IMO, Drop Camps can be a mixed bag, depending on a number of things. Much may depend on the reputation and general area of the Outfitter? If you're planning on going alone, you'll probably find yourself sharing a drop camp with some strangers, as most Outfitters want at least 4 hunters to put in a camp. That in itself can be a mixed bag....? A downside for some hunters, can be that an Outfitter starts up his camps in the archery season, which in Colorado, is around Labor Day weekend. So he's ferrying new hunters in and out every week throughout the Fall. If you're a 2nd season rifle hunter, he may have had 4 prior hunting groups, or perhaps 24 hunters scouring that area for game, plus maybe taking their share of the Elk before you even come along. (?) Of course if more new Elk drift into that area, that replenishes the game numbers, but from year to year, this may or may not happen? Around here, this can lead to a lot of commotion in an area, with the Outfitter packing hunters in and out. Packers coming in bringing supplies and hauling out game, etc. Not the best way to remain being subtle in a hunting area. All this said, I'd be checking an Outfitter's past references on this, as it can vary by the Outfit, the area , and a number of other factors. Ask past hunters about some of this stuff. I've known cases where the employees of an Outfitter were just hired recently, and knew virtually nothing about the area they were working in. Of course all this can work out for the best too. I'd just be "informed" before I plopped down my hard earned money.
