Recommendations for elk hunting

[rock jock]

I have been promising myself for several years that one of these days I was going to go on a guided elk hunting trip. Well, I am not getting younger, so I think this might be the year. I need some advice on where to hunt and any outfitters you folks might recommend. I am wanting to spend probably no more than $5K on the outfitter since with other expenses the total would probably approach $6K and that is near my limit. Basically, here is the criteria that I have set for an outfitter:

- one-on-one or possibly two-on-one guide (I might bring a friend who would also hunt)
- someplace that is pretty scenic (the experience is worth just as much as the elk)
- roughing it is no problem (I don't expect to stay at the Waldorf every night)
- good chance at a nice elk/small chance at a trophy elk
- guide has a good rep and can provide references

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[unreal45]

Glad to see that you are making your dreams come true.
I have dreamed of hunting in Africa my whole life.

Sorry but I can't help you with any of your questions.
Good Hunting

 

[TaxPhd]

Guided Elk ranges from pretty expensive to doable on your budget. Big question is whether you will have the quality experience you are looking for.

DIY Elk hunting in Colorado is relatively easy, with reasonable chances for success.

A google search on guided elk hunts should turn up lots of info.



Scott

 

[NRA4LIFE]

My only recommendation: Choose a state other than Washington.

 

[rock jock]

Here are a couple of outfitters I've found on the net. I'mm sure there are dozens more. Anybody heard of these guys?

http://www.bitterrootelk.com/html/montana_elk_hunt.html
http://www.huntbeavercreek.com/index.html

DIY Elk hunting in Colorado is relatively easy, with reasonable chances for success.

I know two guys locally who go up to CO every year with about 2-3 buddies each. Over the past 10 years, I would estimate the success rate of any particualr individual in either group getting anything at 30-40%, getting a bull at 20%, and getting anything worth mounting at less than 5%. If I'm going to take a week off work and travel half way across the country, I want a pretty good chance at bagging a trophy.

 

[saddlebum]

pm h&h hunter he is a colorado boy that can hook you up on elk hunting. sb

 

[rock jock]

Good idea.

 

[TaxPhd]

Don't take "relatively easy" to mean that it is easy to get a trophy. I'm talking about the logistics - over the counter licenses, lot's of of public land to hunt, etc. I don't know of any easy trophy Elk hunting, except maybe some of the indian reservation hunts that will set you back $25,000 or so.



Scott

 

[rock jock]

Don't take "relatively easy" to mean that it is easy to get a trophy. I'm talking about the logistics - over the counter licenses, lot's of of public land to hunt, etc. I don't know of any easy trophy Elk hunting, except maybe some of the indian reservation hunts that will set you back $25,000 or so.

I hear ya. I want the scenery of a remote mountain hunt and the ease of a canned hunt. I deally, the guide would lead me by horseback two days through the wilderness, where he would have a 7x7 tied to a tree.

 

[bobelk99]

Guided elk hunting

Congrats on the 'almost decision' on doing a guided hunt. If you get a good one there is nothing better. A lousy one is no better than DIY in Colorado.
Some random comments: Frank Church Wilderness is probably the most beautiful hunting area in the US, and has some very nice bulls. Bob Marshall stinks. The Selway is to thick to really hunt and enjoy the environment. Unit 27 in Idaho is one of the best units I know of. The Wyoming units just east of Yelllowstone are good prospects.
Most outfitters talk about harvesting a typical elk (raghorn or maybe 5x5).
If you want to be guaranteed a fair deal, I suggest you contact Keith Atcheson. His family have been booking agents for many years, and have a fine reputation for booking worldwide. Their services cost the hunter nothing, but they do not represent the cheapest outfitters. Some of the best hunts are in BC Canada, and do not cost any more than US generally.
DIY hunting requires at least one partner that has 'been there'. All you need is to find such, and you can have a fun trip in beautiful country for very small cost if compared to guided hunt.
I have done a guided hunt or two, and have killed an elk or two. Also been DIY in Colorado a time or two. Two years ago an old buddy hiked a mile from a main drag in one of the National Forests, and sat down and watched an open 'hillside' of about 20 acres where there was no reason for anything to be. Two hours later a nice 6x6 (302 pts.) ran out of the woods and across the field, and stopped at the far edge to look back (bang!). Trophy is where you see it.

I can go on and on. If you want some detail, send me a PM. I might be able to offer some specifics of interest.

 

[bobelk99]

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF)

Have you considered joining RMEF? They do a lot of good work. They were largely responsible for the restoration of elk in KY. Our two herds number almost 4,000 as we speak.
Dues are $30. The magazine pictures are worth that much to me. Have some neat elk hunting articles, and a lot of info about elk hunting areas. The outfitter section (it ain't small) shows how many hunts each outfitter has donated to RMEF, whcih can give you some idea of thier attitudes. I have won 5 rifles in 10 years at RMEF banquets!

 

[Nontypical]

the atcheson's suggestion is a great idea

http://www.atcheson.com/

and RMEF is indeed a great organization, and the banquets I've been to are fun, a good way to meet other elk hunters in your area