Thorofare Elk hunt/hidden creek outfitters

[pwartist55]

Need some help. I went of an elk hunt with Hidden Creek Outfitters five years ago. I loved the area. The hunt was hard with no results. Saw only one bull.(second Week hunt)The hunt started bad when on the way in my guide was thrown off his horse,broke his face and had to be airlifted out. I ended up hunting with the rangler ,a great guy. Worked his butt off. i got stuck with a hunter(did not know him ) was someone who was sick before he got to Wy and was sick all during the trip. Honestly, he made life miserable. We really got about 2 days of hunting in because of this guy.Hidden Creek apologized but that was it. Bill Perry was nowhere. The rangler (Brett Mckinley) did everything he could to make the hunt a success. Would hunt with him anytime,anywhere. I am not sure about Hidden Creek.
i am thinking about doing it again but need help with Reviews on Hidden Creek Outfitters vs others in the area. Also I hear that hunting has not been good in the thorofare. Love the place though,like no other. Just wonder if I want to go back into it with Hidden creek outfitters as they kind of threw me under the bus.

[Colorado Cowboy]

Sounds like a repeat of my hunt with them in 2011. I would never go with them again. On my hunt (second season) there were only 2 hunters in Teton Camp. The other hunter was archery so we did not hunt together. I only saw one shooter bull about 4oo yards away running up a ridge with no possible shot. Saw wolves and grizzlies. Only saw about 12 to 15 elk the whole trip. My guide kept going to the same area every day....seemed to me a waste of time after a couple of days. The archery guy did not do anything either.

I have a friend who has hunted with Jeff Krueger of Wyoming Expeditions and had a great trip. They use the same trailhead (Deer Creek Pass) and hunt the same area, just not in as far. Their camp is about 8 or so miles shorter.

It is awsome country, but IMHO the wolves are really getting bad. I only saw one deer in 6 days hunting. I have done 25+ wilderness outfitted hunts and don't think I'll ever go back there. Lots of $$$$ for not much. I know you can't expect to be successful every trip, but just didn't see many animals. Just my experience.........

[robsev]

Check out Ishoowa Outfitters (they have a website). I haven't hunted with them but I've heard they're very good.

[elk_n_esox]

Wow... those are horrible stories! I'd definitely only book with an outfitter that has recent references that can be verified. Obviously it's hunting and not shooting, but if you don't even get to hunt with an actual experienced guide (obviously there was a terrible accident, but you're a paying customer and it wasn't YOUR fault), then I'd think you should have been given the opportunity for a free or drastically reduced hunt the following year. research research RESEARCH

[pwartist55]

Thanks for the help. Colorado Cowboy think we have a lot in common. I went on the hunt afer losing the site in my left eye. Had to switch to being a right hander. We must have seen the same Bull- a 7x 7.
the good news is last year i shot an 8x8 420 points. in Utah.
It is too bad Hiddencreek has got such negative reviews. They did nothing to help after the guides accident. Again, the rangler was a terrific guy and worked hard . Being stuck with a sick companion was not right. Never heard a word from Bill Perry. This is the first time I have shared the experience.
I was headed this year to a private ranch area 113 , However,their are no tags for Elk this year in 113. Need to find someone else. After shooting the 8x8 I am now a meat hunter for Elk. Any suggestions ? Age 65, really good shape so have a few rugged hunts left . Was thinking about a Caribou or Even a Bison. I loved the thorofare so much that wanted to go back but not with Hidden creek.

Wow... those are horrible stories! I'd definitely only book with an outfitter that has recent references that can be verified. Obviously it's hunting and not shooting, but if you don't even get to hunt with an actual experienced guide (obviously there was a terrible accident, but you're a paying customer and it wasn't YOUR fault), then I'd think you should have been given the opportunity for a free or drastically reduced hunt the following year. research research RESEARCH

[elk_n_esox]

I was headed this year to a private ranch area 113 , However,their are no tags for Elk this year in 113. Need to find someone else. After shooting the 8x8 I am now a meat hunter for Elk. Any suggestions ? Age 65, really good shape so have a few rugged hunts left .

Get yourself a crossbow and hunt elk in wyoming during the archery season. It's probably too much to ask to shoot a conventional bow backwards, but a crossbow!? If you're a WY resident then you have a ton of great opportunities. NON-res still good

[pwartist55]

The crossbow really intrigues me. If I could do it over would only be a bow hunter. Bought one for my son(Bow) and tried the switch to right handed. really difficult.
Funny thing thou about switching shooting a gun. I am a much better shot righthanded with one eye then i ever was left handed.
Have really made some good shots. I personally think two eyes can confuse you especially hitting a deer or a pig on the run.
Would love to try the crossbow. I live in California and here we can shoot a pig daily if we want.