‘Ice Hunters’ vending machines offer ice, water

ALAMOSA — Two Texas archery hunters were perplexed when they came to the San Luis Valley last fall to hunt elk north of South Fork and couldn’t find ice for their coolers after stops at three convenience stores.

Hence the creation of “Ice Hunters”, a new company offering bulk ice and water through vending machines. Three machines are already offering the product at the Water Works car washes in Alamosa and Monte Vista, as well as the Super Charged car wash here.

Partners David Elwart and John Barndt, both from the Dallas area, hope their new venture is a success with plans to expand the service in the future.

Ice Hunters will have a grand opening Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Water Works car wash here at 418 Main St. Free ice and water will be offered as well as hot dogs and hamburgers while supplies last, and the first 15 attendees will earn a free car wash. Some prize giveaways will also be offered.

“We didn’t fill an archery tag, but we did create Ice Hunters,” Elwart told the Valley Courier.

He said their ice/water vending machines are extremely efficient and waste very little water as excess water is recycled into the cooling process. A five-stage, ultra-filtration system assures great tasting water and ice, Elwart said, and low oxygen levels in the ice help it stay frozen longer.

The ice machines store up to 500 pounds of ice and can produce 1,500 pounds of ice per day. Ice can be dispensed down a chute directly into a cooler or plastic bags are available at the machines. Water can be dispensed into small containers and up to five-gallon round jugs.

Elwart said the machines do not accept cash, but credit card transactions are escrowed in the system to allow for multiple dispersals.

Elwart is an electrical engineer and is currently an Analog Design manager in a Fortune 500 company working with prominent cell phone manufacturers. A decorated veteran, Barndt earned several medals while serving in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years before returning to earn a college degree and moving into the construction industry.