Thorofare Pack In

[Ry15u]

Hey all! Might catch some grief for asking, but wanted to put it out there here and on a couple other forums. 2 buddies and I would like to get deep into the Thorofare in '27. One buddy of mine is a Wyo resident so we're able to make the trek into the wilderness legally. We've all hunted elk here in Colorado for 15+ years and experienced in the backcountry. We'd like to go in for rifle in mid-September and have the preference points to do so. The sticking point is we're looking for a cowboy or someone with about 4 horses to bring us in. We don't have anything against the outfitters in the area (of which I've spoken with) but hoping for a bit more adventure. Is there anyone here who'd directly be able to (or knows someone who might) pack us in and out of the area? We're perfectly comfortable taking necessary precautions on Grizzlys and hiking from camp, but just cant justify putting camp (and hopefully hind quarters) on our back for the 20 mile trek in and out. Of course, willing to pay generously for the help!

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have done a Thorofare outfitted elk hunt about 15 years ago. First, if you are not a Wyoming resident, you'll need a guide. All NR's who hunt in a wilderness area need to have a guide or at least a Wyoming resident going with you.
When I was there the grizzlies paid a visit to our camp almost every night. The outfitter had electric fences up surrounding most of the camp. He had 3 or 4 dogs who raised cain when a bear came into the area. I wouldn't backpack into this area without a lot of camp protection......period. The wolves are there bigtime too. They have really cut the deer numbers down and according to my guide put a big dent in the elk & moose population too.

Saying this doesn't mean the area isn't worth a visit. The scenery is unbelievable. It was over 1 30 mile horseback ride to get to camp.

 

[406flyfish]

I wouldn’t waste your points banking on a random person packing you in there.. More than likely you find someone who is unqualified and looking to make a quick buck. God knows how sound the horses are. The stars could align for you, but there a good chance you’ll get screwed in one way or another.

I’ve had friends in a similar situations where they were cancelled a week before and even a group that was ghosted on the first day of the trip. By that time, no outfitter is going to have availability..

I’d just get your group to pony up the money to hire a reputable outfitter to pack you in.

Bears are a concern, but way over hyped. The area I hunt and live, has the highest amount of grizzly’s in the lower 48. Seeing a grizzly is common on a daily basis when hunting. We spotted 4 in one day the other year. We either use a bear fence or hang our food. Keep a tidy camp and you’ll be fine.

Gorgeous scenery, however the hunting in that area is not what it used to be. I can think of Better places to burn points, but it’s always an adventure in the Thorofare. Good luck!

 

[Ry15u]

Looks like an incredible trip! We'd bring in an electric fence - can't say we'd have the dogs like they do but that's pretty neat they do that. Just something really cool we'd like to do ourselves, if able, to make it as much of an adventure as anything

 

[Indian Summer]

First, if you are not a Wyoming resident, you'll need a guide. All NR's who hunt in a wilderness area need to have a guide or at least a Wyoming resident going with you.

He said his partner is a Wyoming resident so he’s all set.

 

[yfarm]

The USFS issues operating permits for specific areas to limit the number of outfitters in an area. While I was hunting with a licensed outfitter in a drainage east of the Thorofare we had a group set up camp near the outfitters camp. They were non residents brought in by an unlicensed guide/ wrangler who provided the packin service. While the hunters were out hunting without a guide, the wranglers from our camp had a conversation with the “cowboy”. The short version is that the hunters and cowboy were met at the trailhead by rangers and a game warden. You and the resident can legally hunt there and pack in there, when you pay an unlicensed individual in a permitted area I believe you cross the line.

 

[mntnguide]

Nobody can legally pack you in there for money that isnt a licensed outfitter with permits to do so. And nobody is going to pack you in there for fun. And outfitters are well aware when someone tries to pull this, and with starlink now adays, letting the warden know is much easier than ever before. The thorofare has outfitters in every drainage, and they pay attention to any camp that sets up. If you and your buddy dont have the ability to get in there with horses on your own, you probably shouldnt be trying it. Its horse country for a reason, doubt you would have that great of a hunt, hunting on foot from the valley bottom. There are not elk all over the place like NR seem to dream of

 

[Maxhunter]

Agree with all the comments above. I have buddies who hunted it in the past and they won’t do it again way too many bear confrontations. These guys were very experienced hunters from WY. Also most outfitters have fully guided hunters and don’t mess with packing in DIY type hunters. Being experienced back country hunter in a non grizzly area is totally different the in actual grizzly country. Good luck!