Elk Drop Camp v. Guided - Idaho

[jryoung]

I'm looking to hunt Idaho next year with my dad and brother. My dad lives up north in Bonners Ferry. My dad and I have talked about doing a guided hunt for years, but never really got serious about it. No that he is getting older I'd like to do one, but am still questioning the roughly $4,500 cost.


I'm wondering if a drop camp is a suitable option? The skeptic in me wonders if guide service set up the drop camps in areas not as prime as the guided hunt camps? I realize there is some truth to this, as why not reserve the best area for the best paying customers, but in reality how big of a difference is it?

Does anyone have any reccomendations for a drop camp outfitter in ID?

We're also open to western Montana or maybe WY or CO if it would be worth it. I know there are issues with wolves in ID, but the impact is less significant the further south (WY, CO) you get.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[wyemjohnson]

You are right the cost at 4500 is too much for a guided Idaho hunt, especially in the wilderness areas that have high numbers of predators. If your party is all experienced hunters and are in good hiking shape then a drop camp is great. You need to consider OTC tags if going to other states, ID and CO have OTC tags, but WY does not. I do know of a drop camp outfitter in the CDA Nat Forest which is close to your Dad, I just need to find his card again...
Good Luck.

 

[Killzone]

CHECK OUT VELVET RANCH IN IDAHO

 

[jryoung]

The Velvet Ranch is $6k for their cheapest hunt and $12k for their most expensive, and it doesn't look like they do drop hunts, is there something I'm missing?

 

[SoJo]

Personally I've used Thomson Outfitters in Wyoming. Bid & won a guided hunt at a RMEF event in the central valley. My bid was full price of the standard guided hunt - I applied 3 yrs for pref pots and was drawn in '08. Thomson is a great guide service - they own and operate their own animals (horses, pack mules, etc) is a multi-generation owned and operated outfit. They have one of the exclusive access to the Bridger mountain ranges near the Green River and Green River lake. I have been applying for pts again in hopes of going back in 2010 or 2011. He also has access and guides on another range that doesn't require pref pts. The cost is ~$4400 and well worth it. Very knowledgeable guides and will put you on animals. While I missed my big wallhanger last year (just at 1st light opening morning) I did punch out with a 5x (1st elk ever) that afternoon.

Wilderness Resort, Wilderness Lodge

 

[DLS]

If I'm not mistaken, the Velvet Ranch is strictly a 'high fenced' operation, not fair chase or free ranging.

 

[jryoung]

If I'm not mistaken, the Velvet Ranch is strictly a 'high fenced' operation, not fair chase or free ranging.

I checked out their website, they looked a little "pretty" to me. Overstuffed leather couches, 3-5 people in the hunting groups, I'm looking for a little more rugged.

The tough point for me is that I don't really care about taking a 300+ point bull. I'll shoot one if I get the chance, but I'm more in it for the meat so if I can get young bull or a cow tag I'd be set. Most guided operations are geared toward big bulls, and that's just not my priority.

 

[Lives2Hunt]

A wise old hunter use to tell me "elk are where you find them". And he would know taking more elk and deer than I can count even bare foot. If you contact a state biologist, 99% of the time they will tell you general areas to start looking, just be nice and listen to what they have to say.

Find guys on this website from ID, WY or CO. Most of those guys will give you pretty good information. Many times people make the mistake of joining this site and asking for "good hunting areas" and they been in the site for 2 or 3 posts. Put some time, develop some repor, I cnat sepell, HAHA.

Begin to search through any means possible. Did a drop camp on horse back 15 years ago in SW CO, had good hunt, 2 bulls, and 2 bucks out of 5 guys. Got back in there pretty deep, 7 days, guy dropped us off, set it all up, came back ever other day with water and any other needs we had, then on day 7 in the late afternoon we started out.

Predators are a huge issue in those nothern state wilderness areas. I like CO for DIY drop camps and can find many nice 5 X 5 elk, if your willing to put in the effort and time. IF you want a BC bull, draw it out or pay big bucks. I know you know this, but the fact you still have time in the woods with your dad and brother, is an awsome trophy in itself. Good luck.

