Frank Church

[Bigshooter]

there are 30 airstrips... some are private..the key would be getting to a airstrip of least use or able to pay to access a private one

Not important.  Just hike 5 miles straight up from any strip and you will get away from 99% of the people.  You have to remember most strips there will only be 20-30 guys in there at a time.  I have been the only group in at a strip before.  The more popular strips like Loon there's only going to be 50-60 guys in there at a time.  It's really easy to get away from people.

[jstone]

50-60 guys seems like a lot? do they just camp at the air strip and walk out from there? so spike camp 5 miles or so from there and lot less people? what makes one popular and one not so popular? I would rather go to a less popular and pack in from there would be less a chance to run into someone.

[hirshey]

50-60 guys seems like a lot? do they just camp at the air strip and walk out from there? so spike camp 5 miles or so from there and lot less people? what makes one popular and one not so popular? I would rather go to a less popular and pack in from there would be less a chance to run into someone.

Depends on the year.. 2 years ago there were about 40-50 people at our strip but my friends were the only ones setting up spike camps.. Then he came back with a nice buck and there were about 20 people setting spike camps this year..

[Bigshooter]

50-60 people might seem like a lot. But very few if any of those 50-60 guys are going to spike out. Most will do day hunts from the strip.  I wouldnt call Hirshey's experience normal. 

[actionshooter]

there are 30 airstrips... some are private..the key would be getting to a airstrip of least use or able to pay to access a private one

There are 15 airstrips that are public and no-one is going to let use or just buy your way in unless you are staying at one of the resorts or using an outfitter.

50-60 people might seem like a lot. But very few if any of those 50-60 guys are going to spike out. Most will do day hunts from the strip.  I wouldnt call Hirshey's experience normal. 

The airstrips I have hunted (several) , as I have said before, the number of "spike hunters" and "strip hunters" has seemed about even to me.
Just my experience 

[get one leakin]

We have some experience in the frank.  I have been in every year since 05.  In my opinion there are certainly a lot better places if your looking for a trophy buck but it is a fun hunt.  There are hunters around and it is possible to get away from them but you have to go pretty deep if your wanting to be totally alone.  There is space to hunt but unless you go quite a ways (ie more than a days hike to spike) you will see other hunters, and or will be hunting an area that was hunted the day before etc.  The wolves have definitely changed the game even just since I have been going.  The elk numbers seem really down but the deer seem to be doing OK and when they opened the season on them it really has made a difference.  The wolves are there but seem to be thinned out and most of the time out of reach of where we hunt.  We have got some nice bucks and Hirshey the one you took was really exceptional congrats.  I saw pics and heard about you guys but we were never back at Base camp at the same time to come down and take a look.  All and all my advice would be to be prepared for anything but have a plan.  The weather can change in there in an hr and its not like you can just jump in the pickup and thaw your toes or head to town to get something you forgot.  PM me if I can help

[wazzu99]

PM sent

[norsepeak]

I've done this hunt three times, killed three bucks, one a 28.5" 5x6, and one elk.  We flew with McCall air, they are great to work with.  The strip we fly into usually has only like 3 or 4 other hunters, and like has been said, if you get a mile or so away from the air strip, you be all alone, not many guys want to pack a deer that far.  I've seen several bucks taken right from the airstrip.  Since we started hunting back there in '03 the elk numbers have fallen drastically, the wolf numbers have skyrocketed, and deer seem to be down a little.  It's a fun trip, but be in shape and be prepared for a lot of hard work.  If ya need more info, just holler.