Need local elk hunter for newbie guide-will trade hunts or $

pbgunrunner · 08-30-2005, 02:07 PM

Ok, with the help of several of the resident experts I'm starting to believe we can do our own elk camp. If you havent read my other post, I have a group of 8 flatlanders who want to hunt elk in 2006. We have a couple 4x4 trucks as well as a couple 4x4 atv's and our own camping gear, we will be buying a couple of wall tents and stoves if we find a place to go. My biggest concerns are availibility of a locker to haul our meat to, our lack of elk experence (we are all hunters, just whitetail, waterfowl and upland), and our general lack of knowledge about specific hunting areas.
I dont mind driving to get away from the crowds, we can prepare to do anything within a years notice, we just need a good local to help us out.

In exchange, I will bring our "guide" and a couple friends to hunt here (Illinois).Waterfowl, pheasant, and/or bow hunt whitetails are all an option (as well as a nice sporting clays range). Or we can throw in some cash if you'd prefer. I'd like to find a guy who's been doing it for a while and knows the area well and can teach us the ins and outs. Any takers? Thanks- chad

muley69 · 08-30-2005, 08:05 PM

Chad, offering money to people in most western states is illegal for the recipent without a license. Secondly, I would plan on leaving your atv's at home, they won't help you on a western hunt. Here in Montana you cannot legally take your atv anywhere I can't take my truck. Thirdly, I would look long and hard at success rates, about 25% and that includes the locals with a ton of elk hunting experience. I'm not trying to discourage, rather just pointing out that 8 inexperinced elk hunters in a DIY drop camp with limited funds might be a bit off a challenge. Good luck.

ColoradoElk · 08-30-2005, 08:28 PM

Hi PB:

I would take a look at the CO Big Game brochure and this publication:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/hunt/BGHunting_Guides/NW.pdf

There is also a brochure on the Colorado Division of Wildlife for the SW part of the state. They have EXCELLENT informationand updated through last hunting season.

Of coursehunting elkwill be a challenge. If you just want to kill one, later in the year you can go to ranches and shoot a cow elk for $600 if you want, or $5,000+ for a trophy bull,they will even drive you over to them.

How can you pass up the opportunity to hunt with 7 friends, including your 15yo son????

CE

buglemn · 09-04-2005, 06:09 PM

Muley69 is correct - Colorado you must be a licensed outfitter and someone purchasing an unlicensed hunt is not innocent either. If you know where your going you'll have time to inquire ahead of time for information and outfitters in the area. Know who your with and check out if an outfitter is legit at DORA www.dora.state.co.us/outfittersAlso, ask about drop camps, it will save you buying all the gear. Our drops are more than just gear, we review the terrain with you on maps ahead of time and when we take you to camp, the camp is set up so we have time to show you around, get you oriented and we leave you with a gps of spots that have been scouted with good bulls.If a guide can't accomodate a drop camp, ask for a referral. We often reciprocate with other outfitters who are too busy or have different types of hunts, (ATV, private land, etc.)
Good Luck.

frozendisc · 09-21-2005, 06:44 PM

PB......you sure are looking at a tall order, but not one that can't be done! I would say that Idaho would work best, mainly because of the generous seasons(general season for rifle goes from Oct. 15th thru Nov. 4th), with deer and bear on also. Most of the state is NF, and therefore open to all comers, and having a decent amount of animals. Tag costs are very fair, about 500 dollars for elk, and 760 dollars for elk/deer combo, with this available over the counter. The group could have a lean camp, keeping food costs low by eating the hamburger/hotdog deal. The problem is really with your expectations, which you won't come close to fullfilling, and people on a tight budget get grumpy when they aren't being successful. Good luck!

PaRu · 09-21-2005, 07:06 PM

Chad lot of guys, plenty of elk in Colorado but not likely all will fill a tag what season are you looking for archery or rifle. Come on down this way and i will show you some elk not many people hunt ,but will be walking.

elkfitter · 09-21-2005, 08:29 PM

Not trying to rain on your parade but "willing to drive to get away from the crowds" is not going to work anywhere in the west. Everyone drives to get away from the crowds. Some of the best hunting is not more than 1/2 mile from some major highways that most overlook.
As far as your offer to compensate someone to help you be very careful. Illegal outfitting is very much frowned on in most western states and is a felony for both parties involvedin some states.

PaRu · 09-21-2005, 09:36 PM

Not raining on mine

DOUBLE-LUNG · 09-22-2005, 02:50 AM

Chad,
I'm with frozendisc.
Idaho has lots of available over the counter tags. No guide needed. The experience is well worth the cost. I personally hunt northern panhandle zone. The season opens 10/10/05 for Elk & Deer. Bear hunting opened 9/15/05. The best part about the Elk is 10/15 to 10/19 is any sex. The weather up north has not been that cold, so not much for bugling bulls where I hunt. The cow elk are roaming the hills in good #'s. Eighteen days and I hope to put a nice rack on my wall. Good Luck! If you have any questions feel free to PM or Email me. David

NVMIKE · 09-22-2005, 11:50 AM

Chad - I think you should be getting the picture by now. It will be VERY difficult for you to get 8 elk on this trip. To save money maybe you should see if the guys will pitch in for 4 tags this year and draw straws this year. next year the other 4 guys get the tags. you could partner up, one guy w/ a tag and one w/o, the guy w/o the tag wont be able to carry a rifle, but nonetheless can experience the hunt. Cash would be illegal, but a rifle, scope,gas, ect....are legal.