Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: steeleywhopper on January 02, 2008, 06:56:54 PM

Title: Deer drop camp?
Post by: steeleywhopper on January 02, 2008, 06:56:54 PM: I was just wondering if anyone has gone up on a drop camp in the high country. Is there any reputible outfitters I should check with? I'm starting to think the early high hunt is gonna be my season to tag a big boy. Any good or bad experiences would be appreciated. Shoot me a Private message if it is a negative story, as I don't want this to turn into a bash fest. Thanks, and this site rocks!
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: huntnphool on January 02, 2008, 07:10:35 PM: I have been debating this as well. I check every year with the guys out of Winthrop or just north of there, they seem to be very nice people and very knowledgable when I talk to them at the shows each year. One of my most memorable, fun hunts was a drop camp for 10 days in the Bitterroot Mts. We didnt see a single person and saw elk every day, great time.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: mossback91 on January 02, 2008, 07:13:01 PM: http://www.methow.com/NCOutfitters/ (http://www.methow.com/NCOutfitters/)
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: jackelope on January 02, 2008, 07:19:01 PM: i have been looking into this as well. go to the sportsman's show in puyallup in a few weeks. there'll be lots of outfitters to talk to that do the hunt. it will depend on where you want to go. like huntnphool said...in the pasayten, GPW, alpine lakes wilderness, etc decide where you want to go, then look at the outfitters for that area. i have been looking into doing this hunt for a couple years now and baby and weddings and etc etc have gotten in the way. the one thing that stands out that i was told by one of the outfitters i spoke with was to look at this hunt for the experience of it...being in the high country, the scenery, the quiet, etc. but do not go up there expecting there to be lots of deer. the success rates are very low, which is evident by the thread we had on here in sept. i think there was pic's of 1 deer killed on the high hunt this year in that thread.
i have been looking to go with icicle outfitters, but there's a few other outfitters out there who do a good job as well.
early winters out of mazama i think is one name i remember. i know nothing of their rep, but good people to talk to anyway.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: mossback91 on January 02, 2008, 07:23:22 PM: http://www.icicleoutfitters.com/hunting.html (http://www.icicleoutfitters.com/hunting.html)
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: MuleySniper on January 02, 2008, 07:25:27 PM: My dad and I are doing one this year for elk in Oregon. We've debated it for the last few years, but kept checking back with the same outfitter year after year. We liked the results they were getting and they are good people. I'll really like them if I kill a 350 bull this year! No, just kidding, that would be cool, but I'm just as excited to pack in with horses and spend a week in a wall tent in November elk hunting with my old man.
MS
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Hunting Cowboy on January 02, 2008, 08:14:46 PM: My family had been talking about doing this for many many years and finally in 06 I went ahead and planned a hunt before my father was too old to go along. Jackelope is absolutely right when he suggested go for the experience of enjoying the high country, scenery, and hunting out of a wall tent, horses, etc.

I went with Icicle Outfitters and we loved our trip. They have great stock, and Bruce and Dale really did a great job answering month's and month's worth of questions. We eneded up hunting in a secondary area due to fires in 06. That was a bit of a disappointment but not Icicles fault by any means.

One of the reason's I chose Icicle was because they could accomadate my limited time frame....We had only 4 days to hunt. Pretty tight schedule. We saw one small buck we couldn't put three points on and we were aced out of a bear we were stalking by a camp that was a mile down the valley from us. All in all we had fun.

I would hire Icicle again in a minute. I also agree strongly with mossback91 about Steve and Jess Darwood. If I could get away for 5 to 7 days, I'd really like to hunt out of one of their camps. In fact, I may plan a summer trip with them one of these days!

One thing to keep in mind....when you're packing in with horses weight is a premium and each hunter gets a limited amount which includes your personal gear and camp gear.

