Hunter Safety Guide to Drop Camp Elk Hunts

Venturing out on a drop camp elk hunt is at just about the top of every self-reliant hunter’s wish list. 

The instinctual urge to weather the elements and spend countless hours in discomfort for the chance to take one, maybe two shots at a bull is what brings so many hunters to take such risks to drop camp to hunt elk year in and year out.

Now, while these hunts provide the thrill of pursuing a trophy the old way, they also demand meticulous preparation and a steadfast commitment to safety. 

We have gone ahead and crafted this guide, with the assistance of seasoned hunting safety professionals, to equip you with the knowledge and strategies essential for a successful and secure drop camp elk hunt, with safety as a main priority.

Understanding Drop Camp Elk Hunts

Before getting into best safety practices for when you're on a several-day elk hunt, we first need to cover what all a drop camp hunt entails.

What Is a Drop Camp?

A drop camp is either a DIY or guided hunting experience where you either find your way, or an outfitter transports you, typically via horseback, to a remote campsite. 

In most cases, the elk outfitter manages the camp, providing essentials like tents, cooking equipment, and sometimes maps or GPS coordinates. 

However, for those DIY hunters out there, the hunting itself can be as self-directed as you wish, meaning you’re responsible for locating game, landing the shot, and field dressing your harvest. 

This setup offers a balance between the independence of DIY hunts and the logistical support of guided trips.

Pros and Cons of Drop Camps

Just as with any other type of elk hunt out there, drop camps have their pros and cons.

Advantages

• Cost-Effective: DIY drop camp hunts are more affordable than fully guided hunts.

• Autonomy: Freedom to hunt at your own pace and style.

• Access: Opportunity to hunt in remote, less-pressured areas.
   

Challenges:

• Self-Reliance: Requires proficiency in navigation, first aid, and survival skills.

• Physical Demands: Necessitates excellent physical conditioning and patience.

• Limited Support: Minimal assistance in emergencies or challenging situations.
   

Essential Safety Considerations

As you might imagine, spending upwards of 5 days out in the mountains in an attempt to give yourself the best shot at landing a bull comes with its own list of safety concerns.

Physical and Mental Preparation

Success in a drop camp hunt directly hinges on your physical and mental readiness. 

The rugged terrain and high altitudes where most elk hunts take place demand serious cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. 

Equally important is mental resilience, as the isolation and unpredictability of the wilderness can be quite taxing on hunters who are green when it comes to multi-day hunts. 

One quick tip that can really help minimize physical ailments is to acclimatize to elevation changes beforehand and engage in regular physical training to prepare your body and mind for the challenges ahead.

Navigational Tools and Skills

In remote hunting areas, reliable and accurate navigation is crucial. 

Do yourself a favor and equip yourself with topographic maps, a compass, and a GPS device. Not one or the other, but all three 

Familiarize yourself with the terrain and practice orienteering skills as well before even leaving base camp. Walk yourself through the hunt in your mind and on paper.

Every hunter should also carry a personal locator beacon or satellite communication device to maintain contact in case of emergencies. Remember, modern hunting technology can always fail, so always have a backup plan and equip yourself with the skills to navigate the old way.

First Aid and Emergency Preparedness

While it seems like a no-brainer, a comprehensive first aid kit is non-negotiable. 

Pack a surplus of supplies for treating cuts, sprains, blisters, and other common injuries associated with long hikes. Carrying a little extra weight is better than a lighter pack, but walking on blisters.

Learning basic first aid procedures before embarking and considering taking a wilderness first aid course are both great ideas. 

Your hunting group also needs to develop a comprehensive emergency response plan, including evacuation routes and communication protocols. Make sure parties not on the hunt are aware of your itinerary and expected return, and establish regular check-in times.

Gear and Equipment Checklist

While some of this might seem redundant, simple safety gear can make all the difference when spending 5 days on the hunt.

Personal Gear

• Clothing: Layered clothing systems (base, insulating, and waterproof layers) are essential for staying healthy and safe, so make sure to not only consider the region in which you are hunting but the season as well.

• Footwear: You will essentially be spending several days hiking in some of the most rugged terrain around, so waterproof boots with good ankle support are an absolute must. 

• Sleeping Gear: While more simple, a sleeping bag rated for expected temperatures in the area and a sleeping pad for insulation will give you the best chance at a good night's sleep, which will lead to a more productive next day.

• Backpack: As mentioned, you will spend countless hours hiking, so a comfortable, high-capacity pack for carrying your gear and meat will be a godsend on day 5.

Hunting Equipment

• Weapons: Take the time to clean, zero in, and pack your rifle or bow properly. You very well may not have the patience or focus to work on your weapon of choice while on the hunt.

• Optics: Beyond making sure you're equipped with the best rifle scope for the hunt, it is always a good idea to bring binoculars and a rangefinder for spotting and judging distances.

• Field Dressing Tools: After a long hunt and a successful kill, you’ll want the dressing process to be as simple as possible. Make sure to bring sharp knives, a bone saw, game bags, and latex gloves to keep yourself and the meat clean and safe.

