Frequently Asked Questions

Please email or call us with questions. We will try to post questions that are frequently asked, here.

Q: How far is Swanson Lake Ranch from Denver?
A: It is approximately 3.5 hours, whether you take the Highway 36 route (off of I-70) or the Highway 34 route (off of I-76).

Q: Are there sleeping accommodations at the ranch?
A: SLR opened Swanson Lake Ranch Lodge in November 2010. For off-site accommodations, we recommend members and guests stay at the Blue Colonial Bed & Breakfast in Trenton, NE (308-276-2533), located 15 minutes from the ranch. Other options are the Motel Stratton (308-276-2417) or the Soo Motel in Trenton (308-334-5252). In McCook there are several hotels including the Best Western Chief Motel (308-345-3700), or the Holiday Inn Express (308-345-4505). Both are approximately 30 minutes from the ranch.

Q: Where are the nearest stores to buy groceries and other supplies?
A: There are a few options. Our newest store is the Stratton Country Market (on Highway 34 at Bailey Street). The store has a terrific inventory and is just 5-10 minutes from the ranch. Trails West (308-334-5248), 15-20 minutes from the ranch, and next door to the Soo Motel, is just off Highway 34 and a good place for snacks, coffee, groceries, and other supplies. Drinks, snacks, and beer are also available at Scott's Sinclair in Stratton. And if you can't find what you need at these stores, the Wal-Mart or Alco in McCook are good bets.

Q: Is there more information about the Blue Colonial?
A: Host Valerie Rogers owns and manages the Blue Colonial B&B. Rooms start at $60 and include breakfast. Five-course dinners are also available upon request ($18.95-$22.95). Directions: The Blue Colonial is located north of Highway 34, between Stratton and Trenton. From Highway 34, proceed north two miles on Road 359. Entrance to the B&B is on the west side of Road 359. See the above website or contact Valerie at 308-340-3411.

Q: What is the closest airport?
A: McCook Regional Airport - a connecting terminal for US Airways. www.mccookregionalairport.com

Q: How far is Swanson Lake Ranch from Lincoln?
A: Approximately 4 hours

Q: What is the weather like?
A: See our Information Links section (below) for a weather chart and links to weather.com for Stratton. In general we have a mild-to-moderately cold winter, pleasant spring and fall and hot & dry summers.

Q: Insects?
A: Of course. SLR is a wetlands paradise and our birds thrive on insects in addition to seeds. Ticks & mosquitoes predominate in the spring so a 20-30% Deet spray is recommended then, and into the summer months.

Q: Snakes?
A: We have heard stories of prairie rattle snakes in the area but have yet to seen any on the ranch. We believe they tend to be found in the higher and dryer sand hills to the south of SLR. That said, caution is warranted and snake gaters or chaps are recommended in the spring and summer months.

Q: What is the best hunting at SLR?
A: The signature hunting at the ranch are both the waterfowl and turkey hunting. There is also an abundance of doves and a healthy population of deer. For pheasant, we are growing our native rooster population but can also provide released birds and/or lease arrangements on nearby properties with greater pheasant populations.

Q: Does SLR release upland birds?
A: Presently the upland hunting at SLR is wild birds only, though we may purchase birds and add to the population from time-to-time, if warranted. If requested, we can also have birds purchased and released for specific hunts and dog training. We buy birds from Con Fielding, a captive wildlife permit holder in McCook, NE (308-345-2752), and his prices currently are $3.50 for quail, $6.00 for chukar, $6.50 for hen pheasant and $9.50 for rooster pheasant, plus $.50/bird if delivered to SLR. Note that bands are required if birds are used for dog training. These can be acquired from Con Fielding or the NGPC.

Q: Are licenses required to hunt or fish at SLR?
A: Yes - and we do not provide these licenses at the ranch. Please ensure you have a valid hunting and/or fishing license for the State of Nebraska, and any other required state or federal habitat stamps, and that you are familiar with all applicable State and Federal hunting and fishing rules and regulations. Nebraska makes it very convenient to purchase its licenses on-line at: Nebraska Game & Park

Q: Is there any golf in the area?
A: Yes! McCook and the surrounding area is known for some high quality golf courses. Heritage Hills was named one of the top 100 challenging tests of golf in America. http://www.mccookgolf.com/

Q: What are good places to eat in the area?
A: Taste of Texas in McCook (30 minutes from SLR) is some of the best BBQ for your money to be found in any state. Sehnert's Bakery in McCook is a classic coffee shop and bakery, also not to be missed. Of course, you will find Wendy's, Taco Johns, Arbys, and other restaurants, as well, in the area. Closer to the ranch is the North Shore Restaurant, just west of Trenton (308-334-5211), where owners Terry & Mary serve up a good breakfast, and in Stratton, the Dairy King is a good bet for burgers.

Q: Where is there a good bar or liquor store?
A: The North Shore Restaurant, west of Trenton and 10-15 minutes from the ranch, has a great bar, and the Dari Creme Discount Liquor Store, across the street from the Soo Motel in Trenton (308-334-5676), has a good selection of beer and other alcohol.

Q: Are there guiding services available at SLR?
A: Presently we do not provide guides, bird dogs or bird cleaning services or facilities at the ranch. The owners will familiarize guests and members with the property, location of stands and blinds, etc.

Q: Do you recommend any taxidermy services?
A: We use and recommend Ed Borner's Elephant Head Taxidermy (303-433-3001) in Denver and Barry Smith's Alpine Taxidermy in Hot Sulfur Springs, Colorado (970-725-3534).

Q: Where can I locate gun dogs or dog trainers?
A: We recommend Randy McKillip with Dog Tired Adventures in McCook, NE (308-345-5210) or Rick Fitzpatrick with ACC Ranch & Kennels in Peyton, CO (303-648-3553 or Gun Dogs R Us).

Q: Are landowner licenses available to members or guests?
A: Unfortunately they are not. Nebraska limits non-resident landowner licenses to only one license per 320 acres owned, which does not permit us to offer these licenses to members or guests.

Q: Is the fishing catch & release only?
A: On the SLR ponds fishing is catch and release only. On the Swanson Reservoir anglers may keep their catch, subject to applicable Nebraska state fishing limits and restrictions.

Q: Where are the nearest check-in stations for deer?
A: The nearest stations are in Benkelman (822 C. Street, 308-423-2911) and Trenton (Hitchcock County Sheriff's Office, 308-334-5444).