 

[Killzone]

velvet ranch has a $650 cow elk hunt

 

[jryoung]

I know you know this, but the fact you still have time in the woods with your dad and brother, is an awsome trophy in itself. Good luck.

This is really the core of the experience I want. Growing up my brother never hunted, I was always the one going out with my dad. Now that he is interested and has a 13yo son I'm really looking to make a go of it, and make "elk camp" and annual event.

Both my brother and I are pushing my dad to start some scouting throughout ID. The only piece of essential gear we are missing is the wood stove for the wall tent. I figured a drop camp might be nice because we could get the experience and see what worked and what didn't, besides the bonus of being packed into the wilderness. There's plenty of wilderness in ID that we can get to via truck that should be pretty remote, we just need to find that place that has the elk too.

Killzone thanks for the heads up and for the PM, I'll be in touch.

 

[SoJo]

JR -- I hunted an entirely new area in ID this year and found loads of wilderness areas near Salmon & North Fork. If you apply for the 1st rifle season you may as well hire someone or rent horses to get back in there. Loads of dirt roads that take you back in, but you need to be on horses to get another 10-20miles further back. Later season hunts after the storm and you have addtl chances...If I don't draw for Wy in '10, then I may be haeding back to Idaho again.

 

[jryoung]

SoJo, yeah there is so much territory in ID it's just a matter of finding a good spot. I have a friend that hunts out of Chalis in 36b and they hunt right from a camp ground. My Dad has horses, but no mules, I think finding a spot and hiring somebody would probably be a great option. Maybe that's the problem, too many options!

My brother and I are definitely starting to push my Dad though, I think we'll have him out in the woods this summer doing our homework. I appreciate all the replies, it just sucks that elk season is 10 months away.

 

[Duknutz]

JR,
If your interested in SW Montana,check out Broken Arrow Lodge.There in the Beaverhead,Snowcrest range.They have horse back fully guided hunts,drop camp and lodge hunts available.You are hunting public land,but Sherry and Erwin live their all year and know the area and elk inside and out.Iv'e done the drop camp and also the lodge/backpack hunt.We used to hunt this area and take horses and wall tents and etc.Now,we just go and stay with them,its much easier.When I was there this year they killed 5 for 7 in guide camp,2 for 3 in drop camp and a few in the lodge for opening week.It's about $3000 for full guide.$1300 for drop camp and $800 for lodge hunt.Drop camp includes all meals,firewood split,etc. and packing fees for elk.Its a pretty good deal and a blast of a time.I think drop camp sits at about 9200-9400'.I took a 6x6 this year from the lodge/backpack hunt.Good Luck!

 

[betelgeuse]

Duknutz.. thanks for posting. I checked out their website. The drop camp looks like a good deal.

Is it hard to get an archery tag for that area ?

 

[jryoung]

Yeah seriously, that looks like a great set-up. There is just so much out there that doesn't show up with Google. Thanks for the info.

 

[SoJo]

SoJo, yeah there is so much territory in ID it's just a matter of finding a good spot. I have a friend that hunts out of Chalis in 36b and they hunt right from a camp ground. My Dad has horses, but no mules, I think finding a spot and hiring somebody would probably be a great option. Maybe that's the problem, too many options!

My brother and I are definitely starting to push my Dad though, I think we'll have him out in the woods this summer doing our homework. I appreciate all the replies, it just sucks that elk season is 10 months away.

I have hunted out of Chalis - we were supposed to go there again this year, but listened to my stepdad and went further E/NE towards Salmon & Northfork areas. After arriving (1,000 mile drive from San Jose), my dad told me it hyad been 20yrs since he was last there --doohhhh!! Oh well, in the end it turned out to be more of a scouting adventure around Areas 20/21. All in all, it turned out great as I found loads of new areas to hunt. I did run into a number of locals & out of staters who were extremely helpful in hints and areas --- we did see probably 500+ deer (only a few shooters - two were shot from underneath me and my brother), 150 elk (3/4 mile by the crow flies, but a 3-4 mile hike), big horn sheep and a bull moose. Just seeing the vast amount of animals was awesome even though we only got 4 shots and 1 animal.