Idaho Drop Camp

[Vees]

Hey Everyone,

My dad and I are thinking about doing a drop camp for an elk hunt in Idaho this year.  We hunted for deer/elk around Salmon, ID last fall and are somewhat familiar with that area.  However, we'd be open minded to anywhere in the central Idaho area.  We've never hired a outfitter before...so I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has any pointers for picking a good one?  Anyone been on a drop camp hunt in central idaho before?  Any suggestions or feedback on some outfitters would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

-Vees

[bobcat]

About the only thing I know is that you'd be better off somewhere other than the Salmon, Idaho area. Check into the SE region. Elk numbers are really down in the Salmon area. I know because my wife's grandparents live there and I've done some research on the area because I thought I might be able to work in an elk hunt when we go to visit. Found out it wasn't worth it.

[whacker1]

what weapon?

[KillBilly]

Ask BearPaw

[Vees]

We would be hunting modern rifle (late Oct / early Nov). 

Bobcat - Thanks for the input...that is one concern I have.  I'd really hate to invest my time and energy into learning an area that may continue to decline in the next few years.   

KillyBilly - Thanks for the pointer.

-Vees

[Bigshooter]

I would look into hunting the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  A guy I know two sons did a drop camp in there a few years ago for elk and both killed nice bulls.  Both were over 300 and I think the biggest one score in the 340's.  I will see if I can get a hold of him and find out who they used to pack them in.

[Bigshooter]

If you have all the gear I would just do a diy fly in hunt in the Frank Church and save yourself some money.  Plus I would pick up a deer tag too.

[ridgefire]

have seen some home videos of people hunting in the frank and from the looks of it it is pretty well burnt up. had a couple buddies that hiked in like 13 miles last year scouting it out and they were pretty dissapointed, ended up going elsewhere. they were thinking about flying in and hiking in from the landing strip but decided they would be better else looking elsewhere in idaho. these were bowhunters, rifle may be different even though it is open for a rifle in sept in the wilderness area. best of luck

[Bigshooter]

have seen some home videos of people hunting in the frank and from the looks of it it is pretty well burnt up. had a couple buddies that hiked in like 13 miles last year scouting it out and they were pretty dissapointed, ended up going elsewhere. they were thinking about flying in and hiking in from the landing strip but decided they would be better else looking elsewhere in idaho. these were bowhunters, rifle may be different even though it is open for a rifle in sept in the wilderness area. best of luck

There is plenty of country that is not burned up.  I've flown into the Frank a few times.  There is no shortage of deer or elk.

[bobcat]

Burned up is a good thing! I'd hunt there for that reason. Makes for great deer and elk habitat. Nothing better than a good burn to hunt in.

[Bigshooter]

Burned up is a good thing! I'd hunt there for that reason. Makes for great deer and elk habitat. Nothing better than a good burn to hunt in.

I hunted one year in an area where the logs were still smoking.

[bobcat]

Burned up is a good thing! I'd hunt there for that reason. Makes for great deer and elk habitat. Nothing better than a good burn to hunt in.

I hunted one year in an area where the logs were still smoking.

Did you do good?

[carpsniperg2]

PM sent I think I can help you out.

[Bigshooter]

Burned up is a good thing! I'd hunt there for that reason. Makes for great deer and elk habitat. Nothing better than a good burn to hunt in.

I hunted one year in an area where the logs were still smoking.

Did you do good?

Not where the logs were still smoking.  We were deer hunting and the cold weather had not come yet.  We got bucks but nothing big.

[jackelope]

Bearpaw does drop camps in Idaho.