Thorofare wilderness hunt

[Grundy53]

Who was your guide?

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[JoeB]

Who was your guide?

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Weston Mann

 

[Dos Perros]

Is it a thing on these horse hunts to be done hunting an hour before sundown to allow time to get pack to camp?

 

[Grundy53]

Weston Mann

Nice. He's a go getter.

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[Grundy53]

Is it a thing on these horse hunts to be done hunting an hour before sundown to allow time to get pack to camp?

I was told it wasn't to allow time to get back to camp. It was because they didn't want to be quartering up an elk in the dark in bad Grizzly country.

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[JoeB]

It's a long ride into camp with beautiful views. Each day we rode out in the dark to get up to high glassing spots before daylight. Each day we saw elk but with warmer weather than normal the elk headed to timber early so that limited how long we had to move on them. we had several close calls but wind switching, and thermals got us before shots fired. One day I had a real big bull at 200 yards but no shot opportunity as he didn't fallow the cows, he took a slightly different path that put pine trees in the path between him and I. One day we had a real nice bull bedded in a shootable spot, but the wind was horrible (estimated 30 plus mph cross wind) and coupled with not being able to get much closer that 475 yds I elected to pass that opportunity. Several other possible shot opportunities through the hunt I elected not to try on because of 700-900 range which I consider not an opportunity as I'm not ready to shoot past 500-600 yds. Last day we chose to push into bedding on the big boy we had seen and worked on several times including the high wind day and the longer shot days. We knew his bedding area and moved in. Guide set me up and started cow calling. He fired up in his bed but refused to come closer. I knew this was now a bow hunting type hunt with the close quarters and thick timber. Guide finally gave him a bugle and that did it. He was up and coming. To shorten the story, he held up just inside cover at 42 yards screaming and raking trees. I could see parts of him and his rack but no shots. I scooted my but slowly across the top of that small opening inches at a time for at least 20-30 minutes trying to get an open shot. I ran out of room to move without making a big move that I knew I wouldn't get away with that close. Shortly after running out of moving room the bull finally grew tired of the game and moved off into thicker timber as it got close to time to head back to camp. I closed the last day with no shot fired but very full from the experience. we worked that screaming bull for well over two hours. not to mention the 2-1/2 to 3 hour ride to get around and above his bedding area.

 

[LFC911]

Is it a thing on these horse hunts to be done hunting an hour before sundown to allow time to get pack to camp?

We hunted right up until dark and rode back in the dark. Horses can see amazingly in the dark, even if you can't. We rode in and out in the dark, no moon and no headlamps. The guide just knew where to turn on the trail and the horses did the rest.

 

[Dos Perros]

We hunted right up until dark and rode back in the dark. Horses can see amazingly in the dark, even if you can't. We rode in and out in the dark, no moon and no headlamps. The guide just knew where to turn on the trail and the horses did the rest.

That's good to hear. I know some outfitters operate like how you mentioned. I was surprised to hear not all of them do. Giving up the last hour of hunting every evening would be pretty tough to swallow at the prices these outfitters are commanding.

 

[troutman]

I hunted with Grundy53 and second his comments on CQOutfitters. It's a tough hunt in beautifull country, but we stuck with it and I killed this bugling bull at 70 yards on the last day. Keep your head on a swivel while quartering your elk. We had a grizzly come into 30 yards on Grundy's elk while waiting for the mules to pack out his bull.

 

[Indian Summer]

There is no way an outfitter could convince me that a hunt starting in the 28th would be better than one ending then. I think that’s a sales tactic to fill the second hunt. I’m sure he can fill the first one years in advance.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

We hunted right up until dark and rode back in the dark. Horses can see amazingly in the dark, even if you can't. We rode in and out in the dark, no moon and no headlamps. The guide just knew where to turn on the trail and the horses did the rest.

That's how we did it in the Bob too. Stealth mode.

 

[WIHUNTER]

I can't answer your question on which rifle hunt. I archery hunted with Constant Quest 2 years ago and can't recommend them enough. Awesome experience from the time I arrived at their property until the time we arrived back from the hunt. The guides work hard, they have good stock, the food is amazing, and the scenery is beautiful. We saw a lot of elk, numerous sheep and 4 G bears during my hunt. I definitely want to go again.

 

[Nontyp]

I hunted 2 yr ago with CQ on the 3 rd week and we went 4-4. Being able to stay at the cabins and shoot the rifles eat a great dinner and breakfast is nice and convenient but it adds a few more $$$

I also hunted with Hidden Creek the 1st week last yr and had a great hunt and we went 3-3. It’s a longer ride in but they hunt a bigger area

Both were great camps and I would love to go again by if I can rebuild the points.

 

[DanMan]

I just finished hunting with CQ on the 4th and last rifle hunt. We went 5 for 5 my hunt. I understand that they went 3 for 3 during 3rd rifle also.
I cannot recommend them enough. They have a great hunt area, comfortable camp, and everyone of the crew works hard for your success.

 

[buzzy]

I just finished hunting with CQ on the 4th and last rifle hunt. We went 5 for 5 my hunt. I understand that they went 3 for 3 during 3rd rifle also.
I cannot recommend them enough. They have a great hunt area, comfortable camp, and everyone of the crew works hard for your success.

Any pics of the bull you got? Thanks

 

[DanMan]

Any pics of the bull you got? Thanks

Send me a pm and I will be glad to send a photo.
Also I expect that Nick will be posting some photos on IG before too long.

 

[DanMan]

great hunt although I didnt punch my tag. Ill try today to give a good rundown of the hunt when I get time. Short story is wolves, grizlies, bighorn sheep, lots and lots of elk, long hard hunt but so worth it to be in those awesome mountains. Camp, guides ect top notch and worked hard for us. I want to go back !!!

Well Joe, I read the rundown of your hunt and it sounds like it was an exciting, action packed week even if you didn't get to pull the trigger. It will make the next time just that much sweeter when it does come together. I didn't hunt with Weston but could tell that he was an excellent guide and I'm sure that he worked his butt off trying get you a shot.
Like you said, that's an amazing place to hunt elk in the Thorofare.
Dan