19/03: Mule Deer Drop Hunt
Category: Hunting: Mule Deer
Posted by: ch0p5
I would like to tell everyone about our wonderful experience with George Peter and High Country Outfitters. As non residents from Virginia, we put in for the early season unit 39 controlled mule deer hunt. In the two previous years, we were DYI (DO-IT-YOURSELF) hunters in western Wyoming. We put in extensive internet research and talked with several of the Idaho game biologists to come up with this draw hunt. In talking with the biologists, they suggested using an outfitter to get far in the back country of the Sawtooth Wilderness as possible. This is when we contacted George and boy are we glad of that initial phone call. We knew from the very first conversation that George was our man. We wanted this to be a DYI hunt and George accomodated our very needs.
It began with a long horseback ride into the Sawtooth Wilderness (about 10 hours). George put us in a spot that had been previously hunted and scouted earlier in the year. He willingly went over Topo maps with us and made us feel right at home. Brian Sullivan killed a 21 inch muley on the first day and Denny Clatterbuck killed a 25 inch heavy horned muley on the second day. Needless to say we were in mule deer haven and only two days had passed. Based on what had been killed and had been seen in those first few days, i had to pass on several decent mulies. Being a whitetail hunter from the east made it extremely difficult to pass up on deer over 20 inches wide. With 10 days still to hunt, I had high hopes of getting a nice one. A couple snow storms later in the week didn't allow for hunting on two days due to visibility, but it was great hunting after the snow. I eventually had the opportunity to put on two stalks on two different exceptional deer. Both deer were in the 25-28 inch range. But as hunting goes, no shots were fired on either deer. The last stalk was in some steep and rugged terrain and I ran out of daylight. Even though I never fired a shot, the hunt was truely successful and unforgettable.
Everyone can see the two deer that Denny and Brian killed on The High Country website. Just look in the thumbnail pictures in the drop camp hunters or the early season hunt. Based on our wonderful hunting experience with George and High Country Outfitters, we decided to book a fully guided mule deer and elk hunt with George in the fall of 2007. I can't wait to get there. I am truely looking forward to personally hunt with George and his exceptional guides in 2007.
Submitted by Kenny Miller, Winchester, Virginia
It began with a long horseback ride into the Sawtooth Wilderness (about 10 hours). George put us in a spot that had been previously hunted and scouted earlier in the year. He willingly went over Topo maps with us and made us feel right at home. Brian Sullivan killed a 21 inch muley on the first day and Denny Clatterbuck killed a 25 inch heavy horned muley on the second day. Needless to say we were in mule deer haven and only two days had passed. Based on what had been killed and had been seen in those first few days, i had to pass on several decent mulies. Being a whitetail hunter from the east made it extremely difficult to pass up on deer over 20 inches wide. With 10 days still to hunt, I had high hopes of getting a nice one. A couple snow storms later in the week didn't allow for hunting on two days due to visibility, but it was great hunting after the snow. I eventually had the opportunity to put on two stalks on two different exceptional deer. Both deer were in the 25-28 inch range. But as hunting goes, no shots were fired on either deer. The last stalk was in some steep and rugged terrain and I ran out of daylight. Even though I never fired a shot, the hunt was truely successful and unforgettable.
Everyone can see the two deer that Denny and Brian killed on The High Country website. Just look in the thumbnail pictures in the drop camp hunters or the early season hunt. Based on our wonderful hunting experience with George and High Country Outfitters, we decided to book a fully guided mule deer and elk hunt with George in the fall of 2007. I can't wait to get there. I am truely looking forward to personally hunt with George and his exceptional guides in 2007.
Submitted by Kenny Miller, Winchester, Virginia
Category: Hunting: Mule Deer
Posted by: ch0p5
By: Larry Barnes
Published in the Oct. 2005 Hunting Report
High Country Outfitters operates in south central Idaho in the Sawtooth Wilderness and the Sawtooth National Forest, where outfitte George Peter has exclusive guiding access and special-use permits from the US Forest Service. This is very remote, rugged country. Peter hunts 225 square miles of wilderness here at elevations of 5,000 to 10,000 feet. This is where he produces trophy mule deer with 25-30 inch spreads every year.
I hunted with Peter this past August during an early-season velvet hunt and took a buck that green scored close to 200 B&C, and I saw but could not get on a buck that would have scored another 15 to 20. That buck was higher, wider and had a 14-inch sword point on one side of his rack. I lost him after an all-morning stalk in the timber. Fifteen minutes later, I spotted the buck I eventually killed. I also saw a third buck that was larger still. In total, I saw 15 bucks in a day and a half.
Although Peter's area is public land, the remoteness and difficult access means there is virtually no resident hunting or other pressure. The Sawtooth Mountains are very steep and only hunters who are physically fit should attempt this particular hunt. In fact, Peter screens all of his hunters to make sure they are able to endure the rigors of this trip. If a hunter doesn't measure up physically, Peter will not book him. Although Peter uses horses, all of the actual hunting is on foot. The hunt starts at elevations of 8,000 feet and hunters must be able to climb up to 2,000 vertical feet in one day.
