High Buck Drop camp opinions requested

[Lunatic Fringe]

I am just beginning the plans for a high buck drop camp for Fall 2012.  I have always wanted to do a good big game hunt with my dad, but we just haven't been able to make it work as of yet.  Now he's getting into his mid 70's and I'm concerned that if I don't do it soon he may not physically be able.  I've been looking into a horseback drop camp either in the pasayton or Okanogan wildernesses.  Does anyone have any recommended areas or outfitters.  I'm usually a DIY hunter but I don't have horses and that's the only way i'm going to get my dad way back into the back country.  I don't really want a guide.  I'm just looking for an outfitter to take us in, give us the lay of the land, and some possible good areas to concentrate on and then leave us to it.   I'll be doing lots of research over the next year, but I thought I'd ask for opinions to narrow down my options. 

[AlpineMuley]

Check out icicle creek outfitters.  I have never hunted with them, but meet a few on the trail head.  The guys seemed pretty cool.

[MtnMuley]

North Cacsade Safari.  I don't believe Icicle Ck hunts there.  Also, the "Okanogan Wilderness" you're referring to is where?  Are you meaning solely the Pasayten?

[huntnfmly]

icicle outfitters is a great outfit my girls and myself have gone out with them a couple times not drop camps but guided hunts they are great people
jim

[h20hunter]

This could be a great thread. Keep us posted as you go along and take lots of pics when you are up there. Do it now while you both are able. You can't get the time back.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Really when I say okanogan I'm not sure what area I'm talking about.  I've got a buddy that would also like to do this hunt and he suggested the Pasayton.  I know lots of area to cover.  I've always heard of decent bucks coming from areas in the Okanogans, but I understand that could be a hundred mile radius.  I'm not a newbie to hunting but scouting will be limited if there is a 20 mile pack in and out.  I only have so much money and time.  I usually hunt within 5 miles of the truck and really want to get in the backwoods away from people, see some more beautifull country and maybe find a nice migratory muley for my dad, myself and a buddy or two.  I'm really in the beginning stages of my planning for this trip.  I need to check the WDFW critter numbers for different units to narrow some things down.  I've been to the sportmans show and collected information from some of the outfitters and talked to a few, but probably didn't have enough knowledge to ask all the right questions.  Any suggestions or info is appreciated.  And I know how everyone on here likes pictures.  I'll make sure and take lots of the scouting trips and the hunt etc.

[jackelope]

If you want to do the high hunt in mid September you need to be in a wilderness area. The Pasayten, Alpine Lakes wilderness, Henry M Jackson wilderness, Glacier Peak wilderness, etc.

When you say high buck we think the early high hunt in the wilderness areas.

[Lunatic Fringe]

I'm still not sure what would be better.  The high buck in September or the regular modern firearm season.  September would be better weather but we might see more activity in October.  I will probably do a 7-10 day hunt to maximize our chances.  Would it be better to go in October for the Muley migration?

[buckfvr]

You wont see a migration in october......I did a drop camp many years ago...in October, and we had mostly fog....and sleet.  You will have to talk an outfitter into a custom hunt, as most use established camps, ones they use year after year, and I seriously doubt many of them go 20 miles one way.   Many of them put several camps into the same area, and if you hunt a mile from camp, you may run into a hunter from another one of their camps. 

I also know several who have done Pasayten in Sept.   SUccess rates are low, and killing an animal must be low on your list, the overall experience and camping much higher.  I  havent kept up on Okanogan mule deer, but it used to be, if you could get away from others, high  up in the Twisp River drainage, someone in camp would get a nice buck. 

[GHETTO GUIDE]

Great topic, keep asking questions and doing your research.  You will end up on the trip of a lifetime w/ your dad and have great memories and fun.     

[Goomsba]

North Cacsade Safari.  I don't believe Icicle Ck hunts there.  Also, the "Okanogan Wilderness" you're referring to is where?  Are you meaning solely the Pasayten?

I'd second North Cascade Safari   Ryan's a good guy and knows his stuff

[Bean Counter]

Good for you. way to be grateful and realize what you have    I've heard those outfitters book full pretty early so don't delay!

This could be a great thread. Keep us posted as you go along and take lots of pics when you are up there. Do it now while you both are able. You can't get the time back.

+1. i will never have that kind of dad. Cash is tight for me right now but I would pay anything to have that kind of an experience.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Thanks all,
I was looking over some maps with a buddy last night and there is just so much area to cover I'm going to definitly have to talk to an outfitter to figure out what maps to concentrate on.  If the Pasayton doesn't do good early in the year how about October?  Methow has a good reputation but I'm not sure if it's early or late.  I've also heard good things about the Sawtooth.  I didn't think about the Twisp area.  I'll look into that as well.

One other thing I will have to take into account is my dad is no mountain goat.  Are any of these areas Steeper and more rugged then others?

[MtnMuley]

The comment about not seeing a migrator in October in the high country, is untrue.

[buckfvr]

You wont see a migration, as in they wont in all likely hood be migrating en mass.....but you will see the ones that migrate.  I didnt say you wont see a migrator.  Unless there is a poor browse condition or an early heavy snowfall in the back country,  imo  october is early for actual migration.  And Ill add, not all areas are the same anyway........