Also, expect all weathers.....Sun, rain, snow. 70 degrees one day to 20 degrees the next! I'll post some pictures later
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Bearhunter on January 02, 2008, 08:17:53 PM: Awesome pictures mike sure does look beautiful up there, Id like to do that someday myself.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: ICEMAN on January 02, 2008, 08:29:35 PM: Jealous! :drool:
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Ridgerunner on January 02, 2008, 08:49:14 PM: Awesome photos, I love the high country. The thing about that hunt is it is NOT a trophy hunt. Yeah guys do kill some good ones up there but the majority of the ones killed are small - average size. If you go enjoy the whole experience, I did a drop camp in 06 and loved it, however in that country and at that time of year the weather can be very hot in the 70s and 80s and the deer movement is limited to a half hour at dawn and dusk. that can make for some long days and tough hunting, tougher than the general season even.

My advice is to pick an area and then find an outfitter that services that area and go that way, I think there are some good opportunities on the high hunt in all the wilderness areas, some are more popular than others and opening day of the high hunt is just as crowded as the opener of the general season in many places so don't expect solitude all the time up there. All in all a fun hunt to go on.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: MuleySniper on January 02, 2008, 09:59:38 PM: "The thing about that hunt is it is NOT a trophy hunt"

Not to gripe, but what are you considering a trophy? I know people that have hunted the high hunt for years and Ive seen some real nice bucks come from the high cascades. The first year I went up there, a ten year old kid in our camp killed a dandy. They are there, just not behind every bush.
MS
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: steeleywhopper on January 02, 2008, 10:24:19 PM: I just want to thank everyone for their input. I will be going to the sportsman show to talk with some of these outfitters this year. I don't consider a deer running from 200 other guys with its tounge hanging out and its front leg blown off a trophy. I definately will be doing this to see a different side of hunting and scenery in this state. I have a buddy who's family has taken some amazing bucks up on the high hunt and I will be going with him. He is wanting to go with a drop camp as do I just for a different experience and be able to spend more time up in them thar mountains. Huntingcowboy those are some nice photos.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: MuleySniper on January 02, 2008, 10:39:16 PM: You should see some nice bucks. Bring a fishing pole too. High lake fishing is some of best! I miss going up there. Ive done it on foot a few times. Id like to get a Mule one of these days to pack so I can go for longer. Most guys only consider wide bucks trophies, but Ive seen and heard of some real nice bucks that aren't the widest, but are nice and heavy. Good luck. I cant wait for the show this year.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: wastickslinger on January 02, 2008, 10:42:15 PM: Sniper- why do you need a mule. I heard pack goats rock :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: MuleySniper on January 02, 2008, 10:43:34 PM: :beatdeadhorse:
(Pack goats)
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: wastickslinger on January 02, 2008, 10:45:32 PM: might as well BBQ the suckers before they get too old and tough :camp: :EAT:
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: MuleySniper on January 02, 2008, 10:49:15 PM: Ask one of your neighbors for a good recipe ;)
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Ridgerunner on January 02, 2008, 10:50:30 PM: All that was meant by its NOT a trophy hunt is that there are some guys who think that is one of the best hunts in the state to get a trophy, I think going up there with that attitude is a recipe for disaster. Its a great hunt, a great time and in my mind one of the truest forms of hunting there is. Even though success rates are low, i'll still do the hunt as long as I am able. There are lots of guys who do get trophies up there, but they really put there time in for teh most part, spending years learning how to hunt a certain section of country.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: MuleySniper on January 02, 2008, 10:54:36 PM: I agree totally, the guys I see with the nice bucks have hunted it for 25+ years, but I know what you mean, they have had many trips coming home empty handed than with tags filled. You really have to hunt the area hard to find a good buck.
MS
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Kent Hunter on January 02, 2008, 11:24:40 PM: What Ridgerunner is telling you is absolutly true. He has hit the nail on the head. I did drop camps with "North Cascade Safari's" for thirty years or so. Claude Miller used to own the outfit and a few years back he sold out to a fine young man by the name of Ryan Surface. Ryan does a fine job also. I've always hunted via drop camp's and have hunted both the High hunt and the regular season. We have killed more big bucks during the regular season than during the high hunt by far. But, the high hunt is a different game all together. Usually the days are warm and the weather is nice. There have been exceptions to the rule but not many times. It's a great time to be in the high country. Check out Spanish camp or Sheep Mountain.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Flipper on January 03, 2008, 08:12:07 AM: I agree w/ Kent Hunter. Ryan Surface w/ North Cascade Safari would be a good guy to talk with. I have hunted the area he packs into and seen some of his camps. Really nice guy. I'm not sure if the number below is current but it's worth a try, I have seen some nice bucks come out of his camp.

