Check out what Goosewing Ranch is doing…

Goosewing Ranch is proud to announce that our new website is up and running!  Our blog will also be linked through the new website.  Please come and check out all the great things we are doing.  Our blog is a helpful tool when planning your guest ranch vacation, with information from travel insurance to hints on horseback riding.

We hope that our new site will provide you useful information on Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks, shopping and dining in Jackson Hole, Wyoming,  and of course, you will also find information on our summer packages, programs, and what to expect from your dude ranch vacation.

Some of the new improvements that Goosewing Ranch has made are… the addition of our outdoor sauna, spa treatments, newly remodeled gift shop and guest service area, guests laundry facilities, and much more.  Check out our blog for updates on new amenities, specials, and general information about the local area, and the ranching industry.

Please feel free to email us with any questions or concerns.  We hope you enjoy our new site and blog, and are as excited about it as we are!

_________________________________________________________________________

Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com

Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch

Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch

YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch

Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”

100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America

What happens on the ranch stays on the ranch…

Well… what happened on the ranch used to stay on the ranch, until the technology era took over.  Now we get to share all of the Wild West stories with the world!  We hope that all of our guests and employees have a positive experience while at the ranch…some just at the expensive of others.    I hope you enjoy these fun tails, and remember cowboys and cowgirls are known for their story telling and fun antics.

As a wrangler the worst thing that could happen is to lose your horse.  I not only lost my horse, I lost my very own personal horse that I have had since she was a baby.  The situation is funny now, but at the time it was a bit intense.  We were trying to make our way down the mountain when a hail and lightning storm came out of nowhere.  I was helping a lady dismount when her horse reared, and came down on my foot.  I got the lady safely to the ground but had lost hold of my horse, Sheila.  Sheila was standing there nicely when another guest ran up to grab her.  She spooked and ran about 150 yards.  Once everyone was safe and wearing their slickers I went to get her.  The same guest ran up behind me asking to help, Sheila took one look at him and bolted again.  I whistled to her, she turned, looked at me, and as to say sorry but I am going home, she bolted again.  There I was left with a group of people, all on horses, and looking to me to lead them home in this storm.  Faced with no slicker, no mount, and a long walk home… I did what any good wrangler would do… I knocked the closest person to me off their horse, and left them all out there to fend for themselves.  No, I am just kidding… I tried to hide my embarrassment and bruised pride, and got them all back in line and started back down the trail, on foot, this is what we call hoof’ in it.  Six miles into our seven mile trek home, another wrangler shows up to check on us, and rub some salt in my wounds.  I sent this wrangler back to the ranch, because I was bound and determined to complete this ride/hike on my own.  After arriving back at the ranch, I found my horse standing there.  Now soaking wet, I untied my slicker from my saddle that my oh-so trusty mount took with her, and tried to pretend nothing happened.  If you didn’t know, wet wrangler jeans, cowboy boots, and hiking just don’t mix.  I received a lot of guff from my fellow wranglers, and had to by the bunk house beer for a week.

Another fun story involves a couple of our young buckaroos on the ranch.   It was a warm summer day when a brother, and his sister were trying to work together and navigate their way across the pond, when a beaver popped up.  The children were so excited they both leaned to the same side of the canoe.  The canoe flips, and dumps them both into the water.  The brother thinks it is funny and is horsing around out there teasing his sister, while his little sister is screaming that the beaver is going to eat them.  Though this is funny, it gets better when hours later, after a shower, and awaiting dinner, the little sister lures her brother out by the pond to see if they can catch a glimpse of the beaver, this time from dry land.  She gets him to the edge of the water, and points across the pond, just as he leans toward the pond she shoves him with all her might.  He loses his balance, and falls head first into the mucky water.  It wasn’t as fun for him this go around, now that he is wearing his last set of dry clean clothes, but his little sister couldn’t get enough!

There are many more fun stories to tell, from wranglers playing tricks with your tack, to waitresses hiding the housekeepers’ golf-cart.  We would love to hear your Goosewing Ranch story, send it to us for a chance to win a “What Happens on the Ranch” t-shirt!

_________________________________________________________________________

Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com

Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch

Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch

YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch

Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”

100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America

Get up close and personal with the Jackson Hole Elk herd!

