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We went to Cody, WY in the Fall of 2001. The only negative was
the weather. This is a horseback/pack trip back 30 miles from
the nearest dead end road over the continental divide. The
weather was extremely and unseasonably warm/hot for the elk to
be moving through the area. The camp had a double occupancy
because it was the week after 9/11 but the staff handily took
care of all of the hunters. I was one of the 8 out of 10 hunters
to get an elk (6 X 6). Hidden Creek is on the outdoor channel
which is how I originally gained my attention and they lived up
to my fullest life time dream hunt!!
= Phil "Butch" Hollenbeck, Seneca
Falls, New York 315-549-7024
I was very impressed with the way everything was handled when I
arrived at Bill's office. Everything was planned out and
we were told what to do with our gear in order for it to be
packed into camp. The horseback
ride in was breath taking the mountains, and animals we saw.
When we arrived at camp we were shown the tents we were staying
in & took us around to show us the Cook & Dining tent, the
Shower tent and the Bathroom tent. It was an awesome setup
and to think that being back in the wilderness 30 miles and have
these accommodations. The food was wonderful, it was like eating
in a high priced restaurant. The areas we hunted were beautiful
with lots of different game, Elk, Shiras Moose, Big Horn Sheep,
Mule Deer & Grizzly Bear. The weather didn't cooperate as
it was hot for elk hunting, even with the weather hot we saw
30-40 head of elk everyday and the sign was everywhere.
Bill said if it were 20 deg. cooler we would see 60- 100 elk a
day, the sign was there, the elk stayed bedded up during the
day. The guides were very experienced & Knew the lay of the
areas. The personal in camp was the best I've ever seen, polite
- considerate & very helpful in what ever your needs. Bill runs
a 1st class operation, from the personnel to the horses & mules
to ride & pack were excellent. If you are truly looking for a
top notch outfitter & person, and an area that holds trophy elk
then give Bill Perry with Hidden Creek Outfitters a call.
I am going on a trophy Mule Deer hunt with Bill in October next
year, that is how impressed & confident I am with Bill Perry &
Hidden Creek Outfitters. 2002. Mike has
now hunted seven times with us.
= Mike Malone, Rudy, Arkansas 479-632-6352
I
have hunted with Hidden Creek Outfitters four times now with 50%
success for Elk and 100% for Mule Deer. The Thorofare area
is breath taking to say the least. As with all hunting,
weather has a major affect on the animals. If it is hot
the animals don't have to move much, so you will have to cover
some ground. Conversely if it is cold or snow is falling
the animals will be moving. For instance with about 10
inches of snow on the ground the Mule Deer were moving out of
Yellowstone. I counted over 200 deer before I took my buck
around lunch time. This hunt can be as tough as you want
it to be, but rarely a cake walk. Horses are used but not
always. With that said, being in good physical
condition is
important, don't wait until the last second to start getting
ready. Take long walks at a good pace, even carry a day
pack with a weight equal to what you would carry while hunting.
Include hills or steps to get your legs stronger. Dress in
layers so you won't over heat, or can add insulation as needed.
Gaiters are a wonderful item to have. They will help keep
your lower legs warm and dry, and in quick shallow creek
crossings can help keep water out of your boots. The
accommodations are comfortable wall tents with cots & foam mats,
a lantern, and a wood stove. Breakfast and Dinner is
always a delicious hot & hearty meal. Most days you will
have a sack lunch to eat while hunting. As we have all
heard "Practice, Practice, Practice with your rifle". You
don't need to go out and buy a super big magnum rifle. A
270 Win. would be the smallest recommended, always shoot a
quality hunting bullet. Shots can be 20 yards to 300 yards so a hunter
should know where his rifle is shooting in order to make a good
kill shot. Shoot while laying down with your pack for a
rest or lean against a tree for a rest---just practice.
Light weight binoculars in the 8 to 10 power range are handy.
The guides will work as hard as they can, and take great pride
in being able to present a shot to a hunter. Bring a
powdered sports drink to mix with water for each days hunt. If you
have questions let your fingers do the walking, there are
several names and numbers on the "References" page. Yes, I
am planning my fifth hunt for the fall of 2010.
= Jay Ernst, Eureka, Missouri 636 938 9045
For
the Hunter who seeks a modern-day hunt in the wilderness where
nostalgia brings back the travels of Teddy Roosevelt, Hidden
Creek Outfitters cannot be matched. Unbelievable mountain
passes, extraordinary trophy animals and the comradery of true
Outdoorsmen is what you will find with Hidden Creek Outfitters
in the Thorofare.
= Chas.
Steib, Chesterfield, Missouri 314 862 7805
When asked if I
knew of or could recommend a good Outfitter for Elk or Mule Deer
hunt. I have only one recommendation & that is Bill Perry
owner and operator of Hidden Creek Outfitters.. Bill's hunts are
all fair chase in the pristine mountains.
Bill helps you from the start beginning with applying for the
license. The equipment and camps (he has two camps) are
first class as is the food, camp jack and guides who work their
butts off trying to get the animal you are looking for. I
regret that I was 80 years old before I met a truly good
outfitter. I did some guiding in my youth and you really
appreciate what Bill and the Hidden Creek Outfitters crew do for
their customers.
Milo "Wes" Burke
Ballwin, MO
After saving money for 10
long years for a true wilderness pack in hunt I wanted to make
sure I got it right. After doing my research and calling
references I decided Bill Perry and Hidden Creek Outfitters was
the way to go. A short 30 mile horse back ride into truly
amazing country puts you in some of the best elk country there
is. This is a tough hunt with no guarantees, but if you get in
shape and hunt hard you might be rewarded with a six point bull
as I was. Field dressing an elk beside a fire deep in the
Wyoming wilderness and an all night hike back into camp finished
off my hunt of a lifetime.
= Alan Harrell, Elizabeth City, N.C.
252-339-7903
Bill,
I wanted to drop you a email telling you that it was good
meeting you, and this was by far the best hunt i have been on.
everything was just great! Good horses, Good Food, Good people,
and Good Hunting, I look forward to hunting with Hidden Creek
again real soon, I am attaching a picture of my Mule deer if
you would like to post it on your web site picture gallery.
Oh! I was the guy who came with Richard C,
Thanks
Steve Reynolds |