North Cascade Safari
Street Address:
24 Surface Lane
Twisp, WA 98856

Local Phone: (509) 997-0215

Email: ncs@mymethow.com
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: popeshawnpaul on January 03, 2008, 10:00:53 AM: I'll put the good word in for icicle creek outfitters. Dale is a great guy and was my high school science teacher. I do tons of high lakes fishing throughout the year and visit these areas during the summers. Nothing like being in the high country and catching a golden trout while watching a big deer feed in the meadow next to the lake.

shawn
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 03, 2008, 11:58:12 AM: I will vouch for Dale also and Icicle outfitters. They are a quality outfit.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: bankwalker on January 03, 2008, 03:15:19 PM: ive always wanted to do the high hunt...weather its with an outfitter or myself. the problem is i dont want to do it by myself. and finding willing people to do that kind of hunt that are actually in the shape needed to do that kind of hunt is a little limited in my group of friends lol
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Ridgerunner on January 03, 2008, 03:21:56 PM: Make sure you try out your new hunting partner before the season, its pretty frustrating to be up there and have someone quit on you, I know from personal experience. >:(
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Ridgerunner on January 03, 2008, 04:34:36 PM: Icicle creek outfitters is a good one to go with, I think a guy could have a good hunt with 3 peaks outfitters in the alpine lakes, I think there book of business isn't as full as icicle but they cover some good country for sure.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Hunting Cowboy on January 03, 2008, 05:19:30 PM: I agree with everything Ridgerunner has said here. I think a lot depends on where a guy wants to hunt. I hope to hunt the Peysaten again someday and If I do I will go with Steve and Jess Darwood. But I can't say enough good things about Icicle Outfitters.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Hunting Cowboy on January 03, 2008, 05:40:03 PM: more pics............
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Ridgerunner on January 03, 2008, 05:44:28 PM: You've got to stop posting those pictures, its another 7 months till you can even get back into that country again.........
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: bankwalker on January 03, 2008, 05:54:31 PM: Quote from: Ridgerunner on January 03, 2008, 05:44:28 PM
You've got to stop posting those pictures, its another 7 months till you can even get back into that country again.........

lol yeah give us a damn break for a minute lol

those are some great picture. and i always dream of hunting in area like that.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Crazyman on January 04, 2008, 10:57:31 AM: I'm thinking of doing an early season drop camp also. I did the early season high buck every year but I backpacked in. I traded off every other year between the Olympics and the Cascades. The thought of climbing up those mountains more than once made me very selective about the bucks I took. It's hell getting old!
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: PacificNWhunter on January 04, 2008, 07:50:38 PM: I've got a couple buddies that used Icicle outfitters and have nothing but great things to say.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: MichaelJ on January 09, 2008, 12:08:58 PM: Most know I worked for Icicle this summer... like everybody said the success rate is not the best (we still had a few NICE bucks taken this year!), but if you go with a guided camp that involves a camp cook, then you're in for a treat.... We maintain the camp and have a hot BIG breakfast everymorning, with lunch supplies provided, and a big dinner at night, coffee on the stove 24/7, and a warm wall tent really makes the trip! On one trip this summer, we had Spare Ribs, Grilled Salmon, LOTS of bacon and sausage, Eggs, hashbrowns, drinks chillen in the creek, and all sorts of great food... Seriously one of the better summers I've had and nobody was ever disappointed in the trip.

