- Thread starter wilbourne
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rnjwildhoghunts
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (wilbourne @ Oct 1 2008, 06:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
Welcome aboard, you might have better luck getting relies to your elk hunt if you post on down in the forum in elk hunting, this is a great sight and somebody always steps forward to help or give some good advice.
Welcome aboard, you might have better luck getting relies to your elk hunt if you post on down in the forum in elk hunting, this is a great sight and somebody always steps forward to help or give some good advice.
Cold1nhand
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Welcome to the forum.
I think it's great that you are looking to find a hunt for your husband. But can you put a price on a dream? I would say do some research in the elk forum. You will find a lot of great info and stories there. Again welcome and best of luck!
I think it's great that you are looking to find a hunt for your husband. But can you put a price on a dream? I would say do some research in the elk forum. You will find a lot of great info and stories there. Again welcome and best of luck!
Speckmisser
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Hi Wilbourne, and welcome to JHO!
It might help with the replies if you let us no what you consider "fairly inexpensive". Guided elk hunts run the gamut from as low as $2500 (caveat emptor) to well over $10k.
There are some great guided hunts at relatively reasonable prices in both Oregon and Colorado. I haven't hunted with Del Sol, but they do have a good reputation. Have met Shay a time or two, and he's definitely a good guy.
In southwestern CO, I've hunted several times with Dark Timber Outfitters, and despite a glitch on my last hunt, I'd still recommend Rick and his crew. I'm heading back to hunt with them next fall.
A lot of great options out there. If you're shopping for a hunt, here are a few tips.
You'll have a variety of options. The most inexpensive is usually a drop-camp, where the hunters are taken into the field and dropped at a campsite. Camp chores, cooking, and food are usually the responsibility of the hunters. The outfitter will pack them in, and pick them up. If you do a drop camp, be sure to ask the outfitter how frequently he checks in on the hunters, and what arrangements are for packing out game.
Next is an outfitted drop camp, where you'll have someone tending to camp so all the hunters have to do is hunt. This is a little more expensive than a drop camp, but it's nice to have someone else tending to the logistics, meals, and cleanup.
Finally is the fully guided/outfitted hunt. Your hunters will be guided, and camp management is handled by the outfitter's staff. This is the most expensive option, but it's the best choice for someone who's new to elk hunting. All the hunter really has to do is come ready to shoot well. It's a great opportunity to learn from the guides, and most of them are more than happy to share their knowledge and experience with a hunter who's willing to listen.
When you contact the outfitter or guide, ask plenty of questions.
One thing you'll want to know is the hunter-to-guide ratio. Two or three (hunters) on one (guide) is not unusual, and is usually more economical than a one-on-one hunt. Also find out if they're hunting private property or public land. If it's private, how much property is available?
Find out about how the hunts are conducted... from trucks, on horseback, by ATV, on foot, etc. Will they be covering a lot of ground, or hunting from blinds and treestands?
Ask about success rates, but also ask about shot opportunities (and find out what the outfitter considers an "opportunity"). You should always be suspicious of anyone who claims 100% opportunity. Some folks think if you can see a legal elk, that's your "opportunity". Realistic opportunity means a legal animal in range of your chosen weapon.
Definitely ask for references. You want to talk to both successful hunters AND unsuccessful hunters. One key question... would they hunt with this outfitter again? If you only talk to successful hunters, you're most likely going to hear positive reviews. You need to hear from folks who went home empty-handed, and see how they felt about the outfitter's efforts. It will be up to you to pick out "sour grapes" complainers from folks with legitimate gripes about the outfitter. Of course the ideal is the unsuccessful hunter who has a glowing review of the outfitter and his guides.
Make sure that you mention any special needs or requirements when you talk the outfitter. This might include medical conditions, limited mobility, etc. The outfitter can usually make arrangements for any special needs, and if not, this is the time to find out.
In short, ask as many questions as you can think of. Any time the outfitter hesitates or chooses not to answer, that's a flag. There are plenty more hunting operations out there... if you have any doubts about one, trust your instincts and move on.
It might help with the replies if you let us no what you consider "fairly inexpensive". Guided elk hunts run the gamut from as low as $2500 (caveat emptor) to well over $10k.
There are some great guided hunts at relatively reasonable prices in both Oregon and Colorado. I haven't hunted with Del Sol, but they do have a good reputation. Have met Shay a time or two, and he's definitely a good guy.
In southwestern CO, I've hunted several times with Dark Timber Outfitters, and despite a glitch on my last hunt, I'd still recommend Rick and his crew. I'm heading back to hunt with them next fall.
A lot of great options out there. If you're shopping for a hunt, here are a few tips.
You'll have a variety of options. The most inexpensive is usually a drop-camp, where the hunters are taken into the field and dropped at a campsite. Camp chores, cooking, and food are usually the responsibility of the hunters. The outfitter will pack them in, and pick them up. If you do a drop camp, be sure to ask the outfitter how frequently he checks in on the hunters, and what arrangements are for packing out game.
Next is an outfitted drop camp, where you'll have someone tending to camp so all the hunters have to do is hunt. This is a little more expensive than a drop camp, but it's nice to have someone else tending to the logistics, meals, and cleanup.
Finally is the fully guided/outfitted hunt. Your hunters will be guided, and camp management is handled by the outfitter's staff. This is the most expensive option, but it's the best choice for someone who's new to elk hunting. All the hunter really has to do is come ready to shoot well. It's a great opportunity to learn from the guides, and most of them are more than happy to share their knowledge and experience with a hunter who's willing to listen.
When you contact the outfitter or guide, ask plenty of questions.
One thing you'll want to know is the hunter-to-guide ratio. Two or three (hunters) on one (guide) is not unusual, and is usually more economical than a one-on-one hunt. Also find out if they're hunting private property or public land. If it's private, how much property is available?
Find out about how the hunts are conducted... from trucks, on horseback, by ATV, on foot, etc. Will they be covering a lot of ground, or hunting from blinds and treestands?
Ask about success rates, but also ask about shot opportunities (and find out what the outfitter considers an "opportunity"). You should always be suspicious of anyone who claims 100% opportunity. Some folks think if you can see a legal elk, that's your "opportunity". Realistic opportunity means a legal animal in range of your chosen weapon.
Definitely ask for references. You want to talk to both successful hunters AND unsuccessful hunters. One key question... would they hunt with this outfitter again? If you only talk to successful hunters, you're most likely going to hear positive reviews. You need to hear from folks who went home empty-handed, and see how they felt about the outfitter's efforts. It will be up to you to pick out "sour grapes" complainers from folks with legitimate gripes about the outfitter. Of course the ideal is the unsuccessful hunter who has a glowing review of the outfitter and his guides.
Make sure that you mention any special needs or requirements when you talk the outfitter. This might include medical conditions, limited mobility, etc. The outfitter can usually make arrangements for any special needs, and if not, this is the time to find out.
In short, ask as many questions as you can think of. Any time the outfitter hesitates or chooses not to answer, that's a flag. There are plenty more hunting operations out there... if you have any doubts about one, trust your instincts and move on.
