After looking at the possibilities, license laws, seasons, and the general propaganda for a multitude of different states and outfitters, I thought I'd try to get some centralized information here. Here's what I'd like:

1) I want to guarantee that my dad, brother, and myself allhave tags for bull elk.
2) I want to hunt with a rifle.
3) I want to hunt in at least chilly weather.
4) *optional* I'd like the elk to be bugling/very active (I know that's impossible to guarantee).

Basically,in what state(s)do the tag laws, seasons, weather, and part of the country coincide for at least the first three wishes?

Thanks for any information, guys!

Well,
As far as tags go... Most western states can get you guaranteed tags. Exept NM,and NV.. But from the sounds of it you want to hunt the rut with rifles. They best place to do that hands down is Colorado. However, Idaho and Montana also could make your dreams come true. But My advice is.. Pick up a bow

Yeah, I was looking at NM because I've heard it's one of the best states period for big bulls, then I started reading about the danged tag lottery you have to hit to hunt there...

I hear your advice about the bow, but seriously, for the first time all three of us will have the opportunity to hunt elk, I'd really rather not have to get within 40 yards of one - if I'm going to drop this kind of money, the first time at least I'd rather kill one from 300 yards than watch one walk from 60 yards.

Which are the 'big name' areas for these guys?

I would be willing to give you some help, if you are interested.....E-mail me at [email protected]

Check out Canada....Alberta or BC.

Fl/Ga,

As far as Colorado goes the best chance for elk bugling during rifle seasons is the first rifle in Oct. but its draw only for an either sex tag. You can apply as a group so you all draw together or none of you draw.

Most of the time by second season the elk have stopped bugling, but this year that is not going to be the case atleast in my area. They haven't really begun to rut hard yet. The second season is over the counter tags that you can buy anywhere once in colorado.

The same goes for the third rifle season.
Fourth season is draw only (get ready because Colorado is going all to total draw system in the next few years.)

Good luck

Your best chance to get all the items listed is in Idaho. Tags are over the counter, with elk costing about $500, includes liscense and tag. The general rifleseason starts on the 10th in the north, and the 15th everywhere else, and lasts until early November.With Idaho being mostly NF, you will have plenty of area to choose from, and if you hunt high country, it will be plenty chilly. My camp goes up on the 13th, and lasts until the end of the month, with us hearing bugles early on, but waning as October goes by. If you want to hear bugles, you want to bow hunt, it is just that simple, as the rifle seasons are on the backside of the rut. If you want more info, just ask....

Second season is around Oct 22 or so i believe will have to look at book but if you call the cows in there is usually a bull or two still with them. Colorado has otc tags for second and third season around $485.00 for bull and if you can get a cow tagit is cheaper.

I dont know how things are down in the usathat well, other than every one seems to be huntin with bows these days. What I tell you is that I believe British Coloumbia is where you wanna be. Up north on public land areas bigger than some european countries you can fair chase bull elk from Aug 15 to the end of October. I think 3 point min Aug 15-Sept 10.Usually after Sept 10 it goes to 6 point min. You can use you rifle through the whole shibang but the big catch is you need an outfitter and it will cost big bucks. Most of these outfitters have something like 80 percent success on 6 point bulls, and may give you a moose or caribou off the same mtn. Tags are unlimited.
Down south, just north of the montana border, same thing rifle/bugle hunts but dont start till begining ofSept.and 6 point bulls only, through to end Oct. Tags are unlimited.
Believe me when i say you have to hide from all the 5 by 5s out there. If it aint cold, your not high enough.
good luck,
Happy Hunting