Michael
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: JBR on January 23, 2008, 09:29:19 PM: Me and two buddies went with Steve and Jess Darwood of Cascasde Wilderness Outfitters for the high buck hunt in the Pasaytan Wilderness for 2007. We packed in around 23 miles on Andrew Creek trail, past Spanish Camp, within 5 miles of the Canadian border. It was beautiful.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07700.jpg&hash=d65fd2223732405ffaaddf02182f9046cb4702ba)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07651.jpg&hash=67de651e500bceff10ea43ef12e777c5c4bca511)

After seeing all the outfitters at the Sportsman Shows over the past few years, we decided to give it a whirl. The outfitters were great. The horses, mules and packers were great and the tent and new stove were luxury.

Three amigos headed into the high country...

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07648.jpg&hash=55a95186633fa0d012dbf6882c18a5a1b42e04f7)

Me and my horse "Boots"...

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07423.jpg&hash=f44aa52a5bd8438f8b134d864474070b54a10506)

A friend of mine had hunted with Steve Darwood for several seasons and I had seen some NICE mulies he had taken.

When we finally arrived after an 8 hr ride, the packer helped us set up the tent and new stove.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07652.jpg&hash=5ebc7f3afcfdafda25635e8e357073051e4aea2c)

We took this just after the packer left and we were finally all alone in the high country at our base camp.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07653.jpg&hash=ad67501d59afcba35dbc8f6e6803815fbe4f2278)

The first day (Sept 17th) was sunny and warm, as was the following day, our first full day of hunting.

We hiked up to a good vantage point, anxious to start locating some high mountain mulies with our spotting scopes.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07659.jpg&hash=58224a60f7e9b66b8e16877e1b1def126fb1b6c2)

We didn't see any deer except for two does on our way up.

While working up over the top, I located an old 3 x 4 rack and skull in a hillside field of large rocks and packed it back to camp.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07662.jpg&hash=aa86f30777cb4cd00570bbe40382d428d7caa7c1)

On our way back, we bumped into 2 bucks and a doe cutting up a narrow gully. One was a 3 x 2, the other was a 2 x 2. They were both gone in a flash before anyone could really get a good look. We figured it was the first day of hunting and we had 6 more days of hunting.

Camp chores such as cutting wood for the stove and organizing gear and cooking meals kept us entertained.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07668.jpg&hash=282dfc33fa411fb695ce64d74b7fcdc94c36ba1f)

The 3rd day brought about 4" of wet snow overnight and brought in low cloud cover and fog. Scoping from up high was not an option, so we began to still hunt while looking for fresh tracks.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07664.jpg&hash=047b130341dd7ec40801a835c1d8a364adb0d536)

The country was big and beautiful and looked to be perfect for holding big mountain mulies. We hunted hard each day putting in several miles with our packs, glassing when the conditions would allow and still hunting the rest of the time.

On the 4th day, one of my hunting buddies jumped a 3 x 3 buck from its bed, but couldn't get his sights on it before it bolted. Within 30 mins, he came across a black bear strolling along a game trail about 50 yrds ahead, coming his way. He was able to make great shot and got his first bear.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi153.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs223%2Fjbrodge%2FDSC07679.jpg&hash=2e1cdc82e3b45c1dc0b4d3962bda3b891a925963)

The rest of the day was spent packing the bear out.

We came across a group of does with a 2 x 2 buck before the hunt ended, but that was it. While the overall trip and experience were terrific, we were disappointed with the lack of deer and with the overall size of the bucks that we did see. We hunted hard everyday and covered a lot of country (by glass and by foot).

We had hoped for better results, but that's hunting also. Having never stepped foot in that country before, we were learning the area while we were hunting, which is never as good as when you can pre-scout an area. That was part of the problem with going to an area that you have to pack in so far to get to - NO SCOUTING.

