I live in Michigan and drew a bull elk permit this year. I shot a small 5x5 and am now hooked. Unfortunately, Michigan is a 1-time draw so I cannot hunt here again. I am interested in setting up an elk hunt out west. I actually have no idea on how to do this. I am open to a guide, but am not sure how much they would cost and my funds are limited.

What state should I focus on? Whom should I try to talk to first? Can anyone please give me some advice?

The state of Colorado has the largest elk population. Google search for Colorado deparment of wildlife. While you are there look for the board of outfitters webpage.

Good Luck,

WK

Colorado, for you can get over the counter bull tags. With out of state bull tags ,$490.00, plus traveling cost it begins to add up. Since you have limited funds I would think a guided hunt would be out of your price range. Though a drop camp is more reasonable it is still pricey. Call contact the DOW like Wolf suggested for outfitters to get prices.

How to do this? Here's what I did:

1) How much do you want to spend? Outfitter will run, for a 7 day hunt $2500 and up, more money, better chance for a huge bull, less expensive tend to be on public land or private land, but smaller chance for success. I would guess "average" runs around $3500 for a 7 day 2 on 1 hunt (2 hunters 1 guide). That covers the hunt, other costs: airfare, liceneses, butchering, shipping meat/antlers, rental car.

2) Where? Some states are draw, some are OTC, some are bull only, some have point restrictions. Some you can get combination hunts where deer/bear are open at the same time.

3) Hit the outdoor shows and start talking. You will get a feel for the outfitters from several things, like how he treats you, how much info he shares, pay attention, to past hunters stop by and say Hi.

4) Get references and CALL THEM. Make sure to get references of people who did NOT get one.

Questions to ask the outfitter:

- hunting style: calling, stalking, stands.
- success rate: and what is "success", is it a killed animal, a shot chance (and who determines a chance, hunter or guide)
- how long have they been outfitting in this area
- how many of his guides are long term employees/guides FOR him.
- how much of his business is repeat.
- If its a draw state, what happens to your deposit if you don't draw, refunded or rolled to next year.
- camp style? tents, cabin, lodge, hotel, horse ride in for hours, drive your car to the door, how is it setup?

If you get into Feb/Mar and he is NOT booked for this year, something might be up. Most good ones are.

I ended up going with an Outfit in Idaho, my wife and I went in 2002, then I went again this year. Both trips were archery for elk/deer. Tags were good for either sex of both animals, the deer tag is also valid for a cat or bear. First year with my wife we both saw elk, including bugling bulls inside 50 yards 4 times, but no shots. This fall I shot a 4x5 at a distance of 8 yards, called in by the outfitter.

This place was GREAT for what we want. A family oriented style, father/son team run the show. Comfortable lodge with GREAT food, the people who run it are fantastic. You don't see the hundreds of elk you hear about on TV or some other places but the cost is reasonable and this year EVERYONE in camp had shot chances on elk. Some passed due to them being cows, 2 of us took bulls, 1 was hit/lost, 1 was missed. That basically 4 out of 8 people in 7 days that should have taken bulls. I also saw the biggest deer of my life, however he showed why he's so big and I never got to full draw. [X(]

--Bob

HI, would like to say something about the post on colorado elk pop. i would like to see the hunter harvest rates? how much public land is there for these elk?is there to many hunters in the over counter areas? lots of pop. means lots of tags = LOTS OF HUNTERS! i would rather pay a few hundred bucks more and hunt an area with a higher harvest rate and fewer hunters! YES I AM TALKING ABOUT WYOMING!!!!

I would have to agree. Wyoming is hard to beat even on public land. With a population of just over 500,000 and just under half of the land in Wyoming is public. Lots of room for everyone and if done right can be done very cheap!

54% of Wyoming is public. Pick an area and go for it. Drawing to bow hunt is even easier for non-residents. Even if you don't get an elk you will see and enjoy the most beautiful place in the USA!

Bob H said it all...