So…you have spent numerous days shredding up the mountain, a day digging your snowmobile out of waist deep powder, and another touring Yellowstone National Park, and now you’re not sure how much more your body can handle…It’s time to check out the National Elk Refuge, just south of Grand Teton National Park.

Whether you are into wildlife viewing, photography, or you are just looking for an activity that is more relaxing than strenuous; the sleigh rides through the National Elk refuge are a great way to spend your time in Jackson Hole.  The National Elk Refuge was established in 1912, to help maintain the local elk population.

I took my sister on a sleigh ride a few of winters ago, and we had a wonderful time.  We were met by wonderful people – from our shuttle drive to our guide, and of course the team of horses; everything was just amazing.  Our guide gave us blankets to help keep us warm, and it really added to the ambiance of the sleigh ride.  I would recommend dressing for cold weather – the wind is usually blowing, and it can be very cold.  However, it is well worth braving the winter elements when your sleigh pulls with in mere feet of these magnificent creatures.  We were able to get amazing pictures of huge bulls, and the scenery was spectacular.  Our guide did a wonderful job of explaining everything about the struggles, and history of the elk herd.  From the knowledge of the guides, to the beauty of the wildlife and scenery, our sleigh ride couldn’t have been any better!

_________________________________________________________________________

Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com

Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch

Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch

YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch

Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”

100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America

The Passion Behind Goosewing Ranch

For those of you that have visited Goosewing Ranch – you know that one of the best things about the ranch is the bond you form with the people, and the area.  At Goosewing Ranch we consider our staff, and guests as family.  We welcome you with open arms, and embrace you when it is time to go.  The one person that has brought so many diverse people together, and into the Goosewing Ranch family, is the owner, Francois Corrand.

Before there were cowboys riding this beautiful country… there were mountain men exploring, and like most children, the dream of being like one of these great characters lived within Francois.  Francois grew up in the French country side working on his uncles’ farm.  He spent his summers with his cousins picking vegetables, driving a horse drawn buck board, and moving dairy cattle from meadow to meadow, using bicycles instead of horses.  When he wasn’t helping on the farm he was learning about life out in the Wild West.  Fascinated by the French trappers of the early 1800’s he knew he must experience this country for himself.

As we all know, life often takes us down various paths.  Francois’ took him to many places, and he experienced much as a young man – making his first trip to the United States in 1982.  Knowing that his chosen career in Pharmaceuticals wasn’t his passion…he came back to the United States and invested into a snowmobile business in Jackson Hole in 1993, and then the Goosewing Ranch in 1996.  Francois has recently sold the snowmobile business, but has made many investments and improvements to the Ranch.  Check out our blog post on new amenities, coming soon.

Francois is a family man with a lovely wife, and three great children.  He brings this family style living to the ranch…with warm employees, and by going out of his way to make the Goosewing Ranch an extra special place.  We hope all of our guests feel comfortable, relaxed, and at home on the ranch.  Come… let us welcome you into the Goosewing Ranch family.  A vacation you will cherish for a lifetime!

_________________________________________________________________________

Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com

Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch

Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch

YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch

Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”

100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America

Travel Insurance…Your helping hand

Your BIG vacation is here, you have saved for this, planned for this, and been looking forward to this for a long time.  You awake with excitement before your alarm even sounds, just to find out… your flight has been delayed, your mother is sick, or something else has happened, and you are going to have to miss at least part of you treasured Wyoming vacation.  What comes to mind…NO REFUNDS, missed time with family, missing activities you have been looking forward, no Yellowstone, and all that money you have spent on this trip.

Vacations are times that will live in our memories for years to come, and for many of us we don’t get to take enough of them.   We all know too well that anything can happen between the booking stage and the actual trip itself.  This is way purchasing travel insurance can be beneficial.   Travel insurance is relatively affordable and it gives you peace of mind when spending thousands of dollars on your vacation.

Travel insurance can cover things like…missed flights, unexpected hotel expenses, weather delays, terrorist acts, hospital visits, missed vacation time because of personal or family/traveler illnesses or accidents, and much more.  Travel Guard is a company that has travel insurance designed for the Dude Ranch vacationers.  Click here http://bit.ly/AvWKg0 for more information.