We had lots of different weather but fortunately were prepared for all kinds. After the season, I called and talked to all of the outfitters that hunt the Pasaytan, including Sawtooth Outfitters and Early Winters. Steve Darwood reported that of the 12 camps they packed in for the high buck hunt (2007) they only took 2 bucks (and my buddy's bear). That is the worst year they had ever had, saying that before that, the worst they had ever done was 5 bucks. Early Winters also had a pretty tough year with only a few bucks and a bear and Sawtooth did the best with 5 bucks for 9 hunters, plus a bear. I believe I have that all right.

Seems that last year was pretty slow in the Pasaytan for mulies in general, at least during the high buck hunt. Could just be a fluke, but no one really knew why it was so bad.

We've decided to pack ourselves in on foot this coming season and try a different area, but haven't decided where exactly yet. That's my .2 cents worth from our experience. Overall it was a great time, but I'm hoping to do lots of scouting this summer to help improve our odds this coming season.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Cougeyes on January 23, 2008, 09:45:22 PM: Awsome pictures, at least you got to see some new country and be away from people other than the ones you came with. That's a nice looking bear too.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: popeshawnpaul on January 23, 2008, 10:08:20 PM: Great information, pictures, and story JBR. I always look at a map of that huge remote wilderness and have these visions of 180" deer running everywhere. I appreciate you bringing me back to earth a bit. Sounds like a great hunt and experience.

Shawn
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: JBR on January 24, 2008, 10:13:43 AM: Yeah, we had the same visions of 170" - 190" bucks up there too. Of course that's why we were disappointed with a) the lack of deer and b) the small buck size. Like I mentioned and as you can see from the pictures, the country has "mule deer" written all over it, but we found VERY little fresh sign and surprisingly few deer.

That's the gamble with a drop camp. You have to wait to 'til you get there (during the hunt) to begin scouting the area for animals and what happened there last year or the year before that, doesn't necessarily mean it'll be the same when you're there. That is the main reason for deciding this year to invest in a Kifaru 8-man tipi and packable wood burning stove and SCOUT, SCOUT, SCOUT, then hike in on our own. I will have a lot more confidence in an area that I have been too and explored and found animals in.
I can't say I'll miss the painful knees and sore ass from an 8 hr ride in (and back out) either :beatdeadhorse:
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on January 24, 2008, 10:21:04 AM: This year i'm hoping to hunt the high country in the selkirks for mulies. We have horses and are close enough to scout acouple times in the summer, hopefully we'll find a nice buck. My wife probably won't hunt, but she'll be along for the horse care/riding. Anyone have any tips on where to start up there?
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Idabooner on January 24, 2008, 11:30:02 AM: JBR, first thanks for sharing your trip, That really jerked my heart strings. I packed for that outfit a few years, have make many trips with old Boots and Dan (the buckskin), I helped start Dan in my corrals, Boneaddict should remember old Boots, he shot a bear off him over on Wolf Creek. The appy is new to me but I worked her mother. I haven't been in there since it burned but I recognize where you were in every picture. A cow and calf moose spent a couple summers real close to where you camped. I have pictures of a nice bull on upper Bob Creek. You camped in as good a spot as any, you just have to remember when you see all those deer in the low country in the winter it looks like a lot of deer, well those same deer are spread over a big - big country in the high hunt. The big bucks you see down in the winter are back there in the fall but they are spread over a very big area, there for hard to find. So it's the trip and adventure you go for and if your lucky and get a nice buck it makes him a real trophy.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: JBR on January 24, 2008, 01:01:01 PM: Idabooner - its funny you mention the moose cow and calf near camp. The day my buddy shot the bear, we were dressing it out, when we heard the distinctive sound of a VERY large hooved animal come to an abrupt stop just over a knoll from where we were. We couldn't see the animal, but clearly it had smelled us and stopped within 20 yrds of us. It bolted off and by the time I got over the little rise and walked down a bit, all that was left were several HUGE tracks that went nearly 6" deep in the mud. Definately made by a VERY heavy animal...probably the moose you referred to.

