drop camp

[mnhoundman]

was just wondering if anybody had any experience with drop camps. I have 4 points for Wyoming mule deer next year and want to pack into region g. So was just curious if it would make more sense to pay for a drop camp or not. Any info would be much appreciated. Been getting a lot of great information on here but I think this is my first thread just learning how to do it so hopefully it works. Thanks!

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I think a lot depends on the outfitter. Most drop camps are set up to take 4 to 6 hunters and if you do not fill the camp with your buddies, you could have strangers there with you. Most drop camps are set up for the season and are not moved, so again depending on when you hunt, there could have been hunters there before you. Ask the outfitter lots of questions.

I have lots of experience with spot camps, which is where a packer or outfitter takes you (and all the gear) to a predetermined spot and leaves you. They will them pick you up on a predetermined date. This is done a lot in Calif in the Sierras. Advantage is that your group are the only ones there (at least by the outfitter), disadvantage is you should know the area so you get a decent area to hunt.

 

[mnhoundman]

Hey thanks a lot for the advice. I was kinda wondering about that I spose the best way to do it is to get out there at the start of season if you do a drop camp? Pretty sure I need a horse or mule in that region it's pretty rough and I'm 14 hrs away so not sure if I want to haul horses out, rent them or just do a drop camp. Or just hoof it!!! Either way it's gonna be an awesome adventure can't wait.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

A lot of times the outfitter whose drop camp you are using will leave you a horse to pack your deer with. Ask them when you are booking it.

We always keep a horse in camp to pack deer back to camp. The outfitter usually leaves some grain for them too. Good thing to do, allows you to hunt a long ways away from camp and have a way to get the deer back a lot easier.

 

[mnhoundman]

I'll have to do some calling around and see what they say. If we decide to do a drop camp.Thanks for the info its much appreciated.

 

[CrimsonArrow]

I've done drops in Idaho and Colorado for elk and deer, and neither outfitter offered leaving a horse. I think it's really important to make sure that you are the first hunters in that particular camp that year. It doesn't take a lot of novice hunters clomping around to get all the game on edge. We chose to use drop camps because we live in MN, and long range scouting trips are hard to schedule. The outfitter has set up camps in proven areas, and as long as we are the first hunters in for the season, we have a better chance at filling tags. The second reason we use drops is that I hunt with my Dad, who is 71. He's in great shape, but I know if we arrowed a couple elk, I would be one whipped pup by the time I got the meat back to the truck. I'd pretty much have to do it myself because of his back and knees. All that being said, if you know where you want to hunt, and you're only hunting deer, I would do it myself. A light camp and a deer is not that hard to pack in and out.

 

[mnhoundman]

Thanks for the advice. I have the same problem being from Minnesota it's a long trip to go scouting. I've been trying to get a list of things together so I can just do it on my own, like you said a deer wouldn't be as tough as an elk. I would have my brother-in-law come with me also so that would help. Then the next year hopefully he gets a tag and I can go with and help him.

 

[mnhoundman]

Can anyone give me a good outfitter in western wyoming to check with about a drop camp hunt. Thanks!!