Which Thorofare hunt is best?

[Ret. Coach]

Thinking of booking a hunt with an outfitter in the Thorofare area of Wyoming. Can’t decide which hunt would be best. Is the earlier rut hunt the best or is the later migration hunt the one to go after? Any input would be much appreciated.

 

[coues craze]

The late hunt usually produces some really good bulls in that country especially if there is enough weather to get a push of elk out of Yellowstone. If I were going with the intention of holding out for a big bull I’d probably book the last hunt and hope for weather. It can be down right miserable conditions depending just how bad the weather is. I think one outfitter had to come out the Turpin meadows side this fall that normally uses the deer creek side. Otherwise the first hunt with bugling bulls can be fun.

 

[mntnguide]

Yes, the later hunt can produce some great bulls. BUT, there are many seasons where the migration does not really happen until the season is closed lately. It takes snow and cold to get them moving, some years it happens some it does not. Also, sometimes snow hits early, and by the last hunt the elk have already moved through. Its a crap shoot honestly. Every year is different with trying to hunt the migration. If the weather doesnt hit, you can spend 10 days riding 20 miles a day looking at nothing but country and grilzzlies, because the resident early season elk are already pushed out, and the migration herds are still in yellowstone. The benefit of the early hunt, is knowing the elk will be there. If you are want to risk weather in hopes of a giant, go late and cross your fingers mother nature cooperates for your hunt. If you chances at bulls, early is a much more guaranteed chance at getting into elk. Plenty of good bulls get killed early as well, but the migration is a pretty incredible thing if you get to see it actually happen.

 

[jeffpg]

I have been wanting to do this hunt ever since I learned about it.

I may plan to do it next year. Meanwhile, I'll be listening and learning...

 

[Ret. Coach]

Thanks for the input Mntnguide.

 

[wind gypsy]

If any residents are interested in doing this hunt (or similar) sometime in the next couple years with a dude from rokslide, send me a PM. I could bring the Llamas

Edit: now researching if it’s overly ambitious with llamas..

 

[Ret. Coach]

Ended up booking an early rut hunt into the Thorofare with Yellowstone Outfitters. Thanks for the input.

 

[Thomas11]

Yes, the later hunt can produce some great bulls. BUT, there are many seasons where the migration does not really happen until the season is closed lately. It takes snow and cold to get them moving, some years it happens some it does not. Also, sometimes snow hits early, and by the last hunt the elk have already moved through. Its a crap shoot honestly. Every year is different with trying to hunt the migration. If the weather doesnt hit, you can spend 10 days riding 20 miles a day looking at nothing but country and grilzzlies, because the resident early season elk are already pushed out, and the migration herds are still in yellowstone. The benefit of the early hunt, is knowing the elk will be there. If you are want to risk weather in hopes of a giant, go late and cross your fingers mother nature cooperates for your hunt. If you chances at bulls, early is a much more guaranteed chance at getting into elk. Plenty of good bulls get killed early as well, but the migration is a pretty incredible thing if you get to see it actually happen.

I love read a lot bout this but I don’t really understand all the dynamics of this particular transition of their migration. If the resident elk are there early why do they leave before the elk in Yellowstone push down? I’m assuming the hunting pressure? But it seems u could adjust your area if the elk in Yellowstone are migrating and find the local resident elk that were there early season? This seems to be one of the fascinating migration patterns in the west from my research

 

[coues craze]

Ended up booking an early rut hunt into the Thorofare with Yellowstone Outfitters. Thanks for the input.

You will have a fantastic trip. What year did you book out to?

 

[Ret. Coach]

2025. That was their earliest opening. Will probably do a hunt in 2022. As I understand it, that will still give me the opportunity to build 3 pts. to insure that I draw a tag in 2025.

 

[mntnguide]

Ended up booking an early rut hunt into the Thorofare with Yellowstone Outfitters. Thanks for the input.

Lynn Madsen runs a top notch camp and operation. Truly one of the most beautiful spots in the wilderness is right out your tent door. Just get your ass ready for the long ride to get there. But, you picked a good outfitter and should have a great hunt with them

 

[coues craze]

2025. That was their earliest opening. Will probably do a hunt in 2022. As I understand it, that will still give me the opportunity to build 3 pts. to insure that I draw a tag in 2025.

If you hunt in 2022 you would only have two points going into the 2025 draw. I’d hunt 2021.

 

[Ret. Coach]

In your opinion, if I hunt in WY in 2022, will I risk not drawing my general tag with 2 pts in 2025 even if I apply in the special draw?

 

[coues craze]

I’d say it’s a definite possibility. I’d be more comfortable with 3 going into the draw 5 years from now. Applications are hitting new record highs every year and I’m guessing most of those guys are purchasing points.

 

[idahohikker]

In your opinion, if I hunt in WY in 2022, will I risk not drawing my general tag with 2 pts in 2025 even if I apply in the special draw?

I’d say you’d be very unlikely to draw with 2 points then in the special.

 

[wind gypsy]

I’d say it’s a definite possibility. I’d be more comfortable with 3 going into the draw 5 years from now. Applications are hitting new record highs every year and I’m guessing most of those guys are purchasing points.

I'd be uncomfortable with 3 in special 5 years from now. I expect it to take 2 this year (pending COVID impact), and cant see how it would only creep by one point over 5 years.

 

[BSSSHunt]

You will have a fantastic trip. What year did you book out to?

Any1 hunted with hidden creek outfit?

 

[MuleyFever]

In your opinion, if I hunt in WY in 2022, will I risk not drawing my general tag with 2 pts in 2025 even if I apply in the special draw?

This didn't age well.