A buddy and I are looking at going on a DYI archery elk hunt next year. What state would you recommend? We are looking to go on public ground.

Thanks for the help!

Colorado probably has the highest elk numbers, over the counter tags, and lots of public land. Plus, they don't have the problem with wolves that we do in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

We live in Nebraska so Colorado was our first choice. Have the wolves affected the hunting that profoundly.

Colorado is a good place, just check to make sure that the area you choose has not been hit too hard by the beetles. Last year we hunted the Weminuche and vast amounts of forest had been destroyed by those dumb beetles.

There are wolves moving in but I don't think they've had a heavy impact...YET....like they have in Idaho and parts of Montana and Wyoming.

I live in NE as well. I have friends that have been getting cow tags in WY without trouble it seems. And they've always filled their tags. Might check it out.

Colorado
Montana
Idaho
New Mexico

All have archery tags that can be drawn the 1st year, all are good, can be great.

If you're just looking to shoot any elk, small bull, cow, whatever, I'd definitely look towards colorado, or maybe even northern NM.

WY has some great elk, but as a non-res to hunt wilderness you would need a guide or resident to hunt with...

Utah is good too
not really hard two hunt with bow
just do your homework and you will kill a good bull

Been bowhunting Colorado for 10 years now....my hunting buddy and I have killed 14 elk, all on public land. There are a lot of elk per acre in Colorado in some of the draw units, and there are over-the-counter tags available. No grizzlies to deal with. But be ready to do some serious walking if you want to kill elk! Start getting in shape now.

Best of Luck,
Jeff

Colorado has more elk than any other state.