We at Goosewing Ranch recommend travel insurance because you should always expect the unexpected, and we know how valuable your time away from home is. Peace of mind for both before and during your travels.  We wish you many safe and successful vacations!

_________________________________________________________________________
Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com
Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch
Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch
YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch
Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”
100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America

Ranch Dogs…A Cowboys Best Friend

After a long hard day of working in the great outdoors, where Mother Nature can throw anything at you, it’s nice to have some down time with your coworkers.  The wonderful thing about being a “cowboy” – is that your coworker is also your 4 legged friend.  In the Wild West – cowboys still use horses, and working dogs to help with their livestock operations.  The best part is… your K-9 coworker doesn’t require much other than a little love, some food, and they never worry about tomorrow.

There are a number of different types of working dogs, many of which have become household pets.  These dogs have the knowledge, and ability to work stock imbedded into their DNA.  You might notice the Australian Shepherd in your neighborhood  nip at your children’s heels and chase them around…this is natural behavior for these types of dogs.  They are merely trying to “herd” the kids.

Working dogs are very high energy, and very intelligent.  They require lots of exercise and mental stimulation.  This is why ranch life is great for them.  They get all the activity needed to keep them in good health, as well as, the challenge of moving large animals.  These amazing creatures with big hearts need proper training to perfect the skills that come naturally to them.  They can be dangerous and hard to handle without boundaries and training.

At Goosewing Ranch we have a couple of, what we call nontraditional ranch dogs.  Though both are working dogs, you can also trace the heritage back to use in herding and working stock.  Ruthy is past her days of catching much of anything other than a few winks, and it is dangerous and difficult for Concho because of his size. We will leave these two ranch dogs on chiseler patrol and greeting duty.  A special thanks to all of our furry K-9 friends and partners.

_________________________________________________________________________
Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com
Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch
Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch
YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch
Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”
100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America

Great people sharing a common passion

Goosewing Ranch is excited to be involved with the Dude Ranchers Association, or the DRA.  We recently returned from the DRA convention in Cody– where we met and mingled with fellow “dude ranchers”.

The DRA has been around since 1926.  Being a part of such a great organization brings us pride.  To become a member – the ranch must go through a two year inspection and approval process.  All DRA ranch members are required to represent the highest quality of western hospitality, while ensuring that all guests have a wonderful western ranch experience.  DRA ranches are also kept to the highest safety standards.

It was nice to get off the ranch and enjoy Cody Wyoming in January.  We enjoyed the company of our fellow ranchers – and shared knowledge of the industry, and of course good cheer!  We visited the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, the DRA headquarters at the Heritage Center, and other historic hotels.  Cody Wyoming is a wonderful place… It is full of history, great hospitality, and located just outside the East entrance of Yellowstone National Park.   From wild mustangs to big horn sheep – Cody also has amazing opportunities for viewing wildlife.

Throughout the convention we enjoyed guest speakers from all around.  Some spoke about horse safety, and how to better prepare our wranglers for the summer, others about marketing and the latest trends.  We also meet with different venders that all have our guests’ best interest in mind.  They shared information on products such as cozy towels and linens, belt buckles and  souvenirs, as well as travel insurance.  (Look for our next blog on travel insurance).

The core principles of the Dude Ranchers Association are the “6 H’s”: Horses, Hats, Hospitality, Heritage, Honesty, and Heart.  Each one of the previous words beginning with “H” represent what dude and guest ranches are about.  Though our guests’ expectations have changed over the years, and we have evolved with them, the core principles of dude ranching remain the same.

We hope that with Goosewing Ranch being a part of this great association we can provide our guests with the best possible experience.  Remember dude ranches aren’t only about horses and rustic cabins; they offer many adventurous outdoor activities, classic culinary experiences, and modern amenities.  Come and let us share with you our passion for horses, hats, hospitality, and adventure, all while making lasting memories.

_________________________________________________________________________
Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com
Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch
Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch
YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch
Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”
100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America

A walk in the Park…

For those of us at Goosewing Ranch once the snow starts accumulating, we start closing up shop.  Just because Goosewing is closed during the winter months doesn’t mean the Gros Ventre valley isn’t booming with life.  For many species, the Gros Ventre is a good place to call home for the winter.

