best state for non res elk wyo. mont, colo new mex

[mikewalker]

I am in CA and am starting to plan a self guided elk hunt 2009 non resident out of CA. Which state do you all think has best conditions for non res? While bagging a trophy would be nice that isn't my goal, I am going for the meat, considering cost of non res tags opportunities for over the counter purchase vs draws liberal bag limits, success rates which state is best for this. Colo, Mont, Wyo, NM, South Dakota, Utah, Idaho?
I have just started looking into this and some of the numbers are staggering like the success rates and herd populations. Some areas of Wyoming offer over the counter tags for any 2 elk. Just got to figure how to freeze all that meat

 

[hank4elk]

Good time to start for next year. How far are you willing to go.Cow tags often co-inside with buck hunts for a hunt of a lifetime. Also check REPUTABLE outfitters that have cancellations. And some ,if you get deposit in before first of year,give you a price break. Keep checking the internet and good luck.

 

[Speckmisser]

Mike, some folks might argue with me, but in order of ease of draw (or OTC tags) in addition to good odds of success, I'd go with Colorado or maybe Idaho. You have lots of non-res options, including a lot of decent OTC tags. In CO, there are some areas that are loaded with elk AND OTC tags, as long as you're not dreaming of taking that book bull. A lot of fine National Forest land is available with reasonable access, even for a DIY hunter. Going guided just ups the ante that much more... better odds of success with someone who knows the land.

Hank's recommendations are good and valid too... if you're booking the hunt with an outfitter or guide, do your homework early!

 

[COHunter]

I live in Colorado and if I were to go on just an elk hunt I would go to Utah for a spike or cow. Wyoming has the highest success rate overall for general tag holders, and I know enough hunters that live here in CO that have hunted in other states that say the hunting here SUCKS compared to MT, WY, UT (I can agree with) or NM. I can testify that elk hunting in Utah vs. Colorado is a night and day difference. It was great to see elk that hadnt been chased by a quarter of a million hunters like they are here! They acted totally differnt let me tell you!

Here in Colorado it is extremely crowded thanks to OTC tags. Now if your willing to pay and hunt private land or go with an outfitter then it might be worth it. I feel sorry for the guys that show up, plunk down the $500+ for a tag and never even see an elk. Next year the Nonresident Elk tag is gonna be $545 and its pegged to the rate of inflation so each year it will continue to go up, just a heads up for you

 

[bpnclark]

CO - Just be sure to go to a foot or horse access only National Forest.