there was a crew of 3 hunters going in at TH who said the cost per guy was $1000. They were using 5 pack mules to carry their gear. My reasoning for the outfitter is that I have hunted this area for 15 years and have packed out over 15 elk. Its 8 miles one way and I normally hunt with 1 or 2 guys. I turn 65 in a few days and am retired. Its time to spend my hard earned money on some comforts and an outfitter is one of them. I also struggle with the time frame of the whole process of getting an animal packed out and how it affects my buddies hunt time. We normally hunt a week and as an example I shot my bull on the morning of day 3 this year and I could see the frustration in my buddies eyes the minute I told him the work has begun. Basically season over for him. The good side note was that TH outfitter was on the same trail we had stashed my elk and agreed to haul it out for $300. We had 3 days and over 36 miles of work to do and he saved physically and mentally! Monies welllll spent.
We are out of staters and our area is a hidden gem. Our spike is a small bench located next to a water source and can hold up to 5 tents, Its tucked back off a horse trail but no one can see us. I worry Outfitters will recognize its potential for drop camps and take it over. If we have the outfitter drop our gear 30 min. from there we can carry packs that far with ease. Our normal pack in is 8 miles with 50#+ packs so noooo problem.