I think it would take 2-3 years of hunting out of the same area up there to really get to learn it and find all the nooks and crannies. Did you usually have better luck during the general opener than during the high buck season when you packed for Steve? Great guys all of them. Hopefully the '08 season is more productive for everyone up in that area.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Idabooner on January 24, 2008, 01:51:20 PM: Quote from: JBR on January 24, 2008, 01:01:01 PM

I think it would take 2-3 years of hunting out of the same area up there to really get to learn it and find all the nooks and crannies. Did you usually have better luck during the general opener than during the high buck season when you packed for Steve? Great guys all of them. Hopefully the '08 season is more productive for everyone up in that area.

That's one of the beauties of the mountains, there is always something new, even going up and down the same trail every day for years every trip there is something new or interesting, so yes it takes awhile to learn the little pockets, and which way the game will sneak out that you never know they are there or lay still and you walk by 20 feet away.

The general season is hunted in a little lower country later in the year so the deer have started coming down so are thicker per square mile. To answer your question, yes we always packed more deer in the general and more bear also. You were very lucky to get a bear back there, unless the fire a couple years ago brought them in, there wasn't many there.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: boneaddict on January 24, 2008, 03:26:48 PM: AWESOME pictures JBR...Thanks for sharing your trip. I love seeing familiar country, hearing about familiar folks, and seeing familiar stock. Yep, Boots must be about as old as dirt. I recognized her immediately. Shared several adventures with her. I think she carried my ex wife around in the hills for about 10 days as well. I also watched Jess grow up from being just a little snapper newborn.
Just so you know folks, its a HUGE advantage having a dad with packing knowledge and horsemanship under his belt. I don't know how many holes he has pulled me out of. AGAIN...Great pictures! For those interested in the high hunt, go in with the expectations of having a nice camping trip, and a possible crack at a nice buck. Never go in with the determination I am going to bag a big one for sure. What Idabooner said is textbook wilderness high hunt. Take a pair of warm gloves and a change of clothes with you, as the weather can and usually does turn from 80 to snow, and enjoy the beauty of Gods country. There is a reason why they aren't back in that far during the general. It gets real serious back there REAL quick.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Alchase on January 25, 2008, 12:11:29 PM: That is some awesone stuff there gentilemen thank you.

Idabooner should have his own experiences blog with "Daily" entries of his exploits for us not as fortunate enough to be Boneaddict who knows them all already, LOL.

I bet it would be great campfire stuff.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 25, 2008, 01:03:47 PM: So Bone have you got to the stage where you can start telling Ida's stories as well as he can? I had this older friend that use to tell me hunting stories and I got to where I was telling him things before he finished his story but it was all good to hear again
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: boneaddict on January 26, 2008, 07:34:42 AM: Why do you think I keep inviting him on long roadtrips with me. Funny thing is, is most of the time they are new ones. Hell, I even catch him telling stuff on here I didn't know about. The man has 70+ years of experience to hear about, and its all good stuff. Even the monotonous chores and so forth. Its a way of life we all dream about or think about, simplier times I guess. Living it, I'm sure wasn't much fun. So, yes I know a couple, but I know there is alot more that I want to hear. Guess I'll have to haul him to Utah this year for a moose hunt. ;) Its just recently that I finally got him to start talking, he was always on the go working a ranch and a business. No time for that talking. Luckily, we have had one grand adventure after another the past 5 years.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Dansk on January 29, 2008, 11:24:57 AM: I went last year with Early Winters Outfitters. Great people- they put safety first and have good stock. I would recommend them as a packer. I would say $700 each is worth it if you want a great camping trip with great scenery.

However I would not recommend the high hunt if your goal is to harvest a decent animal (or any animal for that matter). We saw very few deer over 7 days (two 2pts, 4-6 does, and very little tracks or sign.) We hiked our butts off- 2000 vertical feet up each day, up and down the valley and ridges. I even went into the thickest timber one afternoon- not much sign there either. Only heard 2 volleys of shots the whole week. One person took a deer from a bowl up top- I found the casings and kill- must have been hikers because they only took the head and best cuts of meat...

