Where to Hunt Elk?
 

If you had a chance to hunt elk once in your lifetime where and when would you go? I have not ever hunted elk so I am looking at a guided hunt. Don't have time to spend 2 or 3 weeks learning an area and learning animal habits etc., so I want to make the most of the week I will have. I am also looking for the total experience of a western wilderness hunt, so I would prefer a pack in horseback situation where you would most likely not see another hunter. (another reason for a guide, I don't have horses or this type of equipment)

I appreciate any advice etc as I am just beginning the information gathering process. If it takes a few years to draw that is OK as well, I will begin applying in 08.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

Look towards Wyoming, Montana or Idaho. Elk hunts are something you can find reasonably priced and still have the chance to take an above average animal.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

Ron Dube in Wyoming. Horseback way back in the wilderness to an authenic western tent camp.Very high success rates. Unquestionable ethics. Their has been numerous videos and articles written about him. First class operation.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

George and Larry run a good camp in Idaho near Challis.
They work hard and have a good success rate

http://www.wildidahooutfitters.com/

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

There are so many good choices. I would look at the terrain you may like to hunt. That may help single out the area and state you would like to hunt. I hunted in north Idaho and that was straight up and down. Here in Colorado I have hunted high mountains and the lower elevations. You may also want to try a combo the hunt with deer. Check state regs for seasons and tag availablity. Good luck.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

For a 'once in a lifetime' elk hunt I would probably look hard at New Mexico or Arizona, even Utah. For some reason lately the elk seem to be averaging bigger in htese areas. Your best bet would be a private ranch with limited game quotas.
I'm heading to WY next week on a private ranch hunt. My outfitter only drew 2 elk tags this year (me and my friend). Talking to him earlier this week he said we will each shoot a nice bull. (I hope) He takes terminally ill children out on those "Hunt of a Lifetime" hunts every year. He had a young boy that he said won't make it to Christmas out last week and got him a nice 6x6.
This outfitter is a nice, honest and ethical man. He also attends all the big outdoor shows in PA, MI, etc. If you get a chance, look him up. Bruce Ferri, Canyon Creek Outfitters, Ennis, MT

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

I would look into Southeast Idaho. That area houses some big boys and it is so far away from everything it is seldom hunted.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

Easy--- San Carlos Indian reservation in Arizona. No tags available for draw. Only those with mucho bucks to spend have the privlige to hunt this breeding ground for trophy elk!!!!!!!!! The largest elk in the world are often found in AZ, San Carlos is where the monsters go to get away from hunting pressure.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

Once in a lifetime......Depends on your pocket book. Agree with bronko and if you have the $ the indian reservations in Arizona. The other good location is Nevada. But the overall experience is as important as the bull once you get to the 350 class in my view. Colorado has some good private ranches in the Trinidad (south along the New Mexico border) and a couple places up in the North West Corner close the the Utah / Wyoming Border for some real big bulls.The 2 of the 3 bulls killed with the Colorado Governors tag over the last 3 years come from the NW corner in Unit 2 or 201. Plan on $10,000 plus for one of these private ranches. Utah has some big time bulls coming out of several areas.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

For now I will just keep putting in for great draws and never get picked. Hey there is always next year

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

Thanks for the info guys. I am not in a financial position to spend 10K. I probably should not have said a "trip of a lifetime" but rather a trip I will probably only get to do once or maybe twice.

I would like to keep it around 5, but may do a little more for the right opportunity. I have also narrowed my choices down to Montana or Wyoming. I could drive there from MN in a day. This would cut the flight cost.

I am looking for a pack in hunt so if anyone has any specific contact info it would be much appreciated.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

i would go with wyoming then. just start looking around searching the net and asking people who have done it and where etc.. good luck

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

You want to shoot just a bull, or do you want to shoot a BIG bull!

Put in for the draw hunts in Arizona. Units 1, 3, 8, 27and 9. When you get drawn, you will shoot a toad!

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

You should look upusername Huntquest on this site. His name is Kevin. I can give you his cell phone # if you send me an email. He has a very reasonably priced elk hunt in Colorado. I have been in contact with him and plan to do a deer/elk combo hunt with him next year. You could easily stay under $5k and get both a deer and an elk while you were out.
Here is his website. Check him out. He'll take care of you.
COLORADO BIG GAME HUNTS
www.kmoutfitting.com

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

I had very good success (thanks to my brother) hunting New Mexicoin the Carson Nat' Forrest along the Jicarilla Indian Res. on a DIY hunt, basically find a water source, and your in. unless it happens to rain EVERYDAY and ALLDAYthe first 5 days of bow season(2 years ago). But these are more rewarding in my opinion then say, a guided hunt, no pressure, just relax and enjoy your surroundings. Good Luck.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

I actually checked on the San Carlos Elk licenses since I actually go to that reservation 2 or 3 times a year on business. The "Trophy" Elk license cost is $30,000. I do not believe that includes the cost of a guide. [:-]

It looks like they limit their Trophy licenses to 10 per year and if you believe what they say you should expect an opportunity at a 400"+ bull.

Unless I win the lottery I don't think I'll be hunting there anytime soon!

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

Thanks for all the info guys. I agree npaden, only way I could afford that is if the lottery paid for it.

I booked a hunt in Montana along the Missouri River Breaks. I can't wait til Sept 08.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

http://members.tripod.com/~elkhunter2/

Colo has unlimited OTC bull tags for 504 for non res.

RE: Where to Hunt Elk?
 

There is some really good elk hunting in NM, but one thing I tell people is its not like CO were you can see lots of elk every where, in NM there are not as many elk, BUT they are bigger then most bulls you find in CO. Its also not as hard to draw a tag in NM as in other states.