elk and all deer licenses are by draw only. First draw is April 1.
Confirm at cpw.state.co.us
Master Plan is not an outfitter.
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Master Plan Ministries has been around since 1985. MPM's mission statement is "Preparing others to reach and influence the world for Christ". By coming to this event, you are helping Master Plan Ministries make an impact for eternity. Any proceeds from this event, will go to one of our Great Commission oriented ministry initiatives.
What to Expect
Location
The Getaway will be located at Cascade Lodge, 30 miles north of Durango, Colorado, in the San Juan National Forest. This area is bounded to the east by the majestic Needle Mountains in the Weminuche Wilderness area. We'll be just north of the Durango Mountain Resort, and South of Molas Pass and Silverton. We will be in Game Unit 74.
Accommodations
This Getaway will include hot and cold breakfast options. Each night men can make their large-as-you-want sack lunch which includes lunch meat sandwiches, PB&J's, beef jerky, candy bars, and other snack items. Dinner will be something hot and hearty. Friday night we plan to have a elk dinner. The Lodge is almost 100 years old and has a rustic western atmosphere, gorgeous scenery, and hot showers. Each man will get a single size, memory foam, gel cooled bed in a large loft to be shared with up to 5 other men. Cascade Lodge has 2 large multi-person bathrooms. There is moderate cell signal for most carriers, but we will offer high speed WiFi as well from Starlink.
Recreational Activities
There are many activities in Colorado in our area to choose form. Several species' hunting seasons coincide with this getaway including elk, deer, bear, and small game. There is also plenty of quality fishing nearby. We have spelled out some of the hunting details here, but please confirm our findings in the Colorado rules and regulations set out by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (www.cpw.state.co.us) Master Plan Ministries is not an outfitter. There are thousands of acres and dozens trails and 4x4 roads that are accessible within minutes from Cascade Lodge. Great opportunities for photography, hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, and rock climbing are all in the area as well.
Important
If you would like to hunt for a cow elk or any deer, you must apply for the primary draw which closes in early April. A second draw is also available in the summer. Over the counter (unlimited) bull elk licenses can be bought when you arrive or on the Colorado Wildlife website. Please buy your hunting licenses in Durango or online before you come to the Lodge.
You can confirm at cpw.state.co.us
Note
Master Plan Ministries is not a guide service, no outfitting services will be available. We are a bunch of friends with experience that help each other out. All hunting and fishing will be access orientated on public property.
See our FAQ page for more details.
One of the guys usually brings a horse so that he can help pack out an animal. We usually bring up some meat processing equipment so that people can do their own butchering if they are blessed with successful hunt.
Getaway Cost: $750
Included:
Early Bird Specials
Volunteer Discounts
Arrival and Departure
If Arriving by Plane
Durango / La Plata County has a full-service airport. Let us know your flight plans at least one week before your arrival, and we can pick you up. Cascade Lodge is a 45 minute drive to the airport.
Hunting Style
Usually at this time the weather is getting colder and the elk are bugling less and less. There is a lot of intrigue in calling correctly to see if a bull or cow will come in to the call. Stalking along game trails and using the wind correctly can also produce some great surprises and some good shots. The elk are usually active, walking around and grazing from first light to around 10AM. Then, they lay down until around 4PM. So in the middle of the day, a wise hunter sits down and watches open areas where elk may be pushed by other hunters.
Fishing
Also at this time, fishing is good. Usually after 2-3 days of climbing mountains, fishing for a day can be a good break. There are a lot of good fishing places. The Kokanee Salmon snagging season may still be ongoing.
Note
We will have a natural 100yd shooting range with targets to check your gun sights and take some practice shots.
Preparation
- Time to decompress from the pressures and responsibilities of life with majestic mountain views. Nearly every day, the majority of time will be scheduled as self-guided recreational time which includes hunting!
- Breakfast, big sack lunches, and dinner is included each day.
- Participate in the evening Bible based discussions. They are designed to be encouraging for you mind and soul. We all need a Christ-centered perspective, and we don't believe in luck. We'll pray for safe and successful hunts!
- An adventure, as much physical challenge as you want, meeting new people, having some fun exploring the San Juan Mountains.
- High Altitude: we will be recreating and hunting at high elevation. Cascade Lodge is at 9,000' and temperatures could range from 10F to 75F.
- Expect the unexpected – inclement weather and snow are possibilities.
- Space is limited - register early to save your spot. (See cancellation policy below.)
Location
The Getaway will be located at Cascade Lodge, 30 miles north of Durango, Colorado, in the San Juan National Forest. This area is bounded to the east by the majestic Needle Mountains in the Weminuche Wilderness area. We'll be just north of the Durango Mountain Resort, and South of Molas Pass and Silverton. We will be in Game Unit 74.
