Need advice for setting up an elk hunt for my Dad

[PORCH]

My Dad is turning 60 in February and we would like to get him an elk hunt. He has always wanted to kill a bull and we would like to see about setting a hunt up for him. It's been a dream of his but he has never went through with it. He used to go to Colorado every year to hunt deer and has killed a couple cows while hunting deer. However I would say that his experience hunting specifically for elk is pretty limited. So I'm guessing that semi guided or guided would be the way to go although do it yourself would not be out of the question provided we got on a decent unit with a good chance of taking a bull. Lastly it will be a rifle hunt.

So this is where you guys come into play. What states/units should I be looking at? Is guided the way to go? How much should we be expecting to pay? Recommendations on lodges, guides, outfitters, etc.. He doesn't need to kill a record book bull or anything like that. He would be completely happy with a decent bull. I just graduated college in June and have no experience hunting out of state because my schedule with sports never allowed me enough free time. However it is something that I would like to start looking into so that way I can start building up points and knowledge.

Any advice or help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

 

[weekender21]

Cabela's Outdoor Adventures

 

[hank4elk]

Congrates on graduation Porch...send me a PM,I'll tell you what I can.

 

[DAWG]

Where to start? There are just so many variables. If getting a nice bull on the first try is a priority, a good tag (lucky draw, landowner, etc) and some help with a knowledge of elk & the area gives you your best chance. But there are no sure things.

What kind of shape is the old man in? What's he willing to do for an elk? What's his budget? Guess he's got a scrapping 20 something to help with the packing chores

I'm guessing you aren't rolling in dough, just out of college.

I'd say pick a good area that you can get OTC tags in and hit it every year. A bit of research time should put you in a good CO or ID area (states you can count on hunting year after year) to start. You will eventually figure it out, and may get lucky earlier. Don't get discouraged and jump around if you know there are elk in the area, that's the biggest mistake most hunters make. A 60 year old still has enough time, but had better get after it soon.... Play the draw in better areas too...And remember, any legal bull in a public land OTC area is a great bull.

And most of all, don't wait till 60 like your dad to start Good Luck.

 

[jryoung]

You may want to check out the RMEF Expo in Reno March 4-7. There will most likely be several guides there who you can talk with. I'm somewhat in the same boat as you as I'm trying to get "elk camp" together with my brother and Dad.

Most websites, if google leads you to them are geared toward the trophy bull. I would imaging if you can get out and discuss with some of the guides that you are looking for a chance to hunt elk and not necessarily take a 350+ bull you might find a few more opportunities.

If a guide is smart he'd help you in the interim in hopes of securing a future client when you are ready to drop $4,000+ on a fully guided trophy hunt.