Best state for DIY elk hunt?

[tbrincefield]

Looking for the easiest, cheapest way to go elk hunting out of state (I'm in CA). I prefer archery, but I really just want to get me a nice bull! Planning for next year, but what currently is the best deal going for an elk hunt? thanks! Tim

 

[RoosterKiller]

I think if you are after a bull then I would suggest Idaho. About the same price as colorado maybe a little cheaper but much longer seasons. About $500.00 for tag and license.If you would take a cow then I would suggest Colorado .
Good luck those tags are around $250.00

 

[tbrincefield]

That's good for me. I have an uncle who lives in Idaho who says good public elk land is only a short drive away. I haven't really looked into regulations yet but I'll start now for next season.

 

[soupr]

If you bow hunt in Idaho you need to show them a bow certificate.

 

[tbrincefield]

If you bow hunt in Idaho you need to show them a bow certificate.

How do I get one? Can I take the CA sponsored archery hunting class and use that as proof of training?

 

[goindeep]

The last time I checked all you needed was proof (old tag) of having a prior archery only tag from another state. As far a elk hunting colorado hands down has the best elk hunting oppurtunities. Idaho has good elk hunting but it requires lots of homework and many days in the field to figure them out. I just returned from colorado and I was the only one with a elk tag that didn't fill it. I was mainly deer hunting but i was the only one to get a buck.

 

[wmidbrook]

Goingdeep is correct--just an archery tag from another hunt works.

Having some decent info on a decent place to hunt is 9/10ths of the battle. Sounds like you have a lead on a spot to go. Good luck!

 

[CATManReid]

I concur with goingdeep as well. If you book and Idaho hunt, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! I was there October of last year and thought I had a pretty good handle on where to go and where the elk were...WRONG!! Spent a week trying to figure things out...again. Good luck wherever you go. Happy hunting.

 

[JaegerMeister]

I agree with Colorado. My buddy lives out there and reports that there are a tremendous numbers of bulls, but most don't get to the 300 class. If you're happy with a solid 4x4 elk, go to Colorado. If you have to have that 400pt bull I guess you'll be putting in for Utah like the rest of us for the rest of our lives!

 

[Huntr Pat]

I'm thinking New mexico next year but not sure what area. Have afew in mind but gotta do alot of research.

 

[hank4elk]

Ditto the CO, lots of bulls,not alot of big ones. NM has 100% draw units that have 300 and + bulls,a little more $ .....I liked it so much I moved here....

 

[richracer1]

In regards to Idaho's archery permit, all you need to do is fill out the affidavit (available online), stating that you have participated in an archery only hunt or bowhunter's safety course in another state, and send it to the ID DFG (read the instructions). For everyone's convenience, I have attached the link to the affidavit.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/licenses/apps/bowAffidavit.pdf