Mocha1545 Report post Posted July 30, 2014 Fixed wing will give just as much info for a lot less money. Don't see anything wrong using this method to learn an area. water, access and camping. It doesn't beat boots on the ground but helps you decide where to spend the most time walking. As mentioned make sure the pilot is watching where he's going instead of what's on the ground. There are a lot of cables across canyons and power lines out there. I did see an ultralight flying on opening day of Elk in 5BN one year. Called him in to G&F but don't know if they caught him. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viper Report post Posted July 30, 2014 Maybe do a ride along with G&F during surveys. What unit are you wanting to fly over? I have a family member in Springerville with a small plane. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SunDevil Report post Posted July 30, 2014 planes, helicopters, parachute planes, ultra lights, drones. spot lights, night vision, thermal imaging. they have all been used and are still being used. probably comes down to how much money you have and how much money you are willing to spend. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Edge Report post Posted July 30, 2014 You could scout using this airbourne method and take a hound, too. ¢º World's First Wingsuit BASE Jumping Dog - YouTube.htm 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BackwoodsHunter Report post Posted July 30, 2014 Cost A lot more then a good pair of boots! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lucafu1 Report post Posted July 30, 2014 it would cost more but the info you would get and stuff you would see would be huge. i have a little over 1500 hours crewing helocopters and you can see TONS of stuff. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dse Report post Posted July 31, 2014 I had a heli buzz and run off some elk I was watching in 19a on a cow hunt a couple years ago. Reported it but they told me not to worry it was theirs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsturla Report post Posted August 1, 2014 I'm sure it's out of my budget but I'm curious. What's it cost to have a chopper take you up and scout? Not necessarily for critters but more for water, locations for spike camps, etc? your looking at roughly $550/hr for charter(helicopter's time from its base to you, location, then back to base) plus survey time. regular stuff (Bell 206) is gonna run you around $900/hr, if you want to get real close to the ground, its going to be closer to $1300 like Mike Priest said . For a full day of surveys, your in right around $7k. Fixed wing is a lot cheaper, charters should run you in the neighborhood of $300-500/hr I think your better off in a fixed wing with a skilled pilot if your trying to learn a unit, anything lower than 300 AGL and your missing the "big picture" if you want to identify individuals, then copter is the way to go. The cost with copters is really tied into the maintenance (not just fuel), they are costly torn down, and rebuilt. Either way you split it, its still more than good pair of boots and a few weeks off work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MULEPACKHUNTER Report post Posted August 5, 2014 I was looking into some hunting in New Zeeland just for the heck of it, I saw a show on youtube about it and I have friends there with an empty house so was just dreaming. They do alot of Heli drops over there and they run 1200 an hour. Basically 4500. airfair 9000. hunt fee and then 2400 for chopper to take you in deep for 2 animals. Rich mans sport. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerarea33? Report post Posted August 5, 2014 I figured it was costly, mor of a curiosity than anything else. Thanks for the responses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoghntr Report post Posted August 5, 2014 I figured it was costly, mor of a curiosity than anything else. Thanks for the responses. Ha! beer30 curiousity can get dangerous and pricey! Better jot down thought and review in morning.. sounds fun though. need 1 of the big white United Nations choppers and we can all ride along! in all seriousness everybody should go for at least 1 ride in Helo.. you will either love it or hate it, I personally love love love it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerarea33? Report post Posted August 5, 2014 I figured it was costly, mor of a curiosity than anything else. Thanks for the responses. Ha! beer30 curiousity can get dangerous and pricey! Better jot down thought and review in morning.. sounds fun though. need 1 of the big white United Nations choppers and we can all ride along! in all seriousness everybody should go for at least 1 ride in Helo.. you will either love it or hate it, I personally love love love it! for us with "special feet" like you and I, that per hour cost isn't much more than a good pair of redwings!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yotebuster Report post Posted August 5, 2014 I've had my eye on a large piece of very landlocked state land within a big ranch that I've thought about having someone drop me into someday. Not sure of the legality of it though. I've got friends who do the same in Montana. They have about $1500 into the round trip but slipt between three guys its not bad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoghntr Report post Posted August 5, 2014 I've had my eye on a large piece of very landlocked state land within a big ranch that I've thought about having someone drop me into someday. Not sure of the legality of it though. I've got friends who do the same in Montana. They have about $1500 into the round trip but slipt between three guys its not bad. The landowner does not own the airspace just make sure you have airlift out with your harvest. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azshtr Report post Posted August 5, 2014 Private property doesn't own the airspace. I like the idea. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
