Question for every elk hunter.

[Wolf killer]

I live in the west (montana) I have hunted elk every year since I was 12-years old. I am now 36 & have a GREAT job offer in another state that does not have any elk.[]
I pretty much live to hunt elk. This job would pay twice as much as my current job. My work schedule would be tighter with fewer days off. The insurance & 401-K's are just about the same.
I am thinking about taking the job and buying Montana's outfitter sponsored elk license every year? I would need to hiring a outfitter to take me hunting. If I buy the outfitter sponsored license I will still be able to hunt elk every year but it would cost me a total of about $6,000 every year.[]

What do you guys think that live in elk country? Would you take the job & do what I have planned? Would you just stay put & enjoy the area you live?

What do you guys think that do not live in elk country, but travel west to hunt elk every chance you get? Would you take the job or stay in the west?

I should tell you that my current job pays me a good wage & I am happy working where I work. I just had an old friend call me and offer me this new job.
I am having a tough time making the final call on this one?

[OregunHntr]

Stay where your at. They would never get me to move back east!!!

Even though it would be a better paying job, your heart is in the west.

Money cannot buy you happiness!

[Power]

It depends on more than that. I tend to agree with OregunHntr but need more info to help you decide.

[Hiawatha]

It all depends on how much you value elk hunting i guess. Personally i have changed my career so that i would be able to stay on my farm and keep hunting that land for years to come. I know i haven't really been open to other places but you couldn't pay me to leave that farm. I am in university riight now taking physical education. I live in a small town where teaching jobs are hard to come by. I could be a trainer or a recreation sport director of some kind but that would require me to move to the city. I plan to continue working as a honey bee keeper back home just so i can stay there. However money is a big factor. I will easily make more money bee keeping than i would teaching school or being a fitness instructor so this makes my decision easier. Sure my work will be harder, no benefits, no 2 months off in the summer but i don't have a problem sacraficing these things to stay where i am.

[Wolf killer]

It depends on more than that. I tend to agree with OregunHntr but need more info to help you decide.

Power
Thats all the information you need. This decision is a money driven one. Would you live in a city where you had no place to hunt. If you were offered double you annual salary?
You could take vaction to hunt, for two weeks every year.

[121553]

Wolfkiller, I believe only you can answer that question. I know as well as you do that a dollar is tough to make out here and they don't come by very easy. Eight years ago I walked away from a $75,000 career back east because I had enough of the concret world and the squirrel cage life that went with it. It was like I was living my life for every one esle but for myself. Money is important to have but it is not my motivater in life anymore. I am living my life now the way it was meant to be lived. In the woods. Yes I am broke but I make ends meet as I am having the best time of my life. I am surrounded by so much wildlife and feel like I've already gone to heaven. I have no stress or pressure in my life and I don't even think I could back if I wanted too because my mind and soul would stay here. Good luck on your decision and keep us posted. Bobby

[Power]

Thanks Wolf Hunter. With that info I would stay where I hunt. Money is nice but hunting is in my blood. If you lived out of state you'd never get a change to go scouting, camping, taking pictures of wildlife, sleeping with the elk and listening to their bugling all night in September. I wouldn't give that up unless I was way underpaid where I lived. Even then you can move to a bigger city with more options within the same state.

[ELKampMaster]

What does the misses say (if there is one)? Listen hard.

Do the Ben Franklin analysis and weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Hmm, maybe trade elk hunting for a 14 day safari to do some real hunting in Africa each year? Sounds like you'd have the money for it with some left over to fund it, butttttt.....

Counterbalance is the cost of living and the life style you will be expected to maintain in your new position and location. Is it going to eat up your pay raise to leave you in the some situation you are now and without the hunting opportunities.

Good Luck, you have a pleasant problem on your hands,
EKM

[cherokee_outfitters]

I've had chances to start an outfitting business in canada but it didn't have any elk. I had backers for the money and the whole smoo. You have a very serious choice to make. I can understand where your coming from. I'm like you elk hunting is my life. You would be able to afford to hunt elk every year but it would be more like a vacation. It wouldn't be the same as livin in elk country. Sometimes life gives us those decisions that tear at our hearts. I feel for you.

[kyle_hoyt]

to me money isnt worth being stuck in a big city. i would much rather be out in the woods doing what i like. just my .02 cents