ORIGINAL: hardcorehunter
We went last year on our 1st elk hunt and we are going again this coming year. Watch videos on how to hunt them and calling techniques. I would bowhunt as a bow tag can be bought over the counter in CO where we are hunting again. Guides can demand as much as $4000 per hunter and on up. I know many people that have hired guides and never even seen an elk. We saw quite a few elk including several 6X6's and one 7X7 but we just couldn't drag them away from their cows. Icalled a small 4 pt in at 40 yds. I had shots at cows that were 20 yds from me but I was after a bull. Archery tags in CO for non-resident are just under $500 per hunter. We hunted public land near the Durango/Pagosa Springsarea. The area has a lot of elk and a lot of federal public land. Speaking about the $500 price tag for a non-resident; why does it cost a nonresident that much money to hunt FEDERAL PUBLIC LAND? The last I knew, I pay Federal taxes so I am not a nonresident on Federal land; CORRECT?
What he said.
Seriously though, watch videos, read books, know your animal,research your chosen area, and get some friends to go. BOWHUNT of course.
It is much easier to purchase a tag this way. Whatever you choose, hunting elk is challenging. I believe the success rate is 23% for hunters of all types in CO. We went just the two of us self-guided and saw some amazing animals. Talk with the local DNR or wildlife center before you go out, they are very helpful in choosing an public area and giving you advice. If you are uncomfortable going out self-guided, use a guide there is nothing wrong with that; I am sure they would help you learn a lot. Prices seem to range from about $3500-$6500 depending on the service. If you go self-guided; depending on what equipment you already own I would say around $2000 per person.