Elk hunting

[Fbolt]

Elk Hunting


Anyone out west elk hunt? Since I've been out of hunting for a few years due to living abroad in a country that did not allow me to ship my gear-I've been "jonesing" to get back into it.

I already have land lined up for whitetail hunting in the metro DC area (where I live), but have been looking at both bear and elk hunts too. Leaning more towards elk-specifically in the western US (will probably start this year sending in for the KY elk season, but drawing would be a problem due to low odds).

Anyone use an outfitter out west? Any DIYers? Any feedback and knowledge appreciated for this long range plan (within the next 2 years).

BTW-Bowhunting is my thing, although I do own a 308 bolt action, I prefer the thrill of archery.

 

[Irishnuke]

I'd be interested as well if anyone has info. Been itching to kill something with antlers for a few years now.

 

[phgreek]

Anyone out west elk hunt? Since I've been out of hunting for a few years due to living abroad in a country that did not allow me to ship my gear-I've been "jonesing" to get back into it.

I already have land lined up for whitetail hunting in the metro DC area (where I live), but have been looking at both bear and elk hunts too. Leaning more towards elk-specifically in the western US (will probably start this year sending in for the KY elk season, but drawing would be a problem due to low odds).

Anyone use an outfitter out west? Any DIYers? Any feedback and knowledge appreciated for this long range plan (within the next 2 years).

BTW-Bowhunting is my thing, although I do own a 308 bolt action, I prefer the thrill of archery.

I bow hunt alot...I really have not neaded to leave Utah much.

However,
the source I trust for hunting odds and support for all levels of consultation from DIY to guided gigs is Huntinfool

The Huntin' Fool - A Guide to Western Big Game Hunting

The other option...I know the guides who do all the governors tag guided hunts around the west...I can get you in touch with them. They will get you on the Monsters...but costs $$$$

 

[dshans]

Been itching to kill something with antlers for a few years now.

Just leave Bambi out of your pursuit of blood lust ...

 

[BobD]

I haven't been hunting in year's, but I have a friend who has been trying to get me to go here for an elk hunt .Hunting - Steamboat Lake Outfitters

My wife and I plan on spending spring and summer's in Steamboat Springs Co. when we retire. It's beautiful.

You can check them out on facebook too.

 

[BestBIrish47]

I took an Elk 2 seasons ago in South Texas. It was on a high game fence ranch. Elk are majestic creatures and make a great meal.

 

[ShakeDown]

Growing up in rural NM all I did was hunt between 5-18 years old. Since moving on to undergrad out of state and now proffessional school down in FL I can totally relate to the feeling of something missing.

For the most part I have tried to curb the appetite with saltwater fishing, but I cannot wait for the day I get back to the woods.

I think I may have posted this picture before, but anyway:

That is me and two of my brothers in Southwest NM, I was 14ish at the time. Winchester 30-06.

Most of my hunting growing up was with a muzzeloader, however. Bagged my first deer at 10, first elk at 11.

No info on guides, sorry. But if I am ever around NM at the same time as any of you I'm sure I can show you around.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

When I lived in AZ, I never got drawn for elk, but saw plenty on mule deer hunts up by Flagstaff. They are the most amazing antlered creature you will ever see, and are surprisingly easier to hunt than deer (although that opinion is debatable).

I do strictly archery, and took a nice buck this year in Indiana. Western hunting is extremely challenging (lot of spot and stalk) compared to stand hunting in the Midwest. If you have the coin, there are some very good outfitters that run free- chase operations out West, and that would be your best bet if you aren't from one of those states. You will literally be chasing ghosts if you just show up with no info and start traipsing around, with no idea how where to set up a natural blind and call them in. You also need a team to effectively bag them.

Good Luck.

 

[phgreek]

You will literally be chasing ghosts if you just show up with no info and start traipsing around, with no idea how where to set up a natural blind and call them in. You also need a team to effectively bag them.

Totally agree....

 

[johnnykillz]

New Mexico now caters more to in state hunters. (Which is great, finally.)

Game ranches are essentially cheating but that's Texas. Lol. Not to mention, they're expensive as hell.

Hunting with a bow doesn't require you to set up a blind at all. That is a choice, but not preferred. Everyone I've ever gone with calls and locates, then sets up once the bull is hot. That depends on whether you're hunting during rut though.

I'm a cow hunter myself for meat purposes and draw odds.

We just filled out 2/3 cow tags in December.

I'd recommend AZ, NM, UT, and MT. In that order also. All major forests are a go. The Apache Sitgreaves in AZ is solid I know. Of course in NM, you name the forest, there's Elk.

Do you want a guide or an outfitter? It may be cheaper to go with the high fence Texas hunt if you want a guided hunt.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

The real rub with elk hunts is for a real life, free chase guided hunt with high odds, it is about the same price as an African Safari. Very expensive.

* I stuck to over the counter deer and high odds draw javelina hunts in AZ. Elk tags were like hitting the lottery.

 

[scUM Hater]

Whats the thrill of hunting a animal in a fenced in area? Not even a challenge to it.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Whats the thrill of hunting a animal in a fenced in area? Not even a challenge to it.

I would never hunt high fence myself, but I respect other people's right and choice to. Hunters gotta stick together.

I visit archerytalk.com quite a bit, and guys are always arguing about high fence this, crossbow that. It's really dividing hunters, and our numbers have dwindled so much the last few decades, that I encourage anyone to enjoy the outdoors any way they prefer. To each their own.

 

[Fbolt]

Good comments and info. Some of you lucky b@stards from AZ and NM-very nice.

