Drop camp suggestions?

[bald9eagle]

Anyone had any really good drop camp experiences with Colorado based outfitters? We're looking at drop camp 2nd rifle 2016. Any suggestions?

[2Rivers]

Contact Scott Limmer at comanche wilderness outfitters.

[bald9eagle]

Thanks

[Swede]

This has been discussed here before, but it was a long time ago. Indian Summer had some good insights in drop camps. I have never used one, but have heard some horror stories. Unreliable packers, that did not do what they said they would, is a big problem. Schedules may be missed, including pack out, and retrieval of game. Another common problem is being dropped into an area, and left, where an outfitter won't hunt, because it is too game poor.

[Indian Summer]

I wouldn't say it's realistic for one end of an outfitters area to be great and another end to be poor hunting. Also every outfitter I know does their best to put hunters on game. It's for their own good because bunch of bad reviews and the internet will eventually take it's toll.

For me there were two options. Both work well for hunting and running the business in general. The Forest Service put different restrictions on different sites. In 80 square miles there were only about 5 options. Two of them allowed more people in camp. They also let me keep horses and mules in camp for the entire hunt. Those camps are geared toward guiding hunters and having a full time cook etc. My other camps had a max of 4 people in camp and no overnight livestock. They are to be kept more impact free overall. I could save money and just give my main camp to a group of drop camp hunter which means they are hunting the same areas as the guys who paid for a guide. Or I could pack them to a spike site and run hunters on the other end of the area. It didn't really matter to me or the hunters. The spike camps by the way were a bit more remote which to many would seem even better especially when you consider that they see less hunters.

As long as the outfitter gives you maps and a good it of advice on hunting the area a drop camp is a great way to go. It's one step up from a DIY hunt and a good insurance policy on getting your elk out of the hills and to a processor asap. Plus it maximizes your hunting time since you don't have to pack and set camp, cut firewood etc.

I had several groups over the years who came on guided hunts, learned the area, and then came back and booked drop camp hunts.

Like Swede though I have definitely heard some horror stories. But to be fair I'd say that's with any type of businesses from auto body shops to doctors and lawyers right. The bottom line is to take the time to be thorough with your homework.

[saddlesore]

One of the best I know is Jeanne Horne of J Bar H outfitters out of Meeker. She hunts some of the biggest elk herds in CO. This year her archery and muzzle loader season was exceptional . I think 100% on ML. The 1st rifle was great and the 2nd rifle was above average.

She is the nicest lady you would ever want to meet. She has great camps, great stock and equipment. Her staff are the most mannerly/courteous people you will meet. Her fees are also some of the lowest.

I hunt just up the road from her base camp and visit often. We have even swapped mules.

Most of her clients are repeat, and unfortunately she is already booked for 2016 and is taking reservations for 2017.

Wouldn't hurt to get on a cancelation list though