Pasayten High Buck Hunt

[MtgHunter]

Since I didn't draw any tags in any states this year I decided to book a drop camp.  If anyone has done this hunt I would love to hear about what to do or not to do on trip like this.  Were only allowed so much weight so I really have to limit what I take.  If you have any spots you want to share feel free to PM me.  Having not been there I was thinking I would get up high and glass opposed to just still hunt, but who know. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions. 

[nw_bowhunter]

Never hunted it but I'm sure you can get some details from the outfitter who is doing the drop camp. Good luck and post some pics.

[BowBender87]

tag

[CAMPMEAT]

Ask what the success rate is for HIS drop camp. If you don't like his answer, ask another outfitter.

[mtncook]

Trust me on the success rate.  I've had plenty of hunters that really want a camping trip and spend very little time away from camp.  Then there are the real hunters that get it done.  It is very hard to give success rates.
The High Hunt is not what it was 10 years ago. The friends of mine that pack in that area have seen fewer deer.

mtncook

[CAMPMEAT]

Trust me on the success rate.  I've had plenty of hunters that really want a camping trip and spend very little time away from camp.  Then there are the real hunters that get it done.  It is very hard to give success rates.
The High Hunt is not what it was 10 years ago. The friends of mine that pack in that area have seen fewer deer.

mtncook

Wolves.......

[CementFinisher]

fewer deer and more people.
What part of the pasayten? most of it that i have been in (Far east side) has been pretty damm open, with adaquate cover.Spot and stalk will be the way to go. if your in an area with alot of people hunt the timber stands. bring good glass

[jason stevens]

I have considered doing the same thing until I found out I can do it myself. Get a good pack and gear invite a buddy or two and get it done guide is good for food and lodging but you'll never forget doing it yourself besides its on public ground not a leased piece of land why pay.

[MtnMuley]

I have considered doing the same thing until I found out I can do it myself. Get a good pack and gear invite a buddy or two and get it done guide is good for food and lodging but you'll never forget doing it yourself besides its on public ground not a leased piece of land why pay.

If you have the money, I'd definately go with an outfitter.  Camp is set up, everything you need to have a comfortable trip is taken care of and packed in for you, and having hot meals after hunting day that are prepared for you is wayyyyyy better than any mountain house.  Also, the outfitters usually tip you on where the best success hunting is and generally take you into those areas or near.  Sure, I have the things to do it myself, and have many times, but given the chance to go in with an outfitter if I can afford it at that time, is a no-brainer in my opinion.

[wilsongideon]

I Havent hunted the pasayten for ten years so I dont have any personal experience 10 years ago but I have done some research and 10 years ago according to the harvest reports there were 500 hunters and last year there was only 300. succes rate was almost identical. Now maybe those 500 hundred hunters took all the nice bucks cuz it sure is tough to find any of those, but seems like overall trend is less hunters. That being said I have never drop camped and dont have anyone to reccomend but I have done a couple Backpacking trips and some day hunts from trailheads had some success. Backpack hunting your only allowed as much wieght as you can carry which is almost not enough unless you can afford alot of lightweight gear which will cost you a small fortune in itself. You have to pack into the same areas that packers can and pack it all in on your back and out on your back. If I could afford it I would be packed into a area by an outfitter every year but a location of my choosing. But if you dont have a location in mind, your at the mercy of the packfitter to drop you in a huntable area.

[Wea300mag]

I would normally be hiking or looking for a bear at this time of year but I will be joining the Pasayten crew this year, solo backpack hunt.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Man with all the fires I do not know if I would want to be in the back country ....this weather sticks around into September we all may be shut down ..

[MtgHunter]

Were going to be up in the Cathedral Lakes area which is 19 miles on a horse.  Not sure I'm ready for that, but to be that far in and away from most people should be a great experience regardless.  I have good glass and a long range gun so hoping the spot and stalk plan will work.  A drop camp is very affordable if you go out of state very often and factor in all the costs associated with that.  Only down side is I'm used to a real comfortable camp, so since we have only so much weight per man will have to rough it a little.  Hoping this turns into a regular trip, but who knows.  I will post some pics when I return.  If anyone else has two cents love to hear from you. 

[boneaddict]

MtnCook nailed it better than ever.  Success rates mean little for the high hunt.   Its a glorified dang good time to be camping in the woods.   It is what it is.   There is SOOOOOoooooooo much country with so few deer scattered in all of it from one year to the next.   If you stumble on a buck nest or a high perch, you're in Gold.   Qualifying it a success by whether you notch the tag or not, you'll be highly disappointed in the high hunt.   Enjoy it for what it is and if you get lucky.......

[MtnMuley]

If you're going to Catherdal, you obviusly hired the Darwoods or Ryan Surface.  Both outfits are great.  You will have a great time reguardless if the tag gets notched.  My favorite kind of country........wait, second favorite......nothing beats the Sawtooth.