The biggest disappointment for me was the number of people. I was shocked to see so many hunters who packed in 5-10 miles with rifles and 60# packs. The packer spread his clients out, but it was hard to find a bowl or saddle that didn't have people already camped or hunting it. It made our options very limited, and was a big downer when you hike for an hour in the dark, only to see others busting up the same hill, out in the open. Reminded me a little of opening day modern.

If you do go, I strongly advise asking the packer to put you in as far back as possible- at one of the more remote camps. Ours didn't give us a choice, and didn't tell us where we would be camped until the day we arrived, so getting familiar with topos months before didn't happen.

Fun time, good packer, awesome scenery, nice camping, few deer, too many people.... so it was worth it for me as a one time deal to see the Paysayten, and to ride horses in the backcountry (never done that!)... but I'm not going to do it again... I am looking into drop camps in ID, OR, or MT.... for about the same price.

I will post some pics in a minute..
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Dansk on January 29, 2008, 11:39:30 AM: Paysayten, 2007 High Hunt.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Dansk on January 29, 2008, 11:46:09 AM: Beasts of burden & camp..
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 29, 2008, 11:46:43 AM: Nice pics Dan thanks for posting them. It seems that with the high hunts being in the wilderness areas only and all the hunters out there it has a tendency to make those areas more crowded. That is unless you access the wilderness on another way besides a trail. I suppose if you were to go where you went during the regular season there would be less people as they are spread out all over the state then. I have only seen a few real nice bucks taken during the high hunt. Most big boys are in the regular season or special permit time. Just my 2 cents
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: muleracks on January 30, 2008, 09:56:20 PM: That "black bear" has a grizzly head & hump. At least it isn't wearing a collar. I would plead self-defense.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: mossback91 on January 30, 2008, 10:50:44 PM: I was thinking the same thing when I first saw it. Im not sure but it has some small round ears on a big ol head and a hump from the looks of the picture. The only thing is the claws aren't as long as I have seen on grizz but still longer than black bear. Was close to canada. Maybe it twas a grizz.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: mossback91 on January 30, 2008, 10:53:11 PM: I just wasnt sure how to say it myself when I first saw it, but I also showed it to my dad and he thought the same thign and then I also showed it to another friend of mine and he also though the same thing. :dunno:
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: cohoho on January 31, 2008, 12:27:39 AM: A quick look at the picture above and you'd think that it was a griz, but look at the nose, sloped like a roman and the claws are shorter, thicker and look fat, versus long knife looking instruments, colored phased blackie.... The muzzle is rounded/sloped like a black bear.......The hump is a bit out of place, but close to the head, might also be how they got it laying, the black bear tends to look like the hump is closer to the head than the Griz or browine. The first two pictures below are Blackies, color phased, the appearance of a hump is there too, just not as pornounced as in a griz.... The last two are griz, notice hump appears back farther, well atleast the second one has similar color.. and the squared off muzzle of the Griz/Brownie....
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: boneaddict on January 31, 2008, 06:38:57 AM: Its just a damn nice blackbear. Not a grizz, but you had better have taken a close look before pulling the trigger.

Its a good question to ask......

Claws aren't shaped right or nearly long enough, but you can't see them when out in the field.
The hump is probably how he is posed.
Mostly his head isn't shaped right, basically as coho has already pointed out. If standing, you'd be able to tell by the front end as well. This bear would make an awesome full mount.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: WDFW-SUX on January 31, 2008, 07:14:25 AM: Just looks like a big color phase bear to me..................but It would be a good one for the bear identification thing they make you do.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Head-shot on January 31, 2008, 09:28:24 AM: In regards to the black bear with the hump, it is possible for it to be a hybrid? I've seen wolf/coyote crosses, whitetail/muley could a blackie and a grizz do the same? Not typical but maybe possible?
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 31, 2008, 10:03:23 AM: I would doubt it as everything I have ever heard grizzlies will kill any black bear any where in their area. They don't co exist very well from what I am told.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Idabooner on January 31, 2008, 10:12:03 AM: Defiantly a nice color phase black, defiantly not a grizzly, I have a grizzly head/rug hanging on the wall to compare it with. The head is shaped different, the ears are very small on the griz. and the bear in the picture defiantly does not have griz. claws. Grizzly claws are long and flat looking, they remind me of a woman with fake extended finger nails. Wish I had a camera, I could send a picture.

