Wilderness Drop Camps

2012 Drop Camp Information

$ 1800 per Hunter

$ 500 per Non- Hunter

Prices include all packing services, food and camp equipment

Price does not include license fee

Ripple Creek Lodge’s drop camps are located anywhere from 2 to 5 miles deep into the White River National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Every campsite is located in great Elk habitat allowing hunters the opportunity to hunt directly from camp without the need for horses or miles of hiking. The camps can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 8 hunters each season. Camps will have 2 tents onsite. One tent will house the cooking facilities while the other will be for geared up for sleeping.

Ripple Creek’s drop camps are set in their permitted area prior to your arrival and will include the following equipment;

Tents

Stove

Heaters

Lanterns

Cooking Pots and Pans

Paper Goods

Cots

First Aid Kit

GPS Emergency Unit

Water Carrying Container

Toilet Seat

All of Ripple Creek Lodge’s drop camp sites are located next to a water source. Most of these water sources are small springs and produce good water. It is the hunter responsibility to purify the water for safe consumption.

All heating, lighting and cooking equipment is fueled by propane for camp comfort and eliminates the need for a camp fire or wood burning stove.

When you arrive at the Lodge, staff will help organize your gear for the pack in, discuss the basics of riding, fit you to a horse and saddle, discuss legal and ethical hunting regulations and explain proper Wilderness Area camp use. This procedure usually takes an hour or more too complete so it’s important to arrive a couple of hours prior to your “pack-in time”. It is also important to schedule a “pack-in time” at least 1 to 2 days before the season starts. There is no extra charge for time in camp before or after the hunting season.

Since all camps are packed in via horse, weight consideration is a very important part of your pre-trip planning.

All hunters will only be allowed to take to camp;

1 bag (weight not to exceed 35 lbs.)

1 small day pack (to be carried with you, on your horse)

Sleeping bag

Rifle

A good way to achieve these weight requirements is to pack with your entire hunting party and make sure that the camp is not doubling up on items that can be shared.

Colorado wilderness weather is very extreme during the fall months. We often see the lows well below freezing at night and mid 50’s to 60’s during the day time. It is essential to be prepared for all temperatures and moisture conditions. Layering warm waterproof clothing is the best way to accomplish this. Dress with a thermal base layer, followed with a light weight t-shirt, then a warm hoodie or sweatshirt and covered with an insulated waterproof shell.

Listed are items you should have for your Colorado drop camp Elk hunt;

License (GMU 24)

Colorado DOW Big Game Hunting brochure

Rifle (Sighted in at 2” high at 100 yds.)

Insulated waterproof hunting boots

Camp Shoes

Thermal Underwear

Hunting clothing

Socks (1 ½ sets per day)

Sleeping Bag (rated below zero)

500sq. in of Blaze Orange

(Orange camouflage is not allowed)

Blaze Orange Hat

Stocking Hat

Waterproof Thermal Gloves

Waterproof Insulated Coat

Sweatshirts (layered clothing)

Toiletries (Toothbrush, soap, prescriptions)

In addition to the items listed above each hunter should carry a day pack that includes this suggested game cleaning gear and survival items.

1 box ammo

2 knifes

Sharpening stone

Bone saw (To cut sternum and pelvic bones)

Pen or pencil (license must be signed upon harvest and notes for outfitter at camp)

Binoculars

Lighter

Compass or GPS unit

Topo map (available at Ripple Creek Lodge)

Fire starting material (paper, candle)

Emergency space blanket

Small first aid kit

Orange marking tape

Snacks

Water bottle

Please allow to be packed in at least one day prior to the beginning of the season and one day after the season concludes.

Brookies and Beer

Flat Tops Wildflowers