This is not a weather-dependent or migration hunt, as evidenced by the quality of deer found during the early season. Peter and his guides pre-scout the area for trophy resident bucks. Hunts begin with a nine to 15-mile horseback ride from his lodge up into the range where you set up a tent camp. From there, you ride out each day two to three miles to your hunt area, where you dismount and proceed to spot and stalk on foot.
Camps consist of canvas wall tents heated by wood stoves, a cook tent and even showers. A professional fulltime cook prepares first class meals. Breakfast each morning is to order, and after dinner you can enjoy freshly baked desserts, such as cherry pie and fruit cobblers.
Peter offers an early-season hunt in August and a regular hunt in October. Both are rifle hunts. Archery hunts are available in September. All permits are available over-the-counter, except for the early season hunt, which is controlled hunt and requires applying for the permit. However, Peter recieves one outfitter allocated permit each season, which he provides on a first-come, first-served basis.
The early-season hunt has several advantages. First of all, the deer are still in their red summer coats then and are easy to see. Also, this is when the deer are putting on weight and fat for the coming winter, so they spend more time in the oen feeding. That usually gives you more time to see the animals and size them up. Because they have not begun to produce the additional testosterone that causes their antlers to finish hardening, they are also less wary and if spooked they don't run as far as they do later in the season. Another advantage is that the temperatures are warm in August, running into the upper 80's. So, those who dislike cold weather hunts will find the mountains more comfortable at this time of year. Lastly, on the early-season hunt, you get to see some very big bucks before anyone else does. Come October, when the regular rifle hunts take place, the weather can range from 10 to 60 degrees, and eight to 15 inches of snow are a possibility.
Peter's success rate for all his mule deer hunts is about 50 percent, but that's becuase this hunt is geared towards serious mule deer hunters. The shot opportunity for any mulie buck is about 95 percent, but Peter's clients usually pass on non-trophy animals (thus the 50 percent success rate). Last season, a hunter took a 199 gross velvet buck on the early season hunt. Another hunter recently took a 200-inch buck. These are exceptional trophies. The average buck taken on Peter's hunts scores 180 to 185, and each year two or three hunters take a buck with 28 to 30-inch spread. A few lucky clients have shot bucks with up to 25-inch spreads.
These hunts are eight days and run $3,500 for 2 x 1 guiding; or $5,000 for 1 x 1. That includes pickup and return to the Sun Valley airport in Hailey; all transportation during the hunt; lodge and tent camp accommodations; plus meals, guiding and trophy prep. It does not include the nonresident hunting license or deer tag. Should you need to apply for the early-season hunt, Peter will assist you with the paperwork at no additional charge. The application fee charged by Idaho Fish and Game is $19.50. Peter also offers some unguided drop camp hunts at $1,950 per person, with a minimum of four hunters.
High Country Outfitters is based at the Trappers Inn, a lodge, restaurant and small general store Peter operates on a private holding in the national forest where his hunt area is. It's about 24 miles from the town of Fairfield and is accessed by dirt road. That's where he keeps a corral and about 50 stock animals for packing into the mountains. Unlike every other horseback opoeration I have hunted with, Peter does not care how much gear you bring. He does not limit you to a certain amount, but rather just adds another mule or horse to the pack string. All of his livestock, by the way, are excellent.
Peter is the real deal. He is a very capable guide, horseman and outfitter. He goes beyond what you would expect. He even allowed me to go out and scout with him pre-season. It was a tough trip, mind you, without any luxuries and requiring a lot of hard riding and hiking, but he provided all the equipment, and the experience of scouting for your own animal in the area you're going to hunt is very rewarding.
Peter hires only quality guides. These are not mere ranch hands who have seen deer around. I have hunted enough to recognize competence and experience levels in guides. Peter takes pains to ensure his guides are first rate. My guide was Cory Glauner, who used hand-held 15x60 Doctor binoculars to spot for deer. Glauner is an experienced and accomplished hunter, having guided his own wife to more than one B&C animal. I was fortunate to have both Glauner and Peter on my hunt, and they are both exceptional.
I have been chasing mulies for years, and this hunt is a phenomenal find. It is a first-rate, high-quality experience any way you look at it. I will be going back. - Larry Barnes.
Published in the Oct. 2005 Hunting Report
High Country Outfitters operates in south central Idaho in the Sawtooth Wilderness and the Sawtooth National Forest, where outfitte George Peter has exclusive guiding access and special-use permits from the US Forest Service. This is very remote, rugged country. Peter hunts 225 square miles of wilderness here at elevations of 5,000 to 10,000 feet. This is where he produces trophy mule deer with 25-30 inch spreads every year.
