Outfitter allowed us to roll-over our deposits to next year! So, call Moss Springs Packing (i.e., Wilderness Outfitters) directly if you want to book a wilderness hunt.
ET
Hello Everyone,
I booked the subject hunt with Moss Springs Outfitters for this Sept. Actually, I booked it for 2012, but got drawn at the new Mex. Valles Caldera last year and the outfitter allowed us to move it to this year. He also allowed us first choice of all his locations in 2013. So, we picked the best one!!! RIBKA (on this forum) and I are scheduled to pack into backcountry on the 13th of Sept. and hunt the 14th thru the end of the season on the 22nd. With pack out on the 22nd or 23rd, depending on outfitter coordination with other clients.
However, my wife and I were recently informed that she has Stage IV recurrent Ovarian Cancer, and Dr's wanted her to start Chemo immediately. Chemo will be on-going for next 4 to 6 months, which puts us into late August to late September. Based on first time we went thru chemo, it took all six months to survive it last time. Therefore, I need to give up my spot on this trip and take care of things at home this year.
Pack trip is approx 11 miles into backcountry and its in the Pine Creek unit. This unit is one of the best archery elk areas NE oregon. Plus, its and either sex unit. Again, we also were allowed to choose the outfitter's best site over the last few years, as we had first choice of all units and camps this year.
Costs are very reasonable, $650 deposit and $650 due 30 days prior to scheduled departure date. This includes packing you and all your gear into drop camp site. One of the nice things about Moss Springs is that this includes your horse and two mules per person, rather than just one mule per person to haul gear. Many other outfitters costs are based on riding horse and one mule, and they charge extra $$ for extra mules. The total price also includes packing out your elk (i.e., no extra charges or fees).
Archery elk tags are over-the-counter for this hunt, so you didn't miss the application deadline. However, Oregon regs do require you to purchase the tags prior to the start of the archery season. Bulls are typically in the 300 to 320 range each year. Of course, this area can produce much bigger animals too. Plus, if you get down to the last few days of the hunt and want to fill the freezer, you could shoot a cow. Archery Mulie tags are also over the counter, and the area we chose has some nice ones taken each year.
So, here's your chance to hunt w/the HuntWA famous RIBKA. Plus, his wife doesn't want him going into wilderness alone. Seriously, if anyone is interested in taking my spot on this Quality Archery Elk hunt, please shoot me or RIBKA a PM. Our deposits are already down, and if you need more time to come up w/deposit money, I'm happy to assist. Would just require payment of my deposit money 30-days prior to schedule pack-in date, if that helps you out.
Take care,
ET
Some people have asked if more than one additional person could go along on this trip. Yes, outfitter will take up to 4 people into this camp site. Costs for 2nd person is outlined above (i.e., person taking my place). Costs for 3rd & 4th person are $600 deposit, plus $600 30days prior to scheduled departure each person. But, if you want to add more people, need to get deposits to outfitter before end of June 2013 to ensure he can provide necessary stock (i.e., riding horses and packing mules).