World-class upland hunts, European-style driven shoots, sporting clays and fly-fishing—all in one place.
The greater Teton region of the Rockies serves as the ultimate playground for fly-fishermen, elk hunters and skiers. And, thanks to Shooting Sportsman’s newest Endorsed Lodge, it is also a world-class wingshooting destination. Lazy Triple Creek Ranch, in Newdale, Idaho, offers a variety of shooting that meets—and usually exceeds—the standards of even the most-discerning wingshooters. Below, Owner/Manager Hank McKinnell takes a minute to lay out what guests can expect at his luxurious Western ranch.
SSM:How long have you been at Lazy Triple Creek Ranch, and what compelled you to get involved with the lodge?
Hank McKinnell: I joined this private shooting estate as one of six partners in 2014. The other partners were getting older, which gave me the opportunity to purchase 100% of this unique, private shooting estate. I realized the property and operations were likely to deteriorate over time if used by only my friends and family. A place this private and exclusive deserves to be enjoyed by a very few others.
SSM: What is a typical day of hunting like at Lazy Triple Creek Ranch?
H.M.: Whatever you want it to be. We offer world-class clays shooting, trap, skeet, 5 Stand, a grouse butt, Crazy Quail, simulated driven shooting with clays high overhead, and what many have called the world’s best 14-station sporting clays course. In the fall we change over to European-style driven shooting with Western sensibilities and walk-up upland bird hunting. For a very select few, we offer trophy elk hunts in the fall as well.
SSM: What aspects of your operation seem to impress guests the most?
H.M.: The lodge was built as a private retreat for six families in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Guests recognize the quality in everything we do. Ranch Manager Steve is from the local area, was trained in the UK and sets very high standards in all that we do.
SSM: What is your favorite item on the dinner menu?
H.M.: Our private chef uses local produce and meats in all our dishes, so it's hard to pick a favorite when everything tastes so fresh!
SSM: What part of the job do you find the most gratifying?
H.M.: Families shooting together. Shooting together makes families stronger and our country stronger.
SSM: What has you the most excited about the coming hunting season?
H.M.: Reconnecting with returning guests. No one has ever visited Lazy Triple Creek Ranch and not said what a very special place this is.