Best State for success
 

What state do guys think would be the best state for an Elk Bowhunt?

RE: Best State for success
 

I'm not an Elk hunter, but from everything I've read and heard, I'd have to go with New Mexico.

RE: Best State for success
 

I live in Oregon and there are quite a few elk here but it is harder than heck to bowhunt them. even though I still try to bowhunt them but I have heard that CO is a good spot to elk hunt!

RE: Best State for success
 

Having lived and hunted Colorado it has my vote.

RE: Best State for success
 

I have not Elk hunted yet but I have done alot of research and these are the states I always here about.New Mexico and Arizona for best Quality bigger Trophys and Colorado for highest herd number around 250,000.And I hear Montana has both Quality and Quantity.

RE: Best State for success
 

Location doesnt matter [8D]

RE: Best State for success
 

I can tell you the majority may hunt CO. but it is not because the hunting is better.

I hunted twice in New Mexico, and killed 2 Bulls. One was a 6X6 that scored over 300". I always seen tons of Elk and lots Bulls that were at least 5X5's, and these were not Big $$ hunts.

New Mexico may be a more expensive hunt, but you usually get what you pay for. ;)

Arizona would be one of the best places to hunt but drawing a tag is really tough.

Dan

RE: Best State for success
 

Dan, the guy I used to work for hunted New Mexico, but he didn't draw his tag. He said for $1000 extra he got a tag from the outfitter? Doesthat make sense?:eek:

RE: Best State for success
 

X2

RE: Best State for success
 

I've always heard from guys around here who go and Elk hunt alot that New Mexico is their choice

RE: Best State for success
 

I think they are available through land owners. I am not sure but I believe it's like a slip that allows you to buy a permit without drawing.They can cost several $$ but I got one at no extra cost. I didNot hunt the prime areas (the Gila) but it was still a couple of great hunts.There are some bargain hunts out there, but check and double check references.

Dan

RE: Best State for success
 

I have never elk hunted but every thing I have read is in agreement with what Mechdoc has said.I have a couple of friends that apply in Arizona every year and have gone many years without drawing.

RE: Best State for success
 

I'd say NM.. I have been putting in for AZ3 years when I lived there and4 since I've lived in IL.. Have not been drawn yet, will continue to try but for a good chance at a good bull with your bow I'd say NM.. Big numbers in CO but lots of pressure from what I hear..

RE: Best State for success
 

X2

RE: Best State for success
 

I 100% agree! New Mexico has some giants, very wide looking giants compared to Colorado. Colorado has numbers but the hunting pressure is what makes it tough. I'd still say Colorado over New Mexico though. Montana isn't a bad pick either.

RE: Best State for success
 

I have an opportunity to get one of these tags for next year in a prime quality area... I think it will be worth the extra couple hundred bucks for a chance at a good bull

RE: Best State for success
 

The only reason I'm straying away from the northern states is beacuse I have been hearing that wolves and grizzlies are doing a number on the population.

RE: Best State for success
 

If you go to New Mexico and have done your home work you won't be sorry!!

I know guys that have Elk hunted 4 times as much as I have and haven't had half the success.

Dan

RE: Best State for success
 

Last year, me and two buddies drew tags in Wyoming. Everyone killed an elk, we called in (I think) 22 different bulls. It was at least 20. Colorado has more people and tagsthan any state, but I'm a big fan of Wyoming and Montana... I wouldn't hesitate to go to New Mexico either.

RE: Best State for success
 

I Agree CO would be my last choice.

I have watched groups go to CO Elk hunting from here local for the last 10-12 years and I have not seen anything that impressed me.

Last year 5 guys went and they killed a little raghorn.

Maybe these guys don't know what the heck they are doing?[&:]but you think they'd be learning something if that was the problem;)

Dan

RE: Best State for success
 

Don't come to Idaho.. no elk left here.. [8D]

RE: Best State for success
 

Define success. Is it "bang for the buck", killing an elk, easy access, etc. Keep in mind, much of Wyomingand New Mexico is privately owned. Access is by invite only (trespass fees are very common). In Arizona, the tags are tough to draw. Ihave never investigated elk hunting in Montana. There a few sleeper states like Nebraska, S. Dakota, Utah, andIdaho. Again, I do not know enough about the regulations and access within these states to fully comment.

Being a resident of Colorado, I can honestly say Colorado has been very very good to me! I have seen some "toad" bulls. I have alsoseen my share of raghorns. But, at least for me, any elk with a bow is a trophy. Tags are over the counter, access is unlimited, elk numbers are going up. Colorado has all the rightingredients for success. Mix in your sincere effort and you'll have a tough time wiping that ear to earsmile off your face.:)

RE: Best State for success
 

Well I'm planning on going with an outfitter so I don't think that access is a problem.. They are all pretty much priced the same.. I'm looking for 5x5 bull... no trophy quality, but it will be a trophy to me since it'll be my first elk.

RE: Best State for success
 

Depends.. DIY or guided? I lot of people have been saying NM. I would say NM if you're going guided. CO with lots of elk. I'm an expatriate from Montana and love it there DIY. The fire season can have a real impact on where you go and you won't know that until it's time to pack and go. Research multiple areas in a statefor DIY or go with an outfitter that has multiple camps. I live in Washington state now which along with Oregon obviously don't get any respect:(for elk hunting. You should know that the biggest bodied elk are the Pacific coast Roosevelts in WA and OR.. and if jungle hunting is your idea of fun them come on out!

RE: Best State for success
 

well since this is going to be my first time elk hunting I'm going to go with an outfitter..

RE: Best State for success
 

Good Luck!! Be sure and post the story and pics this fall!

Dan

RE: Best State for success
 

The good state of Wyoming. I go out there every year deer hunting and I see hundreds of elk. I can never get a elk tag drawn.

RE: Best State for success
 

The only reason that people think That Colorado is tougher and less successful is because90% of themare too lazy to venture away from the roads. The terrain is generaly steeper and at higher altitudein Colorado than in NM or AZ and this is the tough part. If you are in shape and do your homework then there are plenty of 350+ bulls in Colorado. I've seen them and have pics of them.There are also more than 300,000 elk in Colorado and probably 90% of those live West of I25. Coloradohasmore than twice as many as the next closest state whichI believe is Montana.

It is true that AZ and NM generally have larger bulls but drawing odds are slim. Colorado is OTC for the most part and you have 5 full weeks to bow hunt. Don't think that you need to go to a limited draw unit to get aP&Y bull. Do your homework and there are bulls to be hunted.

Oh, and your Colorado archery tag is either sex.

RE: Best State for success
 

Yeh I definately plan on getting in shape... actually i already started even though the hunt is next year. I've heard the altitude change can be rough on the body.