As one might imagine winter in Wyoming can be brutal.  Now think what it might be like if you had to dig through a foot of snow every time you needed a meal.  The Gros Ventre might border Grand Teton National Park, but surviving out here is no walk in the park.  Elk don’t have the luxury of putting on a winter snow suit to stay warm, or opening the refrigerator for a meal.  They must use their front legs and paw at the snow until they dig deep enough to find the grasses underneath.  This will usually burn as much energy as they receive from the meal.  Though the Gros Ventre valley will see extremely cold temperatures, and high winds throughout the winter, it typically receives less snow fall than some of the surrounding mountain ranges.  Lighter snow pack and abundant grasses from the summer make this area a wonderful place to spend the winter, that is, if you‘re an elk.

Life isn’t easy being an elk – you have to deal with weather and deep snow packs, you need to avoid wolves, and be healthy enough to fight off diseases.  Finding an appropriate place to winter is the difference between life and death.  Ranchers have been feeding elk in the Jackson Hole area for close to 100 years.  This still holds true today in the Gros Ventre.  The Gros Ventre valley is home to 3 out of the state’s 22 elk feeding areas.  It makes sense to supplement feeding for them here since elk are naturally drawn to this area.   About 3500-4500 elk will spend the winter around Goosewing Ranch, and the feed grounds.  That number varies depending on the amount of snow fall in the area.  There is a lot of controversy about feeding the elk, but, right or wrong, it is wonderful to see them in our backyard.

_____________________________________________________________________
Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com
Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch
Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch
YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch
Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”
100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America

Ever wanted to be John Wayne…

Goosewing Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming employs about 25-30 employees each summer.  Our staff is made up of full-time, returning and rookie employees from all over the world.  And, just in case you were wondering . . . you don’t have to be a REAL cowboy to get a job at Goosewing Ranch, just a cowboy or girl at heart!

Goosewing Ranch employees are able to spend their summer doing things most people only dream about.  Yes, you will have to work hard – but, you will be interacting with people from all around the world with exciting backgrounds.  Imagine: You are surrounded by wildlife and vast mountain views, where you can smell the aroma of horses in the cool morning air.  Goosewing Ranch gives you an opportunity to experience life on the ranch, while making friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!

Goosewing Ranch provides it employees with room and board, and the tools needed to succeed.  There are a variety of positions available.

So!  If you have ever thought about living in the Jackson Hole area, near both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks, and want to help others make their dream vacations come true, than we invite you to spend your summer with Goosewing Ranch.

Click here for more information.

Or email us your resume, work references, and photo to info@goosewingranch.com

_______________________________________________________________________
Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com
Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch
Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch
YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch
Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

Experience Ranch-Style Livin’ – with Goosewing Ranch!

Deep in the Gros Ventre valley near Jackson Hole, Goosewing marks the entry point to a protected, pristine wilderness.  At 7,400 feet, the valley is host to some of North America’s most spectacular game: deer, elk, moose, antelope, bear, and eagles, plus fantastic scenery.  The location, surroundings, and spectacular views make Goosewing Ranch a unique, secluded and magical place.

This location, which so many of you have shared with us, is the main reason for Goosewing to begin this new adventure of blogging.  Thanks for joining us in learning more about our beautiful ranch, and the experience of ranch style living!

With a smaller capacity at Goosewing Ranch, our guests become like family.  We ride horses, dine and play together – creating memories that last a lifetime.  Our guests are the heart and soul of the ranch experience, and we would like to share some of your encounters, as well as keep you included in what is happening here at Goosewing Ranch.  We are excited to pass along some interesting information about the ranch in general to the world as well!

A big THANK YOU goes out to all of our guests for helping make Goosewing what it is today.  You have embraced Goosewing and made us a part of your family.  Your helpful suggestions and praise have helped us to better host the special families that come to visit us.  Now, Goosewing Ranch is able to give something back to our past, present and future guests – via a very personalized blog.

We invite you to share in our ranchstyleliving blog. Let us know about your experiences and we will continue to share with you the world of ranch style living in the amazing Grand Teton Park area of Jackson Hole!

_________________________________________________________________________
Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com
Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch
Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch
YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch
Blog – https://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com