Looking for info on Elk

[flugge]

Hey All, A buddy and I were talking Saturday night about going out elk hunting. I know there are some here that have gone. If anyone can give me some info, and places to head towards, it would be greatly greatly appreciated. Names of Outfitters, the good or bad, hopefully all good. Have a great day..And again, thanks for any help..
Ryan

 

[dbltree]

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going out elk hunting

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I think Colorado has perhaps the most liberal seasons but I think most states you need to draw a tag anymore.

Idaho is first come first serve so most likely is already soldout for this fall.

Only one thing I can tell you for sure...you'll want to start getting in shape ASAP.

There are tougher hunts but it's the toughest hunting I've ever done.

Idaho is straight up...straight down. Up at 3:00 a.m. to try and beat them to cover and staggering back to camp hours after dark. Grab something to eat, a bit of sleep and do it all over again.

Of course and outfitter can make it a little easier depending on where you go.

Calling in a big bull in the rut is one of the most exciting things I've ever done...but just like bowhunting for deer...close doesn't always count

 

[Hardcorehunter]

Outfitters are expensive and too rich for my blood. My wife and I did our own self-guided in 2005 and we are going back this year. We saw lots of elk and several big bulls. I had a 6X6 at 50 yds but no shot offer, a spike at 40, and cows at 20 yds. I called a 7X7 into my wife but he offered no shot. We hunted near Durango,CO. Tags over the counter. We bought Primos Elk hunting videos and one other. We found connections in town where you can hire a guy and a horse to get an elk out for around $300 if you need to. You're looking at $4000 a piece minimum for a decent guide. You can buy a lot of gear for that kind of money. We hiked backed in 6-7 miles, drew water out of streams with filtration sytems, dehydrated food,etc. It is the most physically demanding thing we have ever done.We hunted high as it was warm and the altitude will kick you in the arse. My suggesstion is to buy some how to videos, talk with the DNR in the state you want to go, get topo maps, a GPS, proper gear, and ditch the outfitter. My 2 cents. Also bring treestands and ground blinds as the situation might call for them.

 

[Renobber]

I worked out in Wyoming last year and guided trail rides, I saw ton of elk and they were bugling their heads off from sept.-end of oct. There is a camp right up the road from where I live and probably 5 miles from Wilson Wyoming (Right outside of Jackson.) Their Website is www.hiddenbasin.com if you want to take a look at some of the animals that have been killed around there. The guys name is Buskin Wilson and he is a hell of a nice guy I have talked to him a couple of times. If you have anymore questions let me know, but if you want to draw for a tag you need to have your license sent in by the 15th of March, so not much time.

 

[dc240nt]

Buskin Wilson is a great person. I didnt know he guided but I knew him when he rode bulls. Even went as far as the PBR for awhile. Hes honest and has integrity. Also, he's in shape and tough as nails.

 

[Willie]

I took my first western hunt last year. We did a DIY over the counter hunt between Leadville and Aspen Colorado. It was a high country hunt as we were archery hunting and the elk were still high. We did a quick weekend scout trip in August for two reasons. #1 to see the area and scout and #2 to see if we could physically do the hunt. Even though we started working out and exercising in early March the altitude still kicked our butts. My recommendation to you is if you're doing a high country DIY is to find a pack service that will haul you and your gear to your camp and go from there. On our scouting trip the altitude sickness got all three of us and the first day was spent in camp feeling terrible. The second day allowed minimal scouting and basically catching our breath. For our actual hunt we hired a pack service and it literally took us one day less to aclimate. And one day can mean a lot up there because the weather can and will change in a hearbeat and can limit the time you have. Don't take this as complaining because we fully knew what we were getting into, but it is tough especially for Iowa flatlanders. The key to it all is to take it slow and it's not a race. Take your time and take frequent breaks. Eat and more importantly drink water even if you don't feel like it. It's great country and the sense of accomplisment is awesome - even if you don't harvest an animal

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[Renobber]

It def. takes some time to get used to the alititude. I know there are a couple places around that you will be able to go and get a pack mule/horse to get your animal out. A couple more outfitters around me that I have talked to and helped work on their horses a little bit are, Heart Six and Turpin Meadows Ranch, They are located up by Moran, Wyoming which is about an hour north of Jackson and on the border of Yellowstone. These are all outfitters if that is what you are looking for.

 

[Ghost]

Drinking lots of water was great advice! Start practicing drinking water before you go.

I know it sounds funny, but drinking lots of water will make all the difference in the world as to how you acclimate to the altitude.

Throw on your backpack, add some weight, and climb hills. When you think your going to die, climb some more hills.

Your hunt will be much more enjoyable if you are in top condition. Act like your training for the olympics and you will have a great time.

 

[Waddell Wannabe]

Bring a gun. I went 3 years ago with my bow and had a hell of a time trying to draw back on one without it busting out of the county. Oh, and you think you've seen buck fever. Wait till one of these huge animals comes into 40 yds screaming and slobberin all over the place. It's a great time! Have fun, i wish I was going with ya!