A good claw picture of black bear
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,476.0.html

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,1546.0.html

Some grizzly pictures to compare the head, ears and claws.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,2413.0.html

I think the hump you guys think you are seeing is the way he lays up on that rock, remember the next bear you shoot don't take his picture laying on a rock.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: JBR on January 31, 2008, 11:22:14 AM: Hey guys I was away from the post for a bit, but just noticed a PM from Sky about the grizz vs. black bear debate going on. I just caught up with all the comments and want to assure you of a couple things regarding bear pic that initiated the comments/questions.

First off, It's DEFINATELY a black bear - NOT a grizzly. The guy that shot it was born/raised in Alaska hunting and fishing there most of his life. He is quite versed in the differences between a grizz and a blackie. That being said, looking at JUST that photo, I can see how the questions came up.

For clarification, the bear is posed on a large rock that gave the "hump" appearance. Good point Boneaddict on where/how you pose your bear shots. The camera was placed slightly lower than and very close to the face, and my buddy sat way back. The photography "trick" is one I've seen done many times and truly distorts the REAL size and dimensions of the animal (which is why many people, such as my buddy do it). If you saw this bear in person, it was a small bear, very pretty color, but small, even for a black bear.

The claws were not even close to being the size of a grizzly's claws, and the head, ears, body shape and size, all (IN PERSON) were CLEARLY, 100% black bear. It just goes to show you how deceiving and distorting it can be based on how you pose the bear (i.e. under a large rock) and on camera positioning.

I responded to Sky via PM and then noticed all the comments on the forum, so I wanted to take the opportunity to clarify to everyone. I certainly don't want anyone to have the impression that me or my hunting partner were careless, ignorant or otherwise unethical. I take no offense to the question, as I feel it was asked in a fair way and was a genuine question. I hope this clarifies any questions about it.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: DeKuma on January 31, 2008, 04:18:46 PM: I admit, I did a double take on the photo at first. But it was definitely a color phase black, if you are used to looking at them.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: muleracks on January 31, 2008, 08:47:03 PM: This was a fun exercise. Glad it got resolved well. Great Pasayten High Hunt stories from both JBR and Dansk. We're a little smarter.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Dansk on February 10, 2008, 01:13:49 PM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on February 09, 2008, 08:42:29 PM
High Hunt drop camp Buck.

That is some nice headgear. Was this taken from the Paysayten?
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: muleracks on February 13, 2008, 11:23:40 AM: That 6x9 was taken from an Icicle Outfitters & Guides drop camp in Chelan County. The group tagged out with 5 big bucks on the 2nd day of the hunt. The Alpine Lakes, Henry M Jackson and Glacier Peak wilderness areas are all open for the High Hunt. 2007 was the first High Hunt for the east side of the Henry M Jackson Wilderness.

Lots of great country with so little time.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: boneaddict on February 13, 2008, 11:51:03 AM: I was waiting for that buck to show up. I have the pics, but was asked not to share them. Great animal.
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: Dansk on February 13, 2008, 12:27:05 PM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on February 13, 2008, 12:23:18 PM
I have a few more pictures of that buck and the group of bucks shot during that high hunt.

Awesome- please share the pics!
Title: Re: Deer drop camp?
Post by: cohoho on February 13, 2008, 04:19:05 PM: One word..... NICE :drool: :drool: :drool: