Early Winters Outfitting and Saddle Co

Aaron Lee and Judy Burkhart have been outfitting hunts in the Methow Valley since the early 1990s. Aaron started packing in 1973 under Jack Wilson and built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable packers in the North Cascades. He's lived in Mazama for 50 years. Judy runs the riding stable, builds and repairs tack, and cooks on pack trips.

"Avid hunters and anglers, Aaron and Judy are considered by most locals to have an 'inside track' on the location of trophy mule deer and trout."

They operate under U.S. Forest Service permits in the Pasayten Wilderness and Okanogan National Forest across multiple units. Methods include horseback, mule pack stock, 4WD vehicles, and foot hunting.

• •Drop Camp Hunts (3-9 days)
• •$1,600/person (2 hunters) | $1,400/person (3+ hunters)
• •Your own guide and hunting freedom
• •Includes: wall tents with stoves, gear, scabbards, lanterns, fuel
• •No charge for game transport, caping, or trophy prep

• •Deluxe Hunts (5 days, includes guide and cook)
• •Mule deer: $5,000/person
• •Black bear: $5,000/person
• •Whitetail: $5,000/person (permit required)
• •Quail & chukar: $400/person/day (Dec-Jan)
• •Turkeys: $1,200/person (April 15-June 1)

Drop camps provide wall tents (12'x14' or 14'x16'), stoves, axes, shovels, scabbards, lanterns, and fuel. Maximum gear per person is approximately 125 lbs.

• •Book It: 30% deposit required. Balance due 30 days before hunt.

Recent acquisition of North Cascade Safari expanded their available hunting areas.