Description

All rifle drop camps are 7 days (1 day pack-in, 5 days hunting, 1 day pack-out). 1st season is an easy elk draw, but you must go through the draw to get a tag. The first season is a great time, with fewer hunters, better weather, and it is likely you will catch the tail end of the rut. In recent seasons, the elk were still bugling through 1st season. 4th season bulls tags are by draw but close to 100% of hunters draw without preference points. 2nd and 3rd season are over-the-counter purchased tags. By the 2nd and 3rd rifle season, you need to be prepared for the possibility of heavy snow. These later seasons can produce nice bulls that are pushed out of high elevations. The biggest variable for hunting quality is weather and snow accumulation. Every year some good high country mule deer bucks are also taken by hunters. Hunter must draw a deer tag for the season they will be hunting if they want that opportunity. Outfitter can also focus on mule deer when it comes to camp selection, if they choose. For 3rd and 4th season, guided lodge hunts are a good option if deer is the focus. 2nd and 3rd season drop camps are also productive. It varies year-to-year, but Colorado residents can draw 3rd season buck tags with no points. Non-residents have a 70-80% chance without points. With just 1 point, non-residents will draw a 3rd season buck tag. 2nd season tags can be drawn without points for both residents and non-residents. Outfitter primarily operates hunts from the lodge in the 4th season because of the possibility of dangerous snow fall at our high elevation camps. Outfitter will rarely offer drop camps during 4th season. It takes a real man to hunt third season out of the wall tent drop camps, it takes a true masochist to do it during 4th.

HuntX Scale (Low 1 - 5 High)

• Lodging & Accommodations: Backpack Tent
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  Lodging & Accommodations Scale

  5 - Cabin/Lodge

  4 - Bunk House/Trailer

  3 - Wall Tent

  2 - Backpack Tent

  1 - Client Provided/Hotel

Outfitter will have a wall tent set up with a wood stove and propane cook stove. *Lodge hunts are great for individual hunters or pairs. Must be willing to ride horses each day you want to hunt. Click here to understand the difference between the different hunt types and accommodations.

• Menu & Food: Client Provided
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  Menu & Food Scale

  5 - 5 Star Catered

  4 - Full Kitchen

  3 - Field Kitchen

  2 - Backpack Food

  1 - Client Provided

Drop Camp Food Service – Outfitter will purchase, organize and pack in your hunt’s entire week of food for $350 per hunter. The majority of drop camp clients now choose to add-on our food service. Most clients find that the service immensely simplifies planning for the trip.

• Physical Conditions: Heavy Hiking
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  Physical Conditions Scale:

  5 - All Vehicle Access

  4 - Light Hiking

  3 - Moderate Hiking

  2 - Heavy Hiking

  1 - Extreme Back Country

All of these hunts are true wilderness hunts where being in good shape and being able to bare inclement weather will pay off with the hunt of a lifetime. Hunter should be prepared for long days and a lot of hiking in the backcountry. More physically fit will provide for more shot opportunity on bigger bulls. Later season hunts will require hiking and hunting in snow.

Transportation (To/From Basecamp)

Final destination city is Vail Colorado. Outfitter will pick up hunter from these local airports. Hunter can also fly into Denver, Colorado and drive to lodge (~3 hour drive).

Photos

• Lodging & Accommodations
• Menu & Food
• Physical Conditions

Description

The drop camp is the soul of the wilderness outfitter. Not for the faint of heart, this do-it-yourself option was born in the age of the self sufficient hunter. All the hunter needs is the logistics of getting away from the trail-head and the help of a mule’s back getting game and supplies in/out of the deep wilderness. Camp gear has improved over time and modern technology has perfected logistics. However, the experience is mostly unchanged since its birth over a hundred years ago. The outfitter will get you packed into camps, and setup with all the outfitted gear. You do the huntin’, and outfitter will pack the meat and camp. Hunters will primarily hunt from the lodge in the 4th season because of the possibility of dangerous snow fall at our high elevation camps. Outfitter rarely offers drop camps during 4th season. It takes a real man to hunt third season out of the wall tent drop camps, it takes a true masochist to do it during 4th. Full gear list provided by outfitter upon booking.

What Outfitter Provides

• Wall tent
• Wood stove
• Propane cook stove
• Horses, saddle & tack
• Sleeping cot

What to Bring

• Hunting knives
• Warm Sleeping bag & pillow
• Gortex Hunting Outerwear (waterproof)
• Binoculars and rangefinder
• Durable and comfortable hiking boots (insulated for late season hunts)
• Moderate to heavy weather hunting clothing-layering system recommended
• Rifle with 40 rounds of ammunition
• Hunter Orange Vest & Hat
• Hunter Safety Card (unless verified by the state)

Recommended Items

• 20 Quart Badlands Cooler
• 45 Quart Badlands Cooler
• Canyon Lightweight Boot Sock
• Mountain Extreme Men's
• Badlands Precision University Academy I - South Dakota

Photos

• What Outfitter Provides
• What to Bring