Last year I posted a question about a Newfoundland Moose hunt and received enough information to lead me in the right direction booking a hunt. It couldn't had gone better. This year, there are four of us looking to book an elk/deer combo hunt somewhere. I've emailed 20 or so outfitters and probably half have replied. Our budget is only about $3,000 per person for the hunt, not including tips and airfare. So obviously we're not looking for a monster trophy animal hunt, we're just looking for a good place to hunt with some animals and get a half a chance at harvesting one. Any animal we're lucky enough to harvest is going to be considered a trophy. We're from out east and have never hunted west and if I don't do it now I may never do it. An outfitter in Montana sent me an email back on a semi-guided hunt. Pack-in with camp cook and one guide for 4 hunters, that seemed like a good deal, but not many people talk about the elk population in MT. If any one has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, if you need to email me it's [email protected]

The Elk Population varies in Montana. We had a extended season in some areas because of not enough Elk taken, to having reduced tags issued in others. You can start your research yourself at http://fwp.state.mt.us/hunting/planahunt/ This gives harvest info on Elk and other species. Find an area that looks promising for what your after then try and find an outfitter that works that area.
Make sure you do your homework[X(] about the intended outfitter and get referances to avoid any problems with your hunt.
Good luck

I don't know of a place where you can do elk and deer for under $3k each, but if I find it, I will let you know, after I book!

For that price and considering that the trophy is not important to you, your best bet may be a cow hunt in colorado.The prices are reasonable and the success rate is high.

e-mail coming, Jim

Does $3000 included licenses? these will be in addition to the outfitter price.

One suggestion would be to go to the upcoming outdoor shows close to you (Worcester and Springfield, even harrisburg PA since its such a big show), theres's lots of outfitters at these you can talk to. This is where we hooked up with an ID outfitter. He had a "special" hunt for low money that got us interested, the hunt fell through, but we had the contact and since have hunted wit him twice.

Cow hunts in CO or other "specials" might be found for cheaper money.

--Bob