I finally just got the opportunity to read through this whole thread. LOTS of great info!

I'm also planning on doing the same thing next year. I've been out on 1 rifle hunt, as has my dad, and my brother has been out there for work (he's an environmental biologist) so we all have a LITTLE experience with the terrain and such.

I have some questions too.

As far as packs are concerned, would an aluminum pack frame be advantageous over one of the flexible type like Dwight Shuh's 4-in-1 and 5-in-1 system? Basically, they're a fanny pack and day pack (plus a couple other small organizational packs) mounted on an "Enduraflex" pack frame. It's supposed to be lightweight and more comfortable to carry. Thoughts?

Are packing string businesses fairly common or kind of the exception to the rule? We want to camp in the mountains, I have a new Cabela's Outfitters tent with a wood stove and I'd rather not just drive up to a trail head and set up. 2 reasons. 1. Theft (unfortunately). I don't want to come down off the mountain and find all of our gear and my tent gone. 2. I'd like to be ahead of anyone coming in from the road so they push game towards me and I can get further back in than them.

I know I could just do a drop camp hunt with an outfitter but I'm trying to watch costs very carefully.

Thanks!