Author Topic: Idaho Drop Camp (Read 15511 times)

Vees · « **on:** May 04, 2011, 05:21:57 PM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 04, 2011, 06:59:03 PM »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 04, 2011, 07:04:17 PM »

what weapon?

KillBilly · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2011, 07:21:05 PM »

Ask BearPaw

Vees · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2011, 07:52:17 PM »

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 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2011, 07:58:40 PM »

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 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 04, 2011, 08:01:21 PM »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:23:51 PM »

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 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:33:45 PM »

Quote from: ridgefire on May 04, 2011, 10:23:51 PM

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:43:55 PM »

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 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:45:38 PM »

Quote from: bobcat on May 04, 2011, 10:43:55 PM

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 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:46:25 PM »

Quote from: Bigshooter on May 04, 2011, 10:45:38 PM

Quote from: bobcat on May 04, 2011, 10:43:55 PM
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 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:47:11 PM »

PM sent I think I can help you out.

Bigshooter · « **Reply #13 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:47:48 PM »

Quote from: bobcat on May 04, 2011, 10:46:25 PM

Quote from: Bigshooter on May 04, 2011, 10:45:38 PM
Quote from: bobcat on May 04, 2011, 10:43:55 PM
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 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 04, 2011, 11:01:52 PM »

Bearpaw does drop camps in Idaho.

whacker1 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 05, 2011, 05:06:11 AM »

The Frank Church is one of the most heavily impacted areas from wolf predation in regards to the State of Idaho. Go look at the estimated elk population and harvest reports on IDFG's web-site for the last 10 years. I am not saying that you wouldn't have success, but it would influence my decision making.

I have been looking at a drop camp with Bearpaw in SE Idaho for a couple of years, but I was interested in the archery season. Best of luck on whatever you decide

Bigshooter · « **Reply #16 on:** May 05, 2011, 05:15:22 AM »

I'd still go with the Frank. Every year that I have been in there killing a bull would not have been a problem.

Hornseeker · « **Reply #17 on:** May 05, 2011, 07:42:16 AM »

If you do a fly in...which is a good option... you better be in good shape and willing to put on some miles. Most of the strips are "in" elk country, but the elk are not Right there in general. I'd probably backpack2-5 miles from the strip, then hunt 0-8 miles from there. You'd have to be careful on those last couple days of the hunt to make sure and not kill something too far from the strip!!!

Vees · « **Reply #18 on:** May 05, 2011, 09:37:07 AM »

Wow, thanks everyone for the great feedback! Definitely appreciated. I'll keep looking into my options and let you know what we decide. Something about the Franch Church keeps calling my name...a lot of wild country in there!

Alan K · « **Reply #19 on:** May 05, 2011, 10:28:36 AM »

Quote from: Hornseeker on May 05, 2011, 07:42:16 AM

If you do a fly in...which is a good option... you better be in good shape and willing to put on some miles. Most of the strips are "in" elk country, but the elk are not Right there in general. I'd probably backpack2-5 miles from the strip, then hunt 0-8 miles from there. You'd have to be careful on those last couple days of the hunt to make sure and not kill something too far from the strip!!!

PilotMark · « **Reply #20 on:** May 09, 2011, 12:23:16 AM »

I hunted the Selway out of a drop camp for the last 5 years. Scott Boulanger of Circle KBL outfitters is inexpensive and first class. Great Crew. Hunted with others before - no one close to Circle KBL that I experienced.

PilotMark · « **Reply #21 on:** May 09, 2011, 12:27:10 AM »

More...but can't find buck pictures.

Hornseeker · « **Reply #22 on:** May 09, 2011, 07:10:13 AM »

Nice Pilot! Good bucks? Good hunting it looks like!

Vees · « **Reply #23 on:** May 13, 2011, 02:41:06 PM »

PilotMark - Thanks for the recommendation. Looks like you've had some good trips hunting with them, congrats on the great animals! Do you guys usually get into elk pretty consistently each year?

-Vees

davis5 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 14, 2011, 07:30:40 AM »

I ve been in the frank four times. Three of them were drop camps, we always get our elk, but we have to work very hard you better be in shape. We mainly kill rage horns .It is still a bunch of fun. Email me if you want more info

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Author Topic: Idaho Drop Camp (Read 15511 times)

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