Meet the Guides

Lonny Vanatta	For 26 years Lonny has been in the outfitting business in NW Colorado. Achievements include being one of the most accomplished Alpine racers on the US Ski Team and on the Pro tour, taking over 100 animals with a bow including 17 that have qualified for Pope & Young record books. In 1989 he took a world record Stone Sheep. His passion for the outdoors and hunting shows in every facet of the business from the property that we hunt to the staff in which employs. It would be hard to find an outfitter that put’s the effort into hunter satisfaction as Lonny. As he mentioned to me, “we don’t do this for the money, we do it for the lifestyle”.

Dirk Vanatta	Lonny’s brother Dirk was born and raised a hunting guide. Growing up in NW Colorado definitely helped in paving this career path as well as his enthusiasm for the great outdoors and game. With many trophies under his belt, Dirk has been guiding for all of his adult life and a little more. Spend just a little time in the woods with Dirk and you’ll understand why he’s one of the best at what he does.

Brad Cusenbary	Growing up ranching in Texas means growing up hunting. After migrating to Steamboat in 1998, his hunting migrated as well to big game. Swinging on board with VO in 1999, he’s packed a lifetime of big game hunting into the last 10 years. Being a part of the RFW program definetly offers the opportunity by hunting for 3-4 months out of the year.

Larry Brown	Born and raised in NW Colorado, Larry began to get serious about big game hunting in the 1970′s and has never missed a hunting season since. You can only imagine the experiences that Larry can share being Lonny and Dirk’s stepfather. Now that Larry has fully retired as of the end of 2008, he is dedicating more time to the VO operation which is a welcomed sight.

Rod Owens	This picture is fitting fo those of you who know Rod and his love to chase the cats in a NW Colorado winter. Rod Owens brings a lifetime of hunting experience from being born and raised in Meeker, Colorado. Not only does he guide with VO every fall, Rod continues through the winter hunting mountain lions west of Steamboat near the Utah border. Rod’s been a welcome addition to our team for the last 7 years.

Dan Bristol	Danny Bristol has been a Vanatta family friend since he was born. Growing up in Steamboat, he has been hunting with the Vanatta’s and in the NW Colorado for many years. After a stint in the real world as a golf course engineer/superintendent, Dan has come back to Steamboat and rejoined the VO team for the past few years. The enthusiasm for hunting never left and we’re excited to have him on our team.

Chad Bedell	Chad Bedell, where do you start with this character? For those of you whom have hunted with him you probably understand. Growing up a redneckin NW Colorado and NE Utah, Chad’s just about seen it all. After a successful run of it a Steer Wrestler and achieving the status as World Champ at the 1996 NFR, Chad retired while on top. This really worked out for VO for with his retirement he decided to join up with us as a part time guide while still ranching on the side. Good luck if you draw this straw!

Andrew Jacobi	Andrew Jacobi reigns from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Raised in Iowa Park, Texas, Drew began his hunting career for north Texas whitetail. After moving to Steamboat in 1993, his passion for big game hunting expanded into the arena of Elk, Antelope and Mule Deer. Drew started hunting with Vanatta Outfitters in 1998.