I have been doing my research into outfitters and thinking of some DIY drop camps. We shall see.

Keep the comments coming. I'm a big turkey hunter, deer, and want elk/bear.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Good comments and info. Some of you lucky b@stards from AZ and NM-very nice.

I have been doing my research into outfitters and thinking of some DIY drop camps. We shall see.

Keep the comments coming. I'm a big turkey hunter, deer, and want elk/bear.

A few buddies of mine went on an archery moose hunt in Newfoundland and had a blast. It was guided, and fairly reasonably priced. Forgot the outfitter name, but 2 out of 3 got a nice bull moose to show for their trip.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

I'm still most proud of my first archery deer. He isn't pretty, but ill never forget him:

 

[Fbolt]

Nice-anything with a bow is awesome and a prize. Very difficult.

AT is crazy with the fights.

Have yet to get a wall hanger buck with a bow, ISH-ever heard of Rush Creek Outfitters in Indiana?

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Nice-anything with a bow is awesome and a prize. Very difficult.

AT is crazy with the fights.

No kidding. Hoyt vs Mathews, blah blah blah. I only go there to look at the classifieds anymore.

Never heard of them. There is so much public land that has good bucks in Indiana, I never really pay attention to the outfitters. I do know of one in Terre Haute that my fiancées best friends family owns. Dunno how good it is, but am getting a free hunt as a wedding present so ill definitely be doing that.

I hunt Northwest Indiana. Lots of wall hangers in Porter and Lake County.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

My buddy got a P&Y this year down in Brown County, IN on public land. It can be done, just takes a little more luck.

I missed what would have been my closest to (if not) a P&Y a few years ago. He jumped the string, and I saw fur fly off his back where the broad head grazed him. Took me a long time to get over that one, some would say I'm still not over it haha.

 

[AKRowdy]

I haven't been hunting in year's, but I have a friend who has been trying to get me to go here for an elk hunt .Hunting - Steamboat Lake Outfitters

My wife and I plan on spending spring and summer's in Steamboat Springs Co. when we retire. It's beautiful.

You can check them out on facebook too.

I went on an elk hunt here 4 years ago!! Me and my dad both got 4x5s and there are pictures of them on their facebook and website. Overall it was a blast! If i knew how too I would post the pictures for you and if you have any questions about the place pm me.

 

[Fbolt]

pass along the name and ur experience with them-good luck

 

[AKRowdy]

Here is my elk from steamboat lake outfitters:

If you get a chance to go out west and hunt elk, it is a must do! There is nothing that compares to elk bugling from the mountains on a crisp fall morning! It's an experience that I think about all the time.

 

[AKRowdy]

It was a great experience. Our guide was great and really adapted to our physical limitations coming from the low altitudes of Ohio. He was laid back and worked very hard, to help put us on some elk. When researching elk outfitters, we came across a statistic that said the area of Craig and Steamboat has the biggest elk herds in the nation. Also back in 2009 their success rate was I believe around 60% but every client they had was put in front of elk.

We hunted on private land and saw close to 150 elk on the first morning and probably another 50 the next three days until I got mine, then we went after mule deer. When we were hunting at steamboat, there were 6 hunters there and 4 of us got elk, the other 2 people were basically there to see the sites, and hardly spent anytime in the woods.

You can also go hunt public land guided or public land drop camp, where they take you deep into the mountains by atv or horse and leave you there for the week with a guide and cook or if you want just by yourself. Overall it was a blast and something that I definitely want to do again!

 

[johnnykillz]

Good comments and info. Some of you lucky b@stards from AZ and NM-very nice.

I have been doing my research into outfitters and thinking of some DIY drop camps. We shall see.

Keep the comments coming. I'm a big turkey hunter, deer, and want elk/bear.

I'll take care of you for spring turkey down here if you want to go.

Free of charge you can tag along.

It would be the Merriam's species. A real mountain turkey: baby velociraptors.

 

[Fbolt]

I'll take care of you for spring turkey down here if you want to go.

Free of charge you can tag along.

It would be the Merriam's species. A real mountain turkey: baby velociraptors.

Gobble gobble. In 2009, I went to NE and WY-killed 3 birds on that trip all had spurs over an inch. Fantastic hunting that spring as I had 4 gobblers down.

I may take you up on that! Plus, someone needs to discover if the online JK persona matches the real deal!

 

[johnnykillz]

Gobble gobble. In 2009, I went to NE and WY-killed 3 birds on that trip all had spurs over an inch. Fantastic hunting that spring as I had 4 gobblers down.

I may take you up on that! Plus, someone needs to discover if the online JK persona matches the real deal!

Well then it's official: when you show up, you can call.

I'm a slate/diaphragm guy. Yourself?

 

[Fbolt]

Slate, diaphram, box-although I prefer slate. My bud owns Gobbler Down custom calls-makes some nice slates.

If I'm calling, I have to at least get a chance.... The plan is to visit NM in the future too as my BIL lives in Alder or something like that-outside of Albuquerque.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Give SD some thought. I live in the heart of the Black Hills about 15 miles from Mt Rushmore and we're covered up in elk, mule deer, whitetails, and bighorn sheep. I've experienced a lot more traffic jams from deer, bison, and sheep herds crossing the roads than from too many cars. Mountain lion hunting is big here also, as we're way overpopulated with them.

 

[DomerInHappyValley]

I've always wanted to go to AK and get a little fishing and hunting in.
For going out west I want to go Mt. Lion hunting.

 

[Fbolt]

Alaska

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My dream hunt