I want a Elk hunt but im not big on "caged hunts". I would like to get up in the mountains and hunt one. Is this a option or are all the good bulls about hunted to extinction in the wild? Is the only way to hunta 5x5 or 6x6 to get a guided tied and stacked to a pole hunt? As you can tell im not a big fan of fenced hunts. Im not opposed to a guide but would like to get out in the open and find one, not just walk in like a grocery store and pick it out pay for it and shot it. Thats not hunting IMO. Anyone have any intell on a good place to go, are elk tags like red drum tags you get X ammount per license or do you hav eto bid on them? Being from texs i have NO CLUE about the ELK =)

ops reffer here i suppose http://www.huntingnet.com//forum/tm.aspx?m=1925003

and here http://www.huntingnet.com//forum/tm.aspx?m=1924702

Shoulda looked before i hit new post huh =) , you can delete this whole thing.

Certain states, (e.g. Wyoming), non-residents can only go back in wilderness areas with a license guide. You may still be able to find a nice bull in non-wilderness, but they don't get to be that size by being dumb.
Honestly, I get such a thrill going out Elk hunting in the mountains even with cow/calf license to see those amazing herds move almost as one up one mountainside down and up the next seemingly effortlessly. (Though they're working hard you know.) They have an amazing ability to pick you up and bust you, even when you think you're doing everything right.. And if you get one... bull or cow... along with all that goes with the hunt, not just "killing a big one", the experience will last with you forever. At least that's how I've felt everytime I've gone. I just feel blessed and I give thanks every opportunity I've had to go.

To be perfectly honest, i just want to go to the mountains and take it all in. If i get a big bull great if not i know i would like the experience all the same. ofcoarse for $3000 i would like to have something to show for it =)

Where I live in Colorado you can buy a non-res elk tag OTC for $501.00. Then you can head up to the 2.3 miles acre National Forest and go hunting for elk! Elevations are from 7,000 to 12,000 feet right out my front door!Lots of 4x4, 5x5, and 6x6's on public land up here and they range from 250 to 300 class! No guarentee you will get one but if you hunt hard you will have a good chance!No guide needed unless you want to hire one!

We are from the east coast and the 3 of us went elk hunting for the first time this year. We hunted on our own without any guide in South Eastern Co and scored on 2 mature cows and a 5X5 bull. It was beautiful country and the hunt was the best. The motel was $150 a piecefor 9 days and the only other expense other than the tags was gas(3 day drive) and our meals.

In 1994 is when I went to Rifle, Co and took my Spike Elk and Mule deer on open range and no guides!

thanks for the intell. I am looking into Co. Could you hit me witha highway or name of refuge/forest to search by? - thanks in advance

A good place to start is their DOW site. Then do some calling and you can get maps etc. The state DOW puts out all kinds of info on the different management units and the % success of the hunters. Most of it will be on line and you can do a lot of scouting via the net. Good luck and get ready for some issues at altitude if you aren't used to it.

hahah altitude, yea being at about 8-12' above sea level and going to the 7000-12000 ft will take some getting use to. Ive been that high before but i was in a pressurized cabin =)