Accommodations
This Getaway will include hot and cold breakfast options. Each night men can make their large-as-you-want sack lunch which includes lunch meat sandwiches, PB&J's, beef jerky, candy bars, and other snack items. Dinner will be something hot and hearty. Friday night we plan to have a elk dinner. The Lodge is almost 100 years old and has a rustic western atmosphere, gorgeous scenery, and hot showers. Each man will get a single size, memory foam, gel cooled bed in a large loft to be shared with up to 5 other men. Cascade Lodge has 2 large multi-person bathrooms. There is moderate cell signal for most carriers, but we will offer high speed WiFi as well from Starlink.
Recreational Activities
There are many activities in Colorado in our area to choose form. Several species' hunting seasons coincide with this getaway including elk, deer, bear, and small game. There is also plenty of quality fishing nearby. We have spelled out some of the hunting details here, but please confirm our findings in the Colorado rules and regulations set out by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (www.cpw.state.co.us) Master Plan Ministries is not an outfitter. There are thousands of acres and dozens trails and 4x4 roads that are accessible within minutes from Cascade Lodge. Great opportunities for photography, hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, and rock climbing are all in the area as well.
Important
If you would like to hunt for a cow elk or any deer, you must apply for the primary draw which closes in early April. A second draw is also available in the summer. Over the counter (unlimited) bull elk licenses can be bought when you arrive or on the Colorado Wildlife website. Please buy your hunting licenses in Durango or online before you come to the Lodge.
You can confirm at cpw.state.co.us
Note
Master Plan Ministries is not a guide service, no outfitting services will be available. We are a bunch of friends with experience that help each other out. All hunting and fishing will be access orientated on public property.
See our FAQ page for more details.
One of the guys usually brings a horse so that he can help pack out an animal. We usually bring up some meat processing equipment so that people can do their own butchering if they are blessed with successful hunt.
Getaway Cost: $750
Included:
- Lodging
- Food
- Hunting / fishing licenses
Early Bird Specials
- If your deposit is received by end of June -- Total Registration Cost: $650
- If your deposit is received between July 1 and the end of August -- Total Registration Cost: $700
- If your deposit is received after September 1 -- Total Registration Cost: $750
Volunteer Discounts
- If you volunteer at our Cascade Lodge Volunteer Week in May, or Ranch Volunteer Week in June or at another ministry event during the same year as the Sportsmen's Getaway, we will credit you $50 per day volunteered to apply to the Sportsman's Getaway!
- New Discount This Year - We are looking for a dedicated man to be our daily kitchen cook/manager. Some cooking experience is necessary. Free room and board this year, and while this volunteer must plan to NOT hunt big game in order to prioritize the kitchen schedule, next year's getaway would be complementary and FREE! Call Austin to discuss details (contact info below).
Arrival and Departure
- Arrival
- Please schedule your arrival at Cascade Lodge anytime on Friday October 23rd. Be sure to settle in before our wild game kick off dinner at 6PM, group photo, and important Getaway orientation meeting.
- Optional Early Arrival - You may plan to arrive a day early on Thursday October 22nd after 1PM for extra time to settle in, scout, and acclimate. We'll have something hot for dinner around dusk.
- Departure
- Please plan your departure on or by Friday, October 30th at 10AM. You can leave earlier if you need to, but we hope you will stay for the whole time.
- Possible Late Departure - The 2nd Rifle Season may run through the following weekend after we finish. You can inquire about staying at the Lodge longer, but this in on a case-by-case basis and is only available with MPM staff approval.
If Arriving by Plane
Durango / La Plata County has a full-service airport. Let us know your flight plans at least one week before your arrival, and we can pick you up. Cascade Lodge is a 45 minute drive to the airport.
Hunting Style
Usually at this time the weather is getting colder and the elk are bugling less and less. There is a lot of intrigue in calling correctly to see if a bull or cow will come in to the call. Stalking along game trails and using the wind correctly can also produce some great surprises and some good shots. The elk are usually active, walking around and grazing from first light to around 10AM. Then, they lay down until around 4PM. So in the middle of the day, a wise hunter sits down and watches open areas where elk may be pushed by other hunters.
Fishing
Also at this time, fishing is good. Usually after 2-3 days of climbing mountains, fishing for a day can be a good break. There are a lot of good fishing places. The Kokanee Salmon snagging season may still be ongoing.
Note
We will have a natural 100yd shooting range with targets to check your gun sights and take some practice shots.
Preparation
- Physically: Expect to be challenged by the mountains and the altitude.
- Mentally: Expect your comfort zones to be challenged and expanded.
- Spiritually: God will do more than you expect!
Cascade Lodge is operated under special use permit with the San Juan National Forest. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Questions?
Contact Austin or Russ
Austin Krokos
[email protected]
970-749-7873
Russ Akins
[email protected]
970-769-7620
Austin Krokos
[email protected]
970-749-7873
Russ Akins
[email protected]
970-769-7620
