Montana/Idaho Drop Camps??

[drake7]

I have been scouring the outfitters in Montana and Idaho trying to locate a good (great) outfitter tat provides a Drop Camp option. There are so many outfitters and so few Drop Camps available. Similar to an earlier thread my dad has hunted his entire life and has never harvested a nice branched antler bull. A few years ago we both stated bow hunting. He is also very interested and excited to do a few nights of backcountry hunting. The Drop Camp option would provide a means to get deeper in the hunting area without putting on the initial miles. My goal is to have him harvest a nice bull with a bow before it becomes to tough on him. Does anyone have any experience with Drop Camps in these states? I would consider Colorado as well. Any info would be appreciated!
Thank you...Rick

 

[ST52v]

For colorado check out Eagle Mountain Outfitters ( John Sund) unit 54 colorado or J Bar H I believe. Those are the only 2 that I have heard good things about.

 

[weaver]

I have also heard great things about Eagle Mountain. I talked with him a couple times a few years ago but ended up buying gear and going diy. He only does drop camps so hes not saving his best spots for guided hunts like some others.

 

[Browtine]

For colorado check out Eagle Mountain Outfitters ( John Sund) unit 54 colorado or J Bar H I believe. Those are the only 2 that I have heard good things about.

One thing about Eagle Mountain, his camps aren't very far in. Not a good choice if you're looking to get way back in away from everyone. I backpack hunt in that same area and bump into his drop camp guys almost every year. I'm usually hunting 1st rifle, but I'm guessing you'll have some foot traffic company around his drop camps in archery season as well.

 

[2ski]

There is an airstrip in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana that I'm sure some guides would drop you in to. I'm going to bet that you won't be the only one getting dropped off there, but I don't know for sure. I would look for outfitters in Lincoln, Augusta, or Condon for one that would fly you in. Maybe Great Falls, Missoula, Big Fork/Kalispell, or Choteau as well.

 

[drake7]

Guys
Thank you for the feedback. I talked to both Eagle Mountain and J Bar H. Based on a little research, J Bar H hunts in Unit 12 which requires at least 2 preference points and has a good harvest rate. Their drop camps are 7+ miles in from the trailhead. J Bar H Outfitter seems very professional and organized and all her references have checked out good (obviously) but I am impressed by the detail and feedback I am receiving. Hoping to secure something in the next couple weeks.

 

[goodgrouper]

2ski, Schaffer Meadows airstrip is a really cool experience, I've done it a few times for float/fishing trips in spring and early summer. But from what i'm told it is an absolute zoo anywhere near the airport come early rifle season. picture is Schaffer meadows looking south.

 

[vcb]

Man I like reading about drop camps and deep wilderness!!! it's getting me fired up!! Just gotta wait for the snow to melt so I can get back there and drop some camera's off!!

 

[krossh]

That Schaefer meadows trip through red eagle aviation isn't really that expensive but I've heard that it gets pretty crazy. I've been toying with the idea of doing that with my brother and some other friends for archery season. I know there are a few other outfitters that will do drop in hunts into the bob marshall but it's pretty spendy. We will either fly in or walk this fall. If anyone has more info on the elk population in the bob let me know! I'm in charge of planning elk camp this year.

 

[goodgrouper]

If you're archery hunting stay away from the early rifle areas. With all the pressure those areas get I think you would do well archery hunting the areas nearby. Some friends of mine thought they would do a Schaffer hunt a few years ago, they went on horseback, they said there were more people on lodge pole mountain than there was in the south fork. Flying into Schaffer is super fun I would hike north and stay away from the early rifle guys.

 

[Jason Snyder]

I would completely stay away from airstrips if it were me.

Do your homework well. Drop camps can be a double edged sword. Yes, they get you back in, but how many other camps will be in the area? What if the elk aren't in the area, then what?

Consider all of your options wisely.

If you are considering the Bob Marshall, remember that an early rifle season opens on the 15th, and you should expect a lot of traffic during the four or five days prior to the opener.

 

[dot 1]

Yeah, shafer is the only active air strip in the bob and its actually in the great bear wilderness, a part of the bob complex, just a bit north. been getn flown in to float and fish for years. amazing. from my experience in the area i wouldnt go with that option for a bowhunt. (not without some serious scouting first) but dont let the early rifle guys keep you out of the bob! that season opens on the 15th and they all go like hell for a week or so till they scare them into parts unknown. then they go back to work and the elk start to show again in oct. but before the 15th it can really be a hellova time! i havnt had a problem finding elk there. killing them is another story and depends on you. bowhunting elk off the trail in that hellhole will provide the hunt of a lifetime. send me a pm and il get you in touch with the guys that can put you close. at a price a workin man can handle.