I hunted with Peter this past August during an early-season velvet hunt and took a buck that green scored close to 200 B&C, and I saw but could not get on a buck that would have scored another 15 to 20. That buck was higher, wider and had a 14-inch sword point on one side of his rack. I lost him after an all-morning stalk in the timber. Fifteen minutes later, I spotted the buck I eventually killed. I also saw a third buck that was larger still. In total, I saw 15 bucks in a day and a half.
Although Peter's area is public land, the remoteness and difficult access means there is virtually no resident hunting or other pressure. The Sawtooth Mountains are very steep and only hunters who are physically fit should attempt this particular hunt. In fact, Peter screens all of his hunters to make sure they are able to endure the rigors of this trip. If a hunter doesn't measure up physically, Peter will not book him. Although Peter uses horses, all of the actual hunting is on foot. The hunt starts at elevations of 8,000 feet and hunters must be able to climb up to 2,000 vertical feet in one day.
This is not a weather-dependent or migration hunt, as evidenced by the quality of deer found during the early season. Peter and his guides pre-scout the area for trophy resident bucks. Hunts begin with a nine to 15-mile horseback ride from his lodge up into the range where you set up a tent camp. From there, you ride out each day two to three miles to your hunt area, where you dismount and proceed to spot and stalk on foot.
Camps consist of canvas wall tents heated by wood stoves, a cook tent and even showers. A professional fulltime cook prepares first class meals. Breakfast each morning is to order, and after dinner you can enjoy freshly baked desserts, such as cherry pie and fruit cobblers.
Peter offers an early-season hunt in August and a regular hunt in October. Both are rifle hunts. Archery hunts are available in September. All permits are available over-the-counter, except for the early season hunt, which is controlled hunt and requires applying for the permit. However, Peter recieves one outfitter allocated permit each season, which he provides on a first-come, first-served basis.
The early-season hunt has several advantages. First of all, the deer are still in their red summer coats then and are easy to see. Also, this is when the deer are putting on weight and fat for the coming winter, so they spend more time in the oen feeding. That usually gives you more time to see the animals and size them up. Because they have not begun to produce the additional testosterone that causes their antlers to finish hardening, they are also less wary and if spooked they don't run as far as they do later in the season. Another advantage is that the temperatures are warm in August, running into the upper 80's. So, those who dislike cold weather hunts will find the mountains more comfortable at this time of year. Lastly, on the early-season hunt, you get to see some very big bucks before anyone else does. Come October, when the regular rifle hunts take place, the weather can range from 10 to 60 degrees, and eight to 15 inches of snow are a possibility.
Peter's success rate for all his mule deer hunts is about 50 percent, but that's becuase this hunt is geared towards serious mule deer hunters. The shot opportunity for any mulie buck is about 95 percent, but Peter's clients usually pass on non-trophy animals (thus the 50 percent success rate). Last season, a hunter took a 199 gross velvet buck on the early season hunt. Another hunter recently took a 200-inch buck. These are exceptional trophies. The average buck taken on Peter's hunts scores 180 to 185, and each year two or three hunters take a buck with 28 to 30-inch spread. A few lucky clients have shot bucks with up to 25-inch spreads.
These hunts are eight days and run $3,500 for 2 x 1 guiding; or $5,000 for 1 x 1. That includes pickup and return to the Sun Valley airport in Hailey; all transportation during the hunt; lodge and tent camp accommodations; plus meals, guiding and trophy prep. It does not include the nonresident hunting license or deer tag. Should you need to apply for the early-season hunt, Peter will assist you with the paperwork at no additional charge. The application fee charged by Idaho Fish and Game is $19.50. Peter also offers some unguided drop camp hunts at $1,950 per person, with a minimum of four hunters.
High Country Outfitters is based at the Trappers Inn, a lodge, restaurant and small general store Peter operates on a private holding in the national forest where his hunt area is. It's about 24 miles from the town of Fairfield and is accessed by dirt road. That's where he keeps a corral and about 50 stock animals for packing into the mountains. Unlike every other horseback opoeration I have hunted with, Peter does not care how much gear you bring. He does not limit you to a certain amount, but rather just adds another mule or horse to the pack string. All of his livestock, by the way, are excellent.
Peter is the real deal. He is a very capable guide, horseman and outfitter. He goes beyond what you would expect. He even allowed me to go out and scout with him pre-season. It was a tough trip, mind you, without any luxuries and requiring a lot of hard riding and hiking, but he provided all the equipment, and the experience of scouting for your own animal in the area you're going to hunt is very rewarding.
Peter hires only quality guides. These are not mere ranch hands who have seen deer around. I have hunted enough to recognize competence and experience levels in guides. Peter takes pains to ensure his guides are first rate. My guide was Cory Glauner, who used hand-held 15x60 Doctor binoculars to spot for deer. Glauner is an experienced and accomplished hunter, having guided his own wife to more than one B&C animal. I was fortunate to have both Glauner and Peter on my hunt, and they are both exceptional.
I have been chasing mulies for years, and this hunt is a phenomenal find. It is a first-rate, high-quality experience any way you look at it. I will be going back. - Larry Barnes.
