Elk Hunt?

Tex S · September 24, 2009, 09:24 PM

Me and the old man were wanting to give a crack at an elk hunt; only problem is we know nothing about elk hunting. I live in North Texas and have hunted whitetail all my life, but never elk.

I have no idea what I will have to pay, what state to go to, or who any good guides are.

Where should I start?

Fat White Boy · September 24, 2009, 09:58 PM

You are right next to two of the great Elk hunting states- Colorado and New Mexico. Be advised, it is not a throw your gear in the pick-up and go type of hunt. It is expensive. Getting tags through the public draw is problematic. If you have the cash, call an outfitter...They have tags and access to private land that isn't heavily hunted...An outfitter will increase the odds of a successful hunt dramatically...

jgcoastie · September 24, 2009, 11:02 PM

Early season muzzle-loader in Colorado will probably be your best bet for a public drawing... But you'll have to get up high, real high... I think the deadline for my first hunt was around April, hunting season was mid-September IIRC. Call CO Fish & Game for more specific info for areas/hunts available/probability of being drawn... I think the trip from our driveway (in MS) back to the same was around $2500 gas, food, tags, license and lodging for two included.

If you've got the $$$ to spend, a guide would be your best bet overall. As noted above, they've got the land, the knowledge, the tags, and will be able to get your trophy back to your home easier than you can.

Tex S · September 25, 2009, 12:21 AM

any ideas on finding a reputable outfitter?

ZeroJunk · September 25, 2009, 07:24 AM

Most states have an outfitters association. Do a search on your preferred state.
I have been going to Mt. since the mid 80's. I hate to reccomend an outfitter because what you want and expect might be an entirely different thing. I do the wilderness hunts about 20 miles in by horseback.
Expect to pay $3500 plus for an outfitter. If you use an outfitter it is hard to get away from a guaranteed license. That's another $1500 in MT anyway. Then you have to get there.

September 24, 2009, 09:24 PM	#1
Tex S Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TEXAS Posts: 909	Elk Hunt? Me and the old man were wanting to give a crack at an elk hunt; only problem is we know nothing about elk hunting. I live in North Texas and have hunted whitetail all my life, but never elk. I have no idea what I will have to pay, what state to go to, or who any good guides are. Where should I start?

September 24, 2009, 11:02 PM	#3
jgcoastie Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Location: Kodiak, Alaska Posts: 2,118	Early season muzzle-loader in Colorado will probably be your best bet for a public drawing... But you'll have to get up high, real high... I think the deadline for my first hunt was around April, hunting season was mid-September IIRC. Call CO Fish & Game for more specific info for areas/hunts available/probability of being drawn... I think the trip from our driveway (in MS) back to the same was around $2500 gas, food, tags, license and lodging for two included. If you've got the $$$ to spend, a guide would be your best bet overall. As noted above, they've got the land, the knowledge, the tags, and will be able to get your trophy back to your home easier than you can. __________________ "To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them." -Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, initiator of the Declaration of Independence, and member of the first Senate, which passed the Bill of Rights.

September 24, 2009, 09:58 PM	#2
Fat White Boy Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2005 Posts: 1,276	You are right next to two of the great Elk hunting states- Colorado and New Mexico. Be advised, it is not a throw your gear in the pick-up and go type of hunt. It is expensive. Getting tags through the public draw is problematic. If you have the cash, call an outfitter...They have tags and access to private land that isn't heavily hunted...An outfitter will increase the odds of a successful hunt dramatically...

September 25, 2009, 12:21 AM	#4
Tex S Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TEXAS Posts: 909	any ideas on finding a reputable outfitter?

September 25, 2009, 07:24 AM	#5
ZeroJunk Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Location: Browns Summit NC Posts: 2,589	Most states have an outfitters association. Do a search on your preferred state. I have been going to Mt. since the mid 80's. I hate to reccomend an outfitter because what you want and expect might be an entirely different thing. I do the wilderness hunts about 20 miles in by horseback. Expect to pay $3500 plus for an outfitter. If you use an outfitter it is hard to get away from a guaranteed license. That's another $1500 in MT anyway. Then you have to get there.