• Navigation Aids: Lastly, as we mentioned, stay equipped with a GPS device, compass, and detailed maps to make sure you are never lost without a paddle.

Camp Essentials

• Cooking Supplies: The goal for camp cooking is to make the process as safe and easy as possible. A simple portable stove, fuel, pots, utensils, and cleaning supplies will be the most you need.

• Food Storage: Likely the most important safety aspect for your camp is hanging up any food, meat, or items that can attract wild animals in bear-proof containers or hanging systems.

• Water Treatment: Water is another crucial aspect for multi-day hunts, as the reality is that carrying enough water for a 5-day hunt to camp is impossible. You will need to come equipped with filters or purification tablets to ensure you have enough safe drinking water.

• Lighting: Lastly, headlamps and extra batteries are extremely important for visibility at night because you never know when you will need to travel, and doing so at night with no light is an impossibility.

Food and Nutrition Planning

As we mentioned earlier, you are only limiting yourself if you are not providing your body with the nourishment and energy it needs for the next day's hunt. 

Staying fed, hydrated, and safe can really be much easier than you think.

Meal Preparation Strategies

It is always easiest to just plan meals ahead of time that are high in calories and easy to prepare. 

The best options here include freeze-dried meals, dehydrated foods, and pre-cooked dishes that can be simply reheated. Consider preparing and freezing meals in vacuum-sealed bags as well if you’d prefer to avoid the prepackaged route. These can be warmed in boiling water and seriously reduce any preparation time. 

Just make sure to include a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in your meals to sustain energy levels and keep yourself safe on the hunt.

Hydration and Water Safety

Even more important than staying fed is staying hydrated. This is absolutely vital, especially at high altitudes and after long hikes to and from camp. 

Carry enough water with you for the day, as well as reliable methods for purification in case you run, such as your filters or tablets. It's important to monitor your hydration status and be aware of signs of dehydration as well, like dizziness or dark urine. 

Electrolyte supplements are another great idea and can help you maintain balance during strenuous activity.

Wildlife and Environmental Safety

Remember, you are sharing the woods with a whole litany of animals beyond just the elk you are hunting, and you never know what weather you will experience, as those mountainous regions can rain in one spot while being bone dry a mile away.

Understanding Local Wildlife

Make sure you do your research and talk to the land owner about the wildlife that is common in the area that you should be aware of. 

It's important to understand the behaviors of bears, mountain lions, and other potentially dangerous animals that there is a good chance you will come in contact with. 

As we mentioned already, store food and scented items high and secure to avoid attracting any unwanted visitors. It's always a good idea to carry bear spray and know how to use it effectively, as the sound and stopping power of a firearm might not do the trick.

Weather Preparedness

As we said, mountain weather is extremely unpredictable and can change rapidly. 

You should always check forecasts before your trip and be prepared for rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations, but keep in mind that those will likely be closer to recommendations than the truth. 

Pack appropriate clothing and gear to stay dry and warm, regardless of the forecast. A good rule of thumb is to pack for the worst and hope for the best. 

Lastly, while it may be a worse-case scenario, familiarize yourself with the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and know how to respond if they occur.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Our lost point here is one that should not be taken lightly. Safety out on the hunt goes beyond physical safety.

Ensuring your safety when it comes to legal ramifications is paramount. 

Make sure you have all of the necessary hunting licenses and tags for your chosen hunting area and game. Having a thorough understanding and being in compliance with hunting seasons, weapon restrictions, and laws is extremely important, as breaking said laws can result in everything from being banned from hunting in the region to jail time and fines.

So, just take the time and familiarize yourself with local and federal hunting laws and talk to your outfitter, you’ll thank us later.

Ethical Hunting Practices

While not 100% safety-related, ethical hunting is something all hunters should keep in mind regardless.

This goes beyond legal compliance, but goes as far as to reflect your respect for the animal, the land, the broader hunting community, and future generations of hunters. 

Most landowners and outfits require that you follow the principles of fair chase: 

• Give the elk a sporting chance

• Avoid shooting from unreasonable distances

• Never take questionable shots that may result in a wounded animal

After a successful harvest, field dress quickly and properly. 

In a perfect world, you should do what you can to minimize waste, but after a long hunt, just give it your best concerted effort. Just make sure to use game bags to preserve meat and prevent spoilage. 

Lastly, it's a simple must-do to leave no trace by packing out all trash and respecting the habitat. These practices are the hunting industry's best hope that elk populations remain healthy and that future generations can enjoy the centuries-old tradition.

Final Thoughts

Drop camp elk hunts are the absolute pinnacle of independent, backcountry hunting adventures. 

At the heart of any successful drop camp elk hunt, every hunter needs to be prepared when it comes to physical readiness, detailed planning, the right gear, and a thorough understanding of survival, first aid, and local hunting laws. Nothing trumps the importance of hunter safety.

When you’re 10 miles from the nearest road, immersed in the wild, your safety gear, knowledge, and mindset are your lifelines.

Hunt smart. Hunt safe. And always come home with not just meat in your pack but pride in your preparation, decisions, and respect for the wild.