justhrowit

Fiurst post here in the Big game forum.

A customer and I and a couple othgers are really looking into and elk hunt for 2005 season. Was wondering about a REPUTABLE outfitter to go with.

Were looking at Colorado, but other states are deffinately out of the question. Heard lots about Idaho, New Mexico, etc. From what we have looked at so far guides run $2000 and up. We have talked to some and say you get waht you pay for. We're thinking between 3-4 grand. Closer to three the better. We don't want to do the hiogh fence AT ALL. Would liek private land, but if we found a good guide that can locate land on public land...so be it. Not looking for a really nice place to stay. Willing to tough it, actually would prefer it. Wouldn't mind doing the horse back hunts. We are VERY set on an Archery Hunt. However, we've heard of many states whose archery and Muzzleloader hunts intertwine. Last ditch effort, try to take one with a M.L. We just want to be put on Elk, having never tried it before. If anyone has any recommendations that would be great. Thanks in advance.

Jay
justhrowit

Broken Arrow

I am a first timer to, I just reserved a guided elk hunt in New Mexico in 2005, hunt is costing me $3,700. People on this forum told me to start getting in shape and go 2 days early to get used to the air. You picked a good forum for advise. If find out more info for prepared for a guided elk hunt in the wilderness please let me know. Good luck.

idahoelkinstructor

Not to be rude, but I didn't understand if you were or were not considering other states than Colorado. Idaho has more wilderness than any other state in the lower 48. Not saying that CO, or any other state for that matter, is better or worse for elk hunting. What I am saying is that Idaho is a great state for a back country elk hunt on horseback. I myself hunt mostly in the backcountry. In Challis, Salmon River, Central Idaho, there are some great outfitters here. Twin Peaks Ranch and outfitters, Salmon River Lodge and Outfitters and Horsecreek Ranch Outfitters just to name a few. I myself have not hunted with an outfitter, but I know the country that these outfitters hunt in, and you can't go wrong. All of them that I have named here are very capable outfitters. The country is big, steep and beautiful!! In east Idaho where the land is a little less rugged, but still very beautiful, is an outfitter named Brett Hinks. I know his family and he is a great hunter and a great outfitter. In fact, Eastman's Bowhunting Journal recently published an article sent in by one of his clients. It's in the May/ June 2004 issue, page 44, and titled "Horseback Bull". This article will give you a good insight on the type of hunting that you would experience with Brett. It is a great article for all elk hunters to read. The only bad part is that it makes you hungry for archery elk hunting to get here!! Hope this information helps.
Thanks and let us know what you decide.

justhrowit

As I stated...we are not just looking at Colorado. I appreciate your input. We want to find a good outfitter who will put us on elk...being this is our first time at it. Colorado...New Mexico....Idaho....Montana....etc etc etc

J

whitetails & muskies

In Colorado you will probably need to have preference points for M/L or rifle...I think bow is over the counter. Last season I was out with some buddies staying on a small piece of provate land and hunted it and public. Saw quite a few and on the fourth day, took a nice 5x5 with the m/l. Action Adventures ($1200)was the name of the outfitter, but it was strictly a do it yourself. No guides, although the owner checked on us twice, or we could call if we needed something. Nice place, quite a few animals.

This fall I'm going on a pack in elk/deer combo during the last week of Nov up in The Bob Marshall Wilderness in MT. Going with Skyline Wilderness Outfitters. Great bunch of people. Been there before and they have been at this for 30+ years. I would highly recommend them. ($3500)

Bob H in NH

I am about to go on my second hunt to Idaho, for the money you are talking, close to 3K, I doubt you will be on private land and you can probably find success rates for bow to max out around 50% unless you pay more.

One cost that suprised me when I first did this was the license cost, the price from the outfitter does NOT include your license. With my outfitter, you have to send in 1/3 witin 30 days of booking AND the license fee, for non-resident ID hunting, archery stamp, elk tag (either sex), deer tag (either sex and good for bear/cat as well) it is around $750.

Chasing elk is GREAT. Just wish I could justify the money more often.

--Bob

txhunter58

"Were looking at Colorado, but other states are deffinately out of the question."

That is why he was confused, you forgot the word "not"

You best shot for an outfitter is to find several people you know or trust that have been on an outfitted hunt. I am going with Circle K ranch outfitters in Colorado this fall. I will let you know how it turns out.

I know of a private ranch hunt in Colorado tha is a nonguided, tresspass hunt. Great cabin to stay in and we are generally in elk every day during muzzleloader season. $1500 per person. I have personally hunted this ranch 4 times with a MZ and taken 2 elk, but came close both of the other years. Email me if interested.

muskrat89

Shoot me an e-mail [email protected] I have some ideas