Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: acnewman55 on April 06, 2015, 06:57:23 PM

Title: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: acnewman55 on April 06, 2015, 06:57:23 PM: Do many guide services guide the high buck hunt or is it traditionally a DIY hunt?

I ask because I was looking around a little on the google machine for guided hunts and didn't find any service that seemed to be in operations since 2011 or 2012...
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: jackelope on April 06, 2015, 08:28:59 PM: Icicle Outfitters does. There are mutliple outfitters in the Methow area for the high hunt too. Early Winters, sawtooth outfitters, cascade wilderness outfitters to name a few.
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: bobcat on April 06, 2015, 08:35:22 PM: I think the question that needs answered is whether any of those outfitters offer an actual "guided" hunt. They all do drop camps, and that's about all I know that they do for the high hunt. I'm pretty sure for the right price any of them could find you a guide. You just need to make some phone calls. I did a drop camp with Cascade Wilderness in the Pasaysten about 10 years ago. I'd recommend them if they say they can do a guided hunt for you. I know they will do guided hunts for the special permits. Let us know what you find out.
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: bobcat on April 06, 2015, 08:37:51 PM: For Cascade Wilderness (Steve Darwood) here's the phone number:

509-997-0155
509-322-3809 (cell)
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: longwalker on April 06, 2015, 08:39:58 PM: Yup call up icicle creek outfitters and you too could be one of the *censored*es camped smack middle of a basin blowing out all the deer that would normally be living there. Those guys will drop a camp anywhere
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on April 06, 2015, 08:46:26 PM: Most of these do drop camp hunts and concentrate their guided hunts for the special permits. I would suggest you contact them as they fill up fast because the USFS limits them. I know the Icicle Outfitters personally and will do right by you. I would decide what area you like to hunt and then pursue the outfitter for that area accordingly. The high hunt can be a crowded hunt so keep that in mind.
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: Tbar on April 06, 2015, 08:57:11 PM: Pm muleracks I believe he can point you in the right direction.
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: acnewman55 on April 07, 2015, 06:03:53 PM: Thanks for the info everyone.

I'm not too interested in a drop-camp. More interested in a truly guided hunt. Been trying for a buck for only two years, but haven't even spotted one yet during the season (seen plenty of big bucks in the off-season though). I figure I can spend this season wandering around in the high country again with a low chance of success, or cough up my pennies for a guide to show me the ropes so that my chances going forward are better :dunno:

Sure is pricey though!
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: RG on April 07, 2015, 07:04:28 PM: Quote from: longwalker on April 06, 2015, 08:39:58 PM
Yup call up icicle creek outfitters and you too could be one of the *censored*es camped smack middle of a basin blowing out all the deer that would normally be living there. Those guys will drop a camp anywhere
Anybody can drop a camp anywhere, it's public land. Just go a little higher and put in your own camp if you don't like being near them. There are camps all over the wilderness areas during the high hunt, theirs is just part of the crowd. There's plenty of vacant space too if you want to go find it.
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: haugenna on April 07, 2015, 07:48:20 PM: Quote from: acnewman55 on April 06, 2015, 06:57:23 PM
Do many guide services guide the high buck hunt or is it traditionally a DIY hunt?

I ask because I was looking around a little on the google machine for guided hunts and didn't find any service that seemed to be in operations since 2011 or 2012...

You are a little late to the game with some outfitters. Most of the mid to upper end spots are filled back in December. They will gladly take your money and jam you into a crowd of people though. Beware your distance from the trail head, anything under 5 miles is a waste for a drop camp or guided hunt, most people can walk in that distance.
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: longwalker on April 07, 2015, 08:32:06 PM: Quote from: RG on April 07, 2015, 07:04:28 PM
Quote from: longwalker on April 06, 2015, 08:39:58 PM
Yup call up icicle creek outfitters and you too could be one of the *censored*es camped smack middle of a basin blowing out all the deer that would normally be living there. Those guys will drop a camp anywhere
Anybody can drop a camp anywhere, it's public land. Just go a little higher and put in your own camp if you don't like being near them. There are camps all over the wilderness areas during the high hunt, theirs is just part of the crowd. There's plenty of vacant space too if you want to go find it.

I'm well aware of where to find vacant space up there thanks.You would just think an "outfitter" would know better than to drop camps smack in middle of where the bucks have been hanging all august. It's the same every year . Frankly I think it's great, keeps those that have no idea what there doing just where they belong . All together in basins with no deer
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: jackelope on April 07, 2015, 09:36:24 PM: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Guided High Buck Hunt?
Post by: RG on April 08, 2015, 07:18:10 PM: Quote from: longwalker on April 07, 2015, 08:32:06 PM
Quote from: RG on April 07, 2015, 07:04:28 PM
Quote from: longwalker on April 06, 2015, 08:39:58 PM
Yup call up icicle creek outfitters and you too could be one of the *censored*es camped smack middle of a basin blowing out all the deer that would normally be living there. Those guys will drop a camp anywhere
Anybody can drop a camp anywhere, it's public land. Just go a little higher and put in your own camp if you don't like being near them. There are camps all over the wilderness areas during the high hunt, theirs is just part of the crowd. There's plenty of vacant space too if you want to go find it.

I'm well aware of where to find vacant space up there thanks.You would just think an "outfitter" would know better than to drop camps smack in middle of where the bucks have been hanging all august. It's the same every year . Frankly I think it's great, keeps those that have no idea what there doing just where they belong . All together